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This intensive one-year course is your essential step towards a thriving career as a professional musician, band member or performing artist. This course offers an excellent opportunity to significantly extend your existing musical skills, refine your performance capabilities and gain the crucial industry knowledge needed to launch your artist project or band into the competitive music scene. Whether your goal is Higher Education or direct entry into the performance, composition and creative side of the music industry, this programme will equip you to make your mark.This isn’t just a course; it’s an immersive experience designed to transform you into a launched professional performing artist. You will: Define Your Artistic Identity Master Live Performance Build a Professional Performance Portfolio Collaborate and Create Navigate the Music Business Connect with Industry Leaders Gain Real-World Stage TimeThe course is accredited by University Arts London (UAL).Cost: FREE (£4,670 if over 19 years old) – subject to a % increase in September 2026.
You’ll need: A Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, Media, or a similar qualification at Merit level, or an equivalent A Level programme A demonstrable passion and commitment to developing a professional career in music performance and artist development Mature students can apply with a relevant portfolio of work or a successful audition
This dynamic one-year programme is structured to provide a holistic and practical approach to professional music performance and artist development: Unit 1 – Applied Professional Practice (Pass only): develop your understanding of industry standards, collaborative processes and the professional expectations of a working musician and artist, Unit 2 – Specialist Performance Practice (Pass only): dive deep into advanced instrumental/vocal techniques, stagecraft and the nuances of live performance, refining your artistic expression, Unit 3 – Specialist Performance Project (Pass, Merit or Distinction): this culminating unit is your opportunity to develop and launch a significant musical project to a professional standard. This could involve developing a touring package, recording and releasing an EP, or creating a comprehensive artist launch plan. Your overall qualification grade is based on this unit.Key areas woven into the curriculum, tailored to your artistic vision, include: Instrumental/Vocal Focus: advanced technique, repertoire development, improvisation, genre-specific skills Performance Skills: stage presence, audience interaction, band dynamics, performance anxiety management Touring & Live Logistics: gig booking, venue liaison, technical riders, budgeting for live performance Recording & Mixing for Artists: studio etiquette, self-recording, demo production, understanding mixes Practitioner Study: exploring the methods and careers of successful contemporary and historical artists Professional Standards: industry etiquette, self-promotion, networking, understanding contracts and agreements Rehearsals & Collaborations: effective rehearsal techniques, collaborative songwriting, working with session musicians Artist Branding & Online Presence: developing a strong visual identity, social media strategy, engaging with fans Music Business for Performing Artists: copyright, publishing, distribution, revenue streams, managing your career.
Our programme blends hands-on practical sessions with insightful research and lecture-based learning, ensuring a well-rounded and professionally relevant education. All lecturers on the programme are fully qualified and actively working in the industry in their specialist fields, bringing current, real-world experience directly to your learning.You’ll have exceptional resources at your fingertips, including: 5 x Apple Mac Suites: fully equipped with industry-standard DAWs including Logic Pro X and Ableton, alongside a comprehensive suite of plugins and virtual instruments for recording and production 2 x Industry-Standard Recording Studios: featuring top-tier equipment from Genelec, AKG, UAD, Native Instruments, PMC, Motu, Rode, Roland, Mackie, Yamaha, Alesis. We continuously develop partnerships with manufacturers, so excellent discounts on equipment are always available to you Dedicated Podcast Rooms: ideal for creating promotional interviews, artist diaries or engaging audio content 4 x Production Hot Desk Rooms: perfect for focused individual practice, composition and demo recording 4 x Production Rehearsal Rooms: fully kitted out with professional backline, providing ideal spaces for band rehearsals and developing live sets Acoustically Tunable Recital, Performance/Production Room: a versatile space for rehearsals, intimate performances and critical listening sessions Dedicated Technical Team Support: ensuring seamless access to and operation of all equipment 2 x Theory Rooms: for academic and theoretical study of music
You’ll be continuously assessed through a range of practical performances, technical and creative projects and strategic collaborations. By working as a professional in your chosen specialism, you’ll gain opportunities to demonstrate your skills and achieve your artistic and career goals. Expect regular feedback and guidance to support your development.
Upon successful completion of this diploma, you’ll be exceptionally well-prepared for: Direct Entry into the Music Industry: launch your career as a self-employed performing artist, band member, session musician, or secure roles within live music production, artist management or independent labels Higher Education Progression: this course provides a strong foundation for further study. It’s possible to progress directly onto Year 2 of an Arts degree at Southampton Solent University, offering a significant saving on first-year university fees Building a Sustainable Career: the course has been meticulously designed to provide you with the advanced skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to develop your career as a creative professional in music performance and artist development.Our successful alumni from HSDC Higher Education music courses include: Victorious Festival owners and employees, international recording and touring artists and BBC National Radio broadcasters, demonstrating the diverse and exciting pathways available.
We are committed to providing unparalleled industry exposure and networking opportunities: Lecturer Expertise: all your lecturers are active industry professionals, bringing valuable connections and insights Partnership with The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea: enjoy regular opportunities for student performances in a professional venue, building your live experience and audience Guest Talks & Masterclasses: learn directly from leading industry professionals. Expect ongoing access to established artists, managers, agents and other key figures. Showcase Events: participate in curated events designed to connect you with potential collaborators, industry professionals and audiences
