The UAL Level 2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production has been developed to provide an understanding of music performance and production in preparation for a career in the music industry, while at the same time giving you the opportunity to retake your GCSE qualifications in English and Maths.
The course incorporates a strong element of practical music learning, with students taking part in a variety of appropriately paced sessions which cover areas such as contextual awareness, music business, live workshops, composing, studio fundamentals and listening skills.
You will develop and understand the value of research, reflection, collaboration and self-reliance, and gain the knowledge and skills needed for the successful first steps on your journey to a music industry career. On top of the music study programme, English or Maths Functional Skills GCSE subjects will also be taken.
All students will have access to the full ACM experience, which includes tapping into the knowledge and connections of our Industry Link team, attendance at exclusive masterclasses delivered by globally successful musicians, and participation in many ACM events throughout the year, such as music workshops, gigs, festivals, and much more.
The Level 2 Diploma is an ideal pathway to both Level 3 and Higher Education study, and is perfect for those who don’t currently have the qualifications needed to commence a UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production at ACM Guildford / Birmingham, but would like the opportunity to progress at a later date.
The programme is fully funded through the Education Funding Agency (EFA) for eligible students.
Further education study programmes at ACM Guildford are delivered as part of a sub-contract with East Surrey College, information about careers services at East Surrey College can be accessed on this link https://www.esc.ac.uk/careers-hub/resources.
Further education study programmes at ACM Birmingham are delivered as part of a sub-contract with Walsall Studio School.
Level 2 Diploma FAQs
Am I studying Level 3 at the same time as Level 2?
The Level 2 programme is a standalone further education programme that will enable you to study at ACM, and progress to Level 3 in the following year. The Level 2 programme is designed to help prepare students ready for entry to the Level 3 programme.
Will I ever learn alongside Level 3 students?
The course is taught as a standalone programme specific to Level 2 learners to enable us to develop students ready for progression to the Level 3 programme, and enable them to achieve English and Maths GCSE which is a government condition of funding the course. There may be opportunity to engage with students from other programmes through Industry Link activities.
Will I ever get instrument specific lectures?
There are no instrument-specific lectures until Level 3, but students can book instrument-specific 1-1 tutorials with Tutors (4 credits, equating to 2 hours per term).
Will I still have to study two years more to get my Extended Diploma qualification at Level 3?
We would normally expect you to study two more years to get the Extended Diploma qualification at Level 3. This would then enable you achieve the academic entry requirements for entry to the Degree level programmes. If you are aged 16 at commencement of Level 2 this route would normally enable you to access the three years of further education study at no cost.
With older students we may advise that they do one-year of the Level 3 Diploma and then join the Degree including Foundation year as the second year of the Level 3 course would normally be self-funded.
Are there other options to get onto Degree Study that would mean not studying at Level 3 for two years in order to catch up with my year-group?
We would normally expect students to complete Level 2 (1 year) and Level 3 (2 years) as this would enable them to meet the entry requirements for the Degree level programme (i.e two year accelerated programme or three year degree programme at ACM London). However, depending on age at entry it may be preferable to transfer to Degree foundation year entry after one year of the Level 3 programme.
Introduces the student to a range of activities essential to the development and delivery of a performance. It will introduce the basic elements of music performance, the process of rehearsal, production and delivery of a performance and impart an understanding of performing as a collaborative activity.
Introduces the student to the diversity of roles and responsibilities within the music performance and production sector. It will introduce the student to the importance of health and safety as integral to the performer and production and the personal and professional characteristics needed for a career in the music industry.
Will develop students’ understanding of the fundamentals of musical composition and explore methods of effectively communicating their ideas to specified audiences.
Will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate and use previously acquired skills, knowledge and understanding and to explore and develop more specific techniques, skills and attributes for music performances.
Practice will provide the student with an opportunity to research the history and context of performance and production and will develop the students understanding of the value of contextual research in informing practice.
At level 2 this unit provides an opportunity for the learner to demonstrate their ability to competently use the range of skills, knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the course. It is expected that they will take greater ownership of their learning and, through a process of discussion and evaluation, respond positively to opportunities for individual expression of artistic and technical competence and creativity.
This unit provides all students, regardless of discipline, the opportunity to explore and develop basic sequencing and DAW skills. This will involve aspects of recording, programming and editing within a digital audio workstation (DAW). All students will be encouraged to use these skills creatively on tasks that will often link directly to their assessed projects.
This class provides students with the chance to demonstrate and showcase their individual performance and production skills in front of their peers. This will involve collaborative performance or recording tasks; discipline specific technical challenges; and free choice creative tasks.
This class is for performance focussed instrumentalists and vocalists and will focus on developing ensemble performance skills through learning, rehearsing, and performing varied repertoire.
This class for production focussed students will focus on developing the basic knowledge and skills associated with a studio environment. This will include learning how to operate a mixing desk and capture audio via a range of creative tasks.
This class will introduce the topic of music theory with a view to gaining a broad understanding of key concepts relating to rhythm, harmony and melody. Practical music theory skills will be taught and practiced through a range of creative tasks and students will be encouraged to use these skills to support their assessed project work
This unit is designed to help all students gain a wider understanding of the music they enjoy listening to and making. A range of research tasks will be set that will feed directly into assessed project work and topics will include investigations into music technology, genre, and popular music history.
This unit aims to give students a basic understanding of all elements of the industry and business. Topics will include music publishing, record labels, A&R and social media. It will also encourage students to assess and evaluate the professional skills they will need to develop for a successful career.
This class is designed to directly support the planning of projects 3, 4 and 5. A range of tasks will be set to introduce ways in which they can organise, manage and evidence of the journey of their assessed projects.
As part of assessed projects and continued development of both technical and academic skills all learners are encouraged to reflect on theirs and others’ project work. A range of activities will include regular self and peer evaluation; an exploration of methods of journal keeping; and the opportunity for regular tutor feedback.
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Course Details
Award
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production
You will be expected to have at least 3 GCSEs (D or 3 grade) or equivalent level 2 qualification. Suitability for the programme will also be assessed through interview/audition. View audition guide
English and Maths
If you do not have passes in English and/or Maths GCSE then opportunity will be provided to complete this alongside your core programme. Your ability will be assessed and where appropriate you may be required to first complete a Functional Skills level award.
EU applicants who have completed non-UK English and Maths qualifications will be required to provide evidence of exemption though the NARIC service (www.naric.org.uk/naric). If you are unable to provide suitable evidence then you will be required to retake Maths and English GCSE alongside your core programme.
You will develop and understand the value of research, reflection, collaboration and self-reliance, and gain the knowledge and skills needed for the successful first steps on your journey to a music industry career. On top of the music study programme, English or Maths Functional Skills GCSE subjects will also be taken.