Our Courses

Whether you dream of playing in bands at amazing venues, producing the next big hit, or starting your career in live sound on stages across the globe, Carlisle College is the perfect place to begin your journey. As the music industry is a fast paced and forever changing environment the Level 2 Award / Diploma in Music is designed to give you a taster of what it’s like to work in a range of areas across the industry. Taught by a range of industry professionals with a wealth of experience we strive to help you actualize your musical goals.

The Level 2 UAL Award/Diploma is designed to give you the skills to move on to the Level 3 UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in either Music Performance or Music Production, and then progression into employment within the industry or Undergraduate University programmes.

We have spent several years developing a course that will cover the full breadth of disciplines that make up the music industry within a one-year course. Whilst on the course students will study a range of topics both practical and contextual utilising the state-of-the-art facilities that include industry standard equipment and software, fully equipped rehearsal spaces and large performance theatre. Whilst on the course students will work in bands to learn and rehearse songs in a range of styles that will be performed at a number of gigs that take place throughout the academic year. Students will also be introduced to industry standard recording and production software where they will develop the skills and techniques to create their own recordings. Contextual studies give students an in-depth knowledge of the history of popular music and the circumstances that inspired the creation of some of the most seminal musical works. This wide range of competencies enable students to pursue an education and/or career in the music industry as well as other areas of academic study.

Students will learn;

• Introduction to Music Performance - In the Unit we cover the basics of working in a band, rehearsal, and performance skills.
• Introduction to Music Production - In this Unit we introduce industry standard music software (Logic Pro X) and cover the basics of recording audio/midi as well as basic production techniques
• Listening Skills for Music Performance and Music Production - In this Unit we analyse famous songs and the elements that make them great.
• Exploring Music Composition - This Unit will introduce some music theory. Exploring the basics of chords, melody, harmony, rhythm and structure.
• Contextual Research for Music Performance and Production - This Unit gives us the chance to interpret the links between music and history, society and politics.
• Music Performance Skills and Practice - This Unit will build upon the skills learnt in ‘Introduction to Music Performance’. We will introduce more advanced performance styles and techniques.
• Music Production Skills and Practice - This Unit will build upon the skills learnt in ‘Introduction to Music Production’ We will introduce more advanced audio editing, mixing and mastering techniques.
• Music Performance and Production Project - This is the Final Major Project where students get the opportunity to use the skill, they have learnt throughout the year to undertake a project of their own choosing.

A Level 2 Award / Diploma in Music developing key skills and knowledge in both practical and contextual with destinations spanning the full breadth of music industry sectors; Band / Artist, Producer, Mixing / Mastering Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Music Journalism, Artist Management, Record Label AandR person.

Functional Skills, or GCSE in Maths and English additional personal development skills.

Practical and Group work is a key aspect of the course giving students regular opportunity to implement the skills and theories they learn through theoretical and contextual lessons. You will learn by rehearsing and performing songs as a band, recording, mixing, and editing audio, classroom demonstrations, presentations and supported self-study assignments.

Your work will be assessed using a range of methods. These include practical tasks, gigs, rehearsal logs, presentations, essays, and portfolio work. These assessment methods allow students to demonstrate the skills they are developing whilst studying on the course. There are no formal examinations attached to this qualification. Assessments are graded using pass, merit, distinction framework.

• 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) and above, including maths and English,
• Level 2 Pathways with maths and English at grade 3 (D), or Functional Skills Level 2,
• You will be required to audition – demonstrating your instrumental / vocal skills (with two contrasting pieces to be performed).
• Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

Upon completion of the Diploma course students that achieve a merit or higher can study on the Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in either music performance or production.

This will enable students to progress on to Higher Education University courses in a range of academic areas or to obtain employment in a range of areas across the music industry.

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