About the course

The HNC in Music Performance & Production is a one-year course designed to provide you with a range of industry-focused skills, knowledge and contextual understanding around music performance, creation, and production. This would naturally lead on to completing a HND ‘second year’, where you can focus on a pathway in performance or production.

The HNC aims to provide you with a well-rounded set of core skills for the modern music industry, set around rehearsal & performance, recording technology, composition and creative skills using DAWs.

Performance sessions will be based around working with others in a band/ ensemble environment, working collaboratively to develop material for a live performance.

Composition lessons will cover music creation skills from a range of backgrounds, from the more traditional theoretical understanding of how music works to using technology and software to create and develop musical ideas.

Recording lessons will take place in our studio suite, allowing you to develop hands-on experience and skills in setting-up, tracking, and mixing recordings.

There will also be a considerable focus on your professional skills, ensuring that you are prepared for finding work in the music industry, managing professional relationships and continuously developing your musical practice.

With these core-skills under your belt you will be in an excellent position to continue onto your specialism on the HND, or to start building your career in the music industry.

Your sessions will take place at Burnley College and other industry standard venues including The Grand, Clitheroe where you will be expected to make your own way there.

Entry Requirements

All applications are subject to an audition and interview before admission to the course. UCAS Points: 104 (equivalent to DMM in BTEC or BCC in A Level) or previous experience of 5 years of training in music. Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience and who can demonstrate the ability to cope with and benefit from degree-level studies are welcome to audition for the course.

Modules

• The Music Industry
• Marketing and Promotion for Musicians
• Professional Development
• Music and Society
• Performance
• Creative Software Techniques
• Recording Technology
• Composition using Technology​

Assessment

You will be mainly assessed through practical and written coursework projects, with the only exception being musical performances which are the closest thing to an ‘exam’ that you will encounter. Most modules are internally assessed, which means that we set the briefs and assess your work. However, the Marketing and Promotion project is set and assessed externally by Pearson.

Careers & Progression

You will most likely progress onto the HND, choosing either a performance or production specialist pathway. Otherwise, this could lead on to a range of careers in the music industry, such as performance, live music, production, songwriting, composition, sound & media.

Additional Details

Information About Fees

The HNC / HND courses will cost £7250 per year.