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Music

Music Performance

This course is an excellent way to enhance your current involvement in music via practical exploration, performance, and group work.  

Why study Music Performance? 

Your class will have a passion for performing music, from a variety of experiences across all different genres. In the first few weeks we will help you to settle into your new group and get to know each other’s musical backgrounds. You should have basic keyboard skills, be able to read music and have some knowledge of music theory.  

What will I study?

Pearson Subsidiary Diploma in Music Performance which is equivalent to one A-level. 

Performing – You will perform as a soloist, as a member of an ensemble and keep a detailed practice diary of how you improve over the year. 

Music project – You will help to organise and run a music show, including acts, front of house, finance, advertising, lights and sound.

Working and developing as a music ensemble - You will form an ensemble, take a specific role within it then develop the ensemble until it is gig-ready. 

Music in the community – After learning about types of community you will devise lessons for primary aged students and deliver these live, in schools. 

Session musician – You will learn to act like a professional session musician, preparing and performing music in limited time, from a range of stimuli, in a range of performance situations. 

The sound and music industry – You will learn about how the music industry works, exploring roles and contracts and devising a business plan for your own company. 

Which exam board & how will I be assessed?

Pearson. 

There are no written exams and the course is assessed via coursework. 

Where could it take me?

Many of our former students are now working in the industry and the study of the music performance industry forms part of the course. Our music students progress onto courses at conservatoires. 

Subject combinations

The course combines very well with a vast range of creative subjects such as all Art courses, Media and Theatre Studies.  

If you are looking to pursue music at a conservatoire or university, this course will combine well with A-level Music and/or Music Technology. 

What support is available?

We can support you in learning any extra topics, for example music theory, and have access to several outside practitioners who support you during the course. We have two spacious music suites, two recording studios and three rehearsal rooms. Additional facilities include a 200-seat theatre with industry standard lighting and sound equipment which we will happily train you to use.  

What extracurricular activity is available?

We provide supervision of rehearsals in the lead up to performance exams and workshops with visiting music staff. At Winstanley College we put on a range of concerts and musicals each year. We also run ensembles and jam sessions in various styles. 

Did you know?

Our vocational students have gone on to study at some of the top music conservatoires including the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal College of Music. 

Our vocational students routinely achieve greater than 90% distinction*-distinction.