Music Performance and Production

More about the course

As a musician a live gig can be seen as the most exciting part however, it is important to understand the suitability of venues and the roles required to put on a live event. In this highly practical course, you will gain creative and transferrable skills as you explore local venues to gain a better understanding of the music scene in Cumbria and learn about licensing and safety regulations.

You will rehearse a selection of songs to perform in our college theatre in front of a live audience.

You will learn basic multi-track recording techniques to record songs as well as perform at our ‘Later…. with Carlisle College’ live show, which is streamed live in front of an audience, in collaboration with the media course.

Using knowledge of roles required for a live performance you will plan a live gig, with support from the events team. As a group, you will choose a decade to focus on and rehearse a collection of contrasting songs as a band and / or as a soloist. You will also choose a production role to support the organisation and delivery of the gig at a local venue.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including English and maths

or

Level 2 Diploma in Music at Merit level
A GCSE in music is desirable but not essential
You will be required to submit a recorded music audition, demonstrating your musicianship skills either as a vocalist and / or instrumentalist.

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a:

Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production (1 year with a maximum of 86 UCAS points, equivalent to 3 AS Levels)
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production (2 years with a maximum of 168 UCAS points, equivalent to 3 A Levels)

What will I learn?

Year 1

Job roles for a live music event or studio recording
Explore the playing styles of different musical genres in a band OR create a multi-track recording in our recording studio.
Perform or be part of the sound/lighting production team for our annual 'Later... with Carlisle College' hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria's Darren Milby.
Analyse music using specialist vocabulary and music theory knowledge in a journalistic style.
Study the music of a particular decade and learn about the historical influences. Rehearse and perform these songs OR create a remix of a song from that decade. Learn about event planning and perform in a band/as a soloist OR take on a live sound/lighting role at The Brickyard music venue.
Academic referencing
Specialist study - choose a topic to explore and individually perform/create a track
Collaborate on a final project of your choice

Year 2

Take on a lead role (stage manager/live sound engineer/lighting engineer/creative team/finance/marketing & promotion/project manager/performer/Health & Safety/ticketing/finance) to plan and stage our annual 'Later... with Carlisle College'
Perform in your own music video
Study current songwriters and composers and use your findings to create your own songs or tracks for the moving image
Explore the legalities of music licensing, copyright, and distribution
Study progression opportunities in either higher education (UCAS applications) or employment as well as working patterns in the industry
Learn the skills required of a session musician by playing in the pit band for the college musical theatre production OR take on a live sound/lighting technician/stagehand production role
Manage a final project of your own choice

How is the course taught?

Practical workshops
Lectures
Discussion groups

How am I assessed?

Practical performances
Recordings
Essays
Podcasts
Reports
Presentations
Reviews
Evaluations

Work experience opportunities

Having Music, Performing Arts, Media and Art & Design students all under one roof means there are ample opportunities for exciting collaborations. The music department also has creative partnerships with local employers, venues, and organisations. This gives students the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience in an area of their choice. We also have guest speakers from the industry as well as visits to the UCAS conference, theatre shows and universities.

English and Maths

Even though this is a highly practical course, English and Maths is a constant thread through all assessments. We stretch and challenge students academically and develop essay and report writing with research skills and referencing for academic integrity. Students will use their Maths knowledge by exploring incoming and expenditure, using financial spreadsheets for music event planning and importantly personal finances, such as PAYE, tax, National Insurance, budgeting at university and student loans.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress onto 2nd year - top up your qualification to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance.

Alternatively, you could progress onto a higher education qualification, either in music/production/events/song writing/composition/journalism/music therapy/music for film or some non-music related degrees. Join a band for paid gig work, or youth programmes/initiatives.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Samir Kesous

L3 Music Performance & Production Tutor

I am a college music lecturer, guitarist, bassist and music producer with over a decade of experience performing, recording and producing music. I have played in bands since the age of 16 and have been producing music for just as long, working across both sample-based hip hop and more traditional band-based recording and production. My primary musical interests are hip hop, soul and jazz, as well as guitar-driven music. I studied music at Kendal College before completing a BA (Hons) in Music at Leeds Metropolitan University, followed by a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education. I am passionate about teaching and supporting students as they develop their creative identities and professional pathways. Working closely with students also keeps me connected to emerging artists and current musical trends, which continues to inform and inspire my own creative practice.

Anna Atkinson

Course Leader L3 Music Performance & Production

Anna is a musician based in Cumbria and has been performing since an early age on piano/keys, saxophone and vocals, which has enabled her to gain extensive experience in the live/recording music industry. Originally trained in classical piano, Anna then studied jazz, pop & commercial music and has performed in several local bands, as well as writing and recording original material. Anna currently goes out as a soloist performing Ibiza anthems on her sax and also provides piano/vocals for events. This performance experience has created many creative partnerships for the college, which contribute to the ‘Inspire Me’ work experience programme, as part of the L3 Music Performance & Production course. Anna has also composed an original score for a children’s musical theatre production of Billionaire Boy and created the Cumbrian music competition ‘Teens That Rock’. Music projects are updated each year to ensure they are current, fun and creates a well-rounded musician with lots of transferrable skills. Anna feels very lucky that she gets to work with aspiring musicians and support their aspirations. Musical Director credits at college include Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, The Boyfriend, Grease, Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, Sister Act, Our House, 9 to 5, Heathers.

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26 January 2024

10th Annual Skills Fair Attended by 450+ Students

The 10th Annual Skills Fair was attended by a record number of exhibitors, and Carlisle College played host to the day with 75+ stands.

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Carlisle College Showcased on ITV Border for Innovative Partnership with Cumbria Police

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