Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Music

The Extended National Diploma in Music is a general course in popular music which allows learners to gain experience and skills in a wide range of popular music specialisms. It is a level 3 course which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. If you are a talented and – more importantly – committed musician, and love all aspects of music, then this is the course for you. We have a very vibrant music department here at the College, affording students many opportunities to be involved in music related extracurricular activities such as Jazz ensemble, Function Band, Orchestra, playing abroad and much more besides

Career Prospects

This qualification will help learners to enter higher level courses e.g. Higher National Diploma and Degree courses and prepare them for future employment in the field of popular music. The fields of popular music may range from performance based work, session playing, signed band, to teaching, to composing and arranging, to music industry management.

Entry Requirements

Students must possess one of the following: 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, to include a music related subject, Maths and English/Welsh or 5 GCSEs if only Maths or English/Welsh achieved BTEC First Diploma in a related subject at Merit grade or above

Course Costs

Throughout the year there will be masterclasses and workshop sessions with top industry professionals. Examples of recent clinicians include: Guthrie Govan (Guitar), Laurence Cottle (Bass), Ian Thomas (Drums), Darren Smith (Funeral for a Friend). These events are compulsory and cost £3 - £10 per student.

Course Units

Major Music Project Listening Skills for Musicians The Sound and Music Industry Planning a Music Project Music and Society

Specialist Units

Specialist units cover the following popular music specialisms: Composing & Arranging Improvisation & Session Skills Performance Techniques Community Music Popular Music Research