Music

All talented singers and musicians should consider St Vincent College to help you develop your skills, experience and abilities.

Our fantastic Music department provides students with creative freedom to express your musical talent whilst providing the highest standards of teaching in our highly resourced facilities which incorporate the latest musical technologies.

In addition to being taught in a fun and creative environment, students also take their skills on the road and will perform at events and showcases across the region, including festivals such as Wickham and Victorious.

Students’ individual talents will also be enhanced by specialist peripatetic teaching in addition to their main learning programme.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

LEVEL 3

Do you have a passion for music production, mixing and the recording industry? Would you like to work and learn in a multi-purpose recording studio and technology suite? Are you a musician looking to develop the necessary skills to produce your own music? Are you an avid listener of a wide range of musical genres? Would you like a career in the music industry?

If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, a course in Music Technology would be the perfect choice to compliment your studies.

Course duration:

Two years

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs at Grades 4 – 9. An ability to read music at a basic level would be an advantage

What students will learn:

Students will learn how to record live instruments, produce original music through professional sequencing techniques, mixing and mastering audio. Students will learn about the study of recording equipment and musical instruments, live sound techniques and working in the music industry.

Assessment:

Course work and practical assessments.

Enrichment opportunities:

College Choir, individual instrumental lessons, radio station visits, workshops, visits to music studios.

Possible combinations:

Could be taken alongside both BTEC and A-Levels including Music Performance, IT, Sciences, Performing Arts and Business.

Progression routes:

Higher Education courses in Music, Music Technology, Performing Arts or combined subjects. Music college. Jobs in the music industry.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

LEVEL 3 TRIPLE

A combination course for performance and production, with additional units focused on students’ career pathway choices.

Pathways can include:

• Performance • Composition • Studio recording • Event management • Formal graded examinations • This course is designed for students who desire a career in the music industry and/or have ambitions to study at university.

The department has professional links with:

• Music festivals • Recording studios • Radio stations • Music promoters • Venues.

Throughout the course you will be provided with opportunities to perform at the highest level.

Course duration:

One year – Foundation Diploma. Two years – Extended Diploma.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs at Grades 4 – 9. An ability to read music at a basic level would be an advantage.

How students will learn:

Students will enhance their knowledge and skills by learning about the music industry, creative composition and arrangement, the recording process, multi-track studio work, music software, sequencing, sampling and synthesisers.

Assessment:

Course work and practical assessments.

Possible combinations:

This is a full-time course in its own right.

Progression routes:

Higher Education courses in Music, Music Technology, Performing Arts or combined subjects. Music college. Other degree courses. Jobs in the music industry.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

LEVEL 3 AND 2

The music sector has a value of almost £4 billion in revenue and employs more than 100,000 people in the UK. The content of this qualification has been developed to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice should learners choose to enter employment directly in the music sector.

The mandatory content allows learners to concentrate on either the development of their musical performance or production skills and creative techniques, and relate them to the music industry.

St Vincent music department focuses on practical skill development and real-world projects including live performance, festivals & events, composition, recording & releasing of original material. Many of our alumni have active careers in the music industry, performing in bands, working for studios and record labels, teaching and other industry roles.

Students are given creative freedom to follow their own musical interests and are encouraged to take ownership of their own projects and musical endeavours.

Course duration:

One year for Level 2 and two years for Level 3.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs - Grade 4 or Above. Ability to play an instrument (including vocals) For Level 2, Five GCSEs at grade 2 or above.

How students will learn:

Synoptic assessment: Synoptic assessment requires learners to apply learning from across the qualification to the completion of defined vocational tasks. The qualification has been designed to promote iterative integrated assessment through learning and teaching modules, which provides a strong basis for synoptic assessment.

Assessment:

Course work, task assessments, music performances - concerts, recitals and rehearsal projects.

Enrichment opportunities:

Recording studios, music universities, music festivals, events and concerts, radio stations, record labels.

Progression routes:

From Level 2 to Level 3 BTEC Music Performance & Music Technology (Production). Intensive music programme. Other Level 3 programmes.

Potential university courses:

Music Business, Music Performance, Music Technology, Music Composition.

Potential career paths:

Music Performer, Producer, Composer, Music Teacher, Music Engineer, Music Agent.