Music Performance and Production (Performance Pathway)

This course offers you a broad range of study if you are hoping to pursue a career in music.

On this course you will:

• Work towards performances 
• Create original music developing songwriting and composition skills
• Create recordings involving music production, recording and sequencing skills
• Learn about the wider music industry and the opportunities it offers 
• Develop specialist skills such as music theory, advance performance / production skills such as solo performance / audition repertoire, sound design, etc
• Work on large collaborative projects with others to launch yourself publicly or others as artists, bands or producers, etc
• Prepare to progress into industry or higher education
• Develop a large ambitious music project of your choice at venues such as the Exeter Phoenix
• Benefit from our strong links with music industry professionals to gain work experience and plan your career by attending the many talks and workshops offered
• Have access to our professional-standard equipment and facilities 

Assessment is coursework based and a combination of completing practical activities and written work. This might include the creation of an album of original material, putting on a showcase performance, creating a blog to analyse music development or evaluate projects, etc. All assessment is tied into larger scale projects and made as industry relevant as possible.  

Choose this course if…

You live and breathe music and have a strong motivation for studying music at higher education level or entering the music industry.  

Progression and careers:

You could progress to study Music Performance, Music Production, Commercial Music, Music Business, Songwriting, Composition or Film/TV/Game Music Composition at university. Or enter the music industry.  

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. You will also need to play an instrument with confidence and intermediate skill, assessed through an audition process following a successful interview (you should be approximately Grade 4 level, however, you do not need to have taken the exam. Speak to your instrument / music teacher if you are unsure about this). Vocalists are encouraged to learn either piano or guitar to support their studies.

You should also have a basic knowledge of music notation pitch and basic rhythm. More advanced knowledge is preferable. 

Our Centre for Music and Performance includes recording studios, rehearsal suites, Mac computer suites (including Logic, Ableton, MuseScore) and performance area.

There are some costs of materials and resources.

Music Academy students wishing to specialise further and develop their instrumental/vocal skills are able to access subsidised individual instrumental/vocal tuition via the Music Academy.