Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C)* including English and maths
- An appreciation of and a passion for music with a level of practical experience and/ or a Level 2 qualification in the subject area
Fees & funding:
Visit our fees & funding page for more information.
How to apply:
When you're ready to apply, there's a few ways to start the process.
- Apply online - Start your application now!
- Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
- Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day
Introduction to the course
If you dream of performing your music live on stage or writing the next big hit, then this course is for you. Match your talent and passion for performing, with techniques that will build your confidence and improve your stage presence. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own EP and perform at large-scale music events. The course is closely linked with Confetti’s artist management company Denizen.
91% of students would recommend their course to a friend (QDP Student Survey Results 2019)
You’ll learn:
- A broad understanding and appreciation of popular music and its historical significance
- Instrumental and vocal skills, music theory and keyboard skills
- How to compose and write music
- Stagecraft and performance skills
- Practical musicianship
Trips
There are opportunities to go on some great trips during your studies, too. Take a look at one of our past trips where students visited Abbey Studios in London.
What you'll study
You’ll develop skills and confidence in performance through live music workshops. You’ll use the studios and IT resources to create backing tracks for your own compositions. You’ll also develop a critical ear through the analysis of music from contrasting genres.
The focus of this term is to build and improve your confidence as a solo performer. In addition you’ll develop keyboard and compositional techniques that will provide you with a foundation for the rest of the course, to build on throughout the rest of the course.
You’ll develop your performance skills further through ensemble performance and covering existing material to capture the sound of four decades. This will take place in a large-scale performance venue. You’ll also develop your understanding of the music industry through examining organisations, roles and contracts and find out how to succeed in this constantly-evolving industry.
The aim of this term is to develop your songwriting skills and an appreciation of how music relates and interacts with society. You’ll create a range of compositional starting points, some of which will be developed into fully-formed musical pieces. These will form the basis of the musical content used in Terms 5 & 6.
You’ll use the skills you have developed over the previous four terms to create your own EP. You’ll collaborate with Confetti’s in-house commercial record label Denizen Recordings and will create a marketing campaign and merchandise in preparation for the EP release and live event in Term 6.
During the final term you’ll perform at a large-scale music event in a Nottingham venue drawing on the skills you’ve developed throughout the course. You’ll sell your merchandise and promote the event through marketing materials you created in the previous term.
Maths & English
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
Professional & Personal Development
As part of your programme of study, all students have a Personal and Professional Development session for one hour per week.
On this course you’ll have access to:
- Confetti’s brand new Contemporary Music & Events Hub
- Sound recording and editing suites
- Music studios and rehearsal rooms
- Mac and PC computer suites
The Confetti Classroom
At Confetti our classrooms are unique. As part of their course, our students get the chance to go out into industry and Do It For Real at locations across the UK! Check out our interactive map to see how our classrooms are different and to get a taste of the kind of experiences you could take part in whilst studying at Confetti.
Industry Week
As a Confetti student, you will also take part in Industry Week where you’ll meet a range of professionals within your field of interest, as well as other areas of the creative industries.
Previous guests include: Tony Wilson (Factory Records), Michael Eavis, Will Kennard (Chase and Status), Andy Copping (Download Festival), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Professor Green, Sleaford Mods, Mandy Parnell (Bjork, Aphex Twin, The White Stripes), Jon Kelly (Paul McCartney, Kate Bush), George Shilling (Oasis, Primal Scream, James Brown), Mikey Demus (Skindred), Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses & Ian Brown).
Lucy Crisp
“Lots of the tutors have industry experience, so they really know what they’re talking about.”
Continue your studies
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on our range of foundation and full honours degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
Future careers:
- Musician
- Singer songwriter
- Music producer
- Artist management
- Music teacher
