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Where will this course lead?

The Level 2 Diploma programme is a vocational course covering various aspects of music including music theory, performing and production, the music industry and professional practice. Delivered by experienced music professionals you will be able to build upon your previous performance experience supporting your progression onto a Level 3 course or employment.

What will I study?

The course is made up of nine units. You will have weekly classes in music theory and professional practice as well as rehearsal and portfolio workshops for the completion of your units through performance projects. Previous performance projects include Function Band, Solo Performance, Recording and Musical Ensemble.

How will this course be delivered?

The majority of the programme is delivered through practical sessions, tutorials, rehearsal and performances. You are also required to complete written work for these projects, which includes research, presentations, reflections and evaluations on your process which demonstrates your understanding of the context, processes and subject matters being studied.

What qualifications will I get?

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Music)

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continuous and is linked to your rehearsing and production work as well as your portfolio. There are no exams on the course as you are continuously being assessed on both practical and portfolio work.  Attendance and application in all areas is essential for successful completion.

How do I get a place on the course?

You will need to apply for the course either in College or on the College website. You will also need to attend an audition day at the College where you will be required to perform a published or released piece of music and participate in a musicianship workshop.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to have a least one of the following:
• 2 GCSEs at grade D / grade 3 or above, including English Language.  
• Level 1 qualification in a relevant vocational subject area and GCSE English Language at grade D / grade 3 or above or Level 1 Functional Skills in English.

You are also required to attend an interview and audition.  

What else do I need to know?

The course is hard work, but fun, enjoyable and highly rewarding. All sessions are held within professional Music rehearsal rooms and studios with access to the campus theatres venues for performances.

What can I do after this course?

The course will enable you to progress on to a Level 3 course in Music at Stratford-upon Avon-College or into employment. One-to-one support is given to each student in supporting and advice on their progression and next steps through the tutorial system.

Location

Stratford-upon-Avon College

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

TBC

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

PASAB091SCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Sound Engineer

Sound engineers may work in many different contexts including live events (music concerts, theatre performances and sporting events). As a sound engineer you could also work in a studio, recording for commercial music, film, TV, radio, advertising, gaming or interactive media purposes.

What’s Involved?

A front-of-house live sound engineer is responsible for audience satisfaction, ensuring that every member of the audience can hear the show and that the sound is balanced and controlled in a specified way. Monitor engineers also work in live sound and mix the sound that performers will hear through a stage monitor system. A studio sound engineer is responsible for planning a recording session with an artist or musician, setting up the required equipment, editing and mixing recorded tracks and enhancing the sound to achieve a high quality recording. You may also master the sound, which involves listening to the mixed tracks in a good acoustic environment and then working on the edited mix to refine and perfect the audio.

Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators

Workers in this unit group operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras and operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes.

What’s Involved?

They arrange subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones. They insert lenses and adjust aperture and speed settings as necessary. They operate scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulate image to achieve the desired effect. They take, record and manipulate digital images and digital video footage. They control transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identify and solve related technical problems. They check operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment. They operate equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes. They also manage health and safety issues. They operate sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound.

Music Producer

A music producer assists artists and groups in the studio to create recorded music, for an album, a film, advert or any other kind of creative output.

What’s Involved?

A producer's role is to pull together the separate parts of a sound recording. As a music producer, you'll work with bands or artists, and make decisions on the types of musicians required to record a piece of music. You'll also decide on the type of recording process to use and the budget available. The role includes writing, arranging, recording and producing music for other artists or in their own right.

Musician

Musicians write, arrange, orchestrate, conduct and perform musical compositions.

What’s Involved?

They conceive and write original music. They tune instruments and study and rehearse scores. They also play instruments as a soloist or as a member of a group or orchestra. They score music for different combinations of voices and instruments to produce desired effect. They also audition and select performers and rehearse and conduct them in the performance of the composition.

Music Performance Lecturer

Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.

What’s Involved?

They prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curricula, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They also direct the work of postgraduate students. They undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.

Audio Engineer

TV, video and audio engineers service and repair domestic television, video and audio appliances.

What’s Involved?

TV, Video and Audio Engineers examine equipment and observe reception to determine nature of defect. They use electronic testing equipment to diagnose faults and check voltages and resistance. They dismantle equipment and repair or replace faulty components or wiring. They also re-assemble equipment, test for correct functioning and make any necessary further adjustments. They carry out service tasks such as cleaning and insulation testing according to schedule.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.