Immerse yourself in an industry-led dynamic course, perfect for aspiring pop, rock, jazz, and folk musicians.
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Overview
Pursuing Music Performance and Production at HCA is the perfect route for aspiring musicians, songwriters, producers, sound engineers, composers and events managers. The course is informed by industry experts and professionals, with a focus on practical experience.
Whether you aim to progress on a university or conservatoire or carve your own path in the music industry, this course provides the comprehensive skills, experience and knowledge to successfully launch your career as a professional artist.
Connected to industry
Gain an initial overview of the music industry through workshops with visiting practitioners during our Employability and Music Weeks, as well as professional gig visits, and hands-on event planning. You will set up and tour local venues, work with industry professionals and undertake work experience.
Stats and figures
100
Percent of all categories inspected by Ofsted were deemed to be "OUTSTANDING" during our most recent inspection, placing HCA among the highest achieving education providers in the county. Find out more.
Guest lecturers include
Alex Attwood - Composter for BAFTA-nominated shows
Tom Carson - Former A&R at Sony Records
Neil Adcocks - one of the most in-demand guitar techs in the industry, who has toured with Elton John, Queen, Tricky, Robbie Williams and more...
Alan McGee - former manager of Oasis
Cara Tivey - Jazz pianist and session musician for bands such as Blur, Billy Braff and Everything But the Girl
Dizraeli - British rapper, poet and musician
K.O.G - Kweku King of Ghana
And many more...
Students go onto...
Leeds Conservatoire
BIMM Bristol
University of Falmouth
LIPA
HCA (BA course)
BBC aprenticeships
And more...
Entrance requirements for Level 2 vs Level 3
Some students feel like they will benefit from an additional year of study before starting their Level 3 Extended Diploma. This may be because they feel that their experience or GCSE grades will not put them in the best position to reach their full potential on the Level 3 Extended Diploma course yet.
In this case we offer a Level 2 Diploma, which provides you with the opportunity to build out a foundation in your subject area for a year as well as additional support with English and Maths, before moving on to Level 3 Extended Diploma (assuming you meet the grades required to progress). This means that you will study with us over a 3 year duration (1 year at Level 2, and 2 years at Level 3). Studying a Level 2 qualification in your chosen course area, can be a valuable step in achieving your goals at Level 3.
The Level 3 courses for Post-16 students are a two-year qualification certified by the UAL Awarding Body.
There are three key passing grades at Level 3: Distinction (168 UCAS points), Merit (120 UCAS points) and Pass (72 UCAS Points). A Distinction is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level.
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.
Interview and portfolio or audition.
Minimum age: 16 years
Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject. To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Interview and portfolio or audition.
Minimum age: 16 years old.
A community you can make your own
You will work intensively in small and large bands to produce work for venues, as well as touring and recording.
We work extensively with the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford BID and Encore Music to produce tours to local schools and for the theatre itself. In addition, you will find yourself collaborating with other students across the college on performing arts ventures, or creative and digital media products or via our Soul Choir.
In your second year you could end up organising and playing at festivals, creating EPs, or soundtracks for films and video games, or even creating your own films.
What you will learn on the Extended Diploma
We also offer a 1 year Level 2 diploma course, that allows you to enter in at a lower entry point to gain experience and confidence before moving onto the 2 year Level 3 Extended Diploma course. See more information further down the page.
Basic Musicianship
A solid grounding in music theory, voice, and improvisation.
Rehearsal and Performance Techniques
Develop your skills through hands-on practice.
Industry Introduction
Learn how the music industry operates with insights from visiting practitioners, workshop leaders, and regular visits to professional gigs and shows.
Stagecraft and Writing Skills
Enhance your abilities in performance and composition.
Final Major Project
Take on the challenge of devising, planning, promoting, and staging your own music performance or production.
Professional Studio Experience
Work at a professional-level recording studio based at the Royal National College.
The tutors have been incredibly helpful - they are always there to offer support, and the studio sessions were great.
We formed our band 'Barcode' here in our first year and will continue gigging in Bath. It wouldn't have happened without HCA.
Jack Draper and Elliot Askey, who are both going onto study at Bath Spa University
Creative Learning
This is a practical course where you will learn by doing what you love. Our focus is on developing the real world skills you will need to progress in the industry, through experience and live briefs with industry partners.
We do not embrace traditional exams, instead choosing to assess your progress using performances, journals and logbooks, practical assessments and evaluations.
Hereford College of Arts has a diverse mix of students, including people with different learning styles and needs. We have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Find out more here.
English and Maths are an integral part of the course.
If you do not yet have the necessary grades (Grade 4/C or above) you will get additional teaching and support to study for either a GCSE or functional skills qualification, depending on your prior GCSE grades.
The Study Skills team at HCA is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. This support includes extra provision for those who:
Would benefit from enhancing their academic writing, referencing and critical thinking skills;
Need to further develop their English and Maths abilities;
Require exam access arrangements such as 25% extra time;
Have particular learning requirements and need to focus on developing their organisation, planning and academic abilities;
Have English as their second language (EAL);
May benefit from using Assistive Technology to develop greater independence.
Study Skills support is currently delivered through specialist English, Maths or EAL sessions, as well as provision for students focusing on their coursework. The team aims to support learners in setting their own targets in order to develop their independence and achieve their full potential throughout their chosen course of study.
All students also have access to scheduled drop-in sessions for support for all areas including coursework, English and Maths, study skills, EAL, information, advice and guidance. Find out more here. (Insert link)
Studying music at an arts specific college means you benefit from spaces and equipment designed to help you reach your full potential within the industry.
Professional standard recording studio and live room
Industry level rehearsal and performance spaces
High spec equipment, including 32 channel mixing desk
We understand that deciding what course to do, or what career path to follow, can seem a bit daunting. Our Careers programme and Information, Advice and Guidance services are accredited by Matrix Standard and our team is always on hand to provide information, advice and guidance to students.
Our post-16 courses offer an outstanding foundation to pursue a career in the creative industries and beyond.
Every year students progress onto degree courses at some of the top arts and stage schools in the UK, or go on to study other subjects from Medicine to Marketing.
You can apply at any point during the year directly to HCA. We receive a high number of application across our four subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.
Once you have completed the online application form we will write to you and invite you to attend a face-to-face interview or audition.
We will also send you some guidance to help you prepare - but the main aim of your interview is to give us the chance to get to know you, and for you to get a feel for the course team.
We schedule interview/audition in blocks to give you a chance to meet some of the other students who will be starting the course with you.
At HCA we want you to apply happy. The application process doesn't need to be scary. Remember, we are looking for your passion and potential - not perfection. And we are here to help every step of the way so you feel comfortable through the process.
Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 years)
Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject.
To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Interview and portfolio or audition.
Minimum age: 16 years old.
Level 2 Diploma (1 year)
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)
To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.
Interview and portfolio or audition.
Minimum age: 16 years.
We are passionate about access to outstanding education. Every student comes to us at a different point in their journey. Students have a broad range of subject area experience, academic qualifications and personal circumstances.
One way to ensure you get the most out of the course is by making sure you start in the right place.
All our curriculum areas offer a Level 2 entry, which will provide you with an outstanding foundation in the subject before moving on to the two-year Level 3 course.
You can start at Level 2 with lower GCSE grades (outlined above), or limited experience in the arts.
If I study Level 2 & Level 3 will the course still be funded by the government?
The fees for the additional Level 2 year is funded by the Government in the same way, so you won’t have to pay additional course fees at any point in your diploma studies.
How do I know which level to start at?
Course leads will make a recommendation based on results - as well as meeting you and talking to you - if they think you would benefit from starting your studies at Level 2.
There is always some movement between groups early on in the first term, as you find your own level within the college.
Will I automatically go onto Level 3 in my second year?
Almost all of our students progress from Level 2 onto our Level 3 courses - with many going on to thrive, and go on to study a degree after their diploma.
Start your application now
Apply for Level 3 entry
You can get your application started online today.
Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.
You can get your application started online today.
Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.
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