Music careers

UCE BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE
Paradise Place
Birmingham
B3 3HG
T:0121 331 5901/2
E: conservatoire@uce.ac.uk
W: www.conservatoire.bcu.ac.uk

BMus(Hons)
A challenging course involving practical and academic elements aiming to turn you into a ‘performer-teacher’ able to impart expert knowledge to the next generation of musicians. Includes specialist tuition, performance and composition workshops, ensemble playing, Music History and more. Through an ‘Electives Programme’, there are also master-classes in Capelle Baroque Orchestra, Medieval & Renaissance Music, World Music, and more.
Duration: Full-time: 4 years
Entry: GCE/GCSE passes in 5 different subjects including passes in 2* subjects at A2 level (each 40 points min) or equivalent. GCSE passes should be at Grade C or higher. Plus, A standard in First Study equivalent to that of the Associated Board's Grade VIII (Distinction): this may be demonstrated at audition or on audition recordings.

BMus(Hons) Jazz
This highly specialised course is both practical and academic and aimed at meeting the needs of the modern jazz performer. It includes specialist tuition, master-classes, performance and composition workshops, Jazz History and more. A Jazz Musicianship strand covers Harmony, Aural, Improvisation and Composition techniques. There is a Jazz Composers’ Ensemble, specifically run to rehearse and perform new work by both students and staff.
Duration: Full-time: 4 years
Entry: GCE/GCSE passes in 5 different subjects including passes in 2* subjects at A2 level (each 40 points min) or equivalent. GCSE passes should be at Grade C or higher. Plus, A standard in First Study equivalent to that of the Associated Board's Grade VIII (Distinction): this may be demonstrated at audition or on audition recordings.

BSc(Hons) Music Technology
Jointly delivered with UCE Birmingham's ‘Technology Innovation Centre’, this course prepares students who may want to be employed in areas such as recording, broadcasting, live sound, journalism (music/music technology journals), manufacturing (product development) and more. The academic areas covered include technology, sound recording, music studies and business.
Duration: Full-time: 3 years
Entry: Two GCE A Levels (typically 220 points) or equivalents. In addition, applicants should have five GCSEs including Mathematics Grade C or higher.
 

WALSALL COLLEGE OF ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
St. Pauls Street
Walsall
West Midlands
WS1 1XN
T: 01922 657000 / 01922 720889
E: info@walsallcollege.ac.uk
 www.walcat.ac.uk

BTEC First Diploma in Music
Practical and theoretical elements help students to develop a broad range of creative skills. The course also involves work simulation in real venues and situations. Wallsall promote the course stating that it is “and broad introduction to all aspects of popular music” which includes “a wide range of musical styles”.
Duration: 2 years full-time
Entry: Interview, audition, plus proven proficiency on a musical instrument, including voice.

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB
T: 024 768 8526
E: info.rao@coventry.ac.uk
www.coventry.ac.uk
 
Music Composition & Professional Practice BA Honours degree
This is for those who want to work in the tough field of scoring music for film, television, advertising and websites, as well as live performance. The course covers composition technique, the creative use of technology, instrumentation, development of performing abilities, and the administrative duties needed to manage freelance work, as well as the historical and cultural context of music.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: 5 GCSEs at A-C including English Language and 200-220 Tariff points. ABRSM Grade 5 Theory. Applicants will be expected to attend audition.

Music Technology BSc Honours degree
Students learn the principles of sound and acoustics, recording studio design and specification, music analysis, composition/production, recording technology and techniques, IT systems for music technology, software use and development, and live sound. There are also modules, which cover the Music Business. For those who perhaps want to be a recording engineer, music producer, composer or live sound engineer.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: 5 GCSEs at grade A-C and 240-280 Tariff points from two or more 6-unit awards including Mathematics, ICT or Electronics or equivalent qualifications.

Music & Professional Practice BA Honours degree
Performance and ensemble studies, theory and aural training, community music, music technology, arts administration and the contextual study of music are all included in this course, which Coventry state aims to provide a thorough knowledge analysis and an understanding of instrumentation and orchestration through arranging. The course also aims to gives students the entrepreneurial skills they will need to embark upon a range of careers.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: 5 GCSEs at A-C including English Language and 200-220 Tariff points. ABRSM Grade 5 Theory. Applicants will be expected to attend audition.

UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
Quadrant Chambers
Litchfield Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 1SB
T: 01902 321000
E: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk
www.wlv.ac.uk

BA (Hons) Music
The aim here is to help you become a “versatile and practical musician, and musicologist”. Performance, music technology, harmony, history and analysis, and composition are included in the course, which also gives students the opportunity to perform in large ensembles and choral concerts throughout the year. Possible careers include teaching, arts administation, composer, community arts worker, music librarian, music critic, media and music therapist.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: 160-220 points including a minimum of 140 points from two full 6-unit awards or one full 12-unit award. At least one full 6-unit award must be in music or a music-related subject. GCSE or equivalent qualifications should include English and Maths. Also.. interview, audition and entry test.

BA (Hons) Music Technology and Popular Music
Students here gain a practical expertise in music production equipment, explore their own individual composition and technology interests, and cover a wide range of modules which include Midi Sequencing, Studio Recording, Theory of Sound, the Music Business and more. Modules can also be taken from the BA (Hons) Popular Music or BA (Hons) Music courses enabling students to follow contemporary or traditional paths.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Entry: 160-220 points including a minimum of 140 points from two full 6-unit awards or one full 12-unit award. A theory test at interview will ascertain your level of musical understanding.
 

ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND SOUND
c/o Sound Control
89 Old Snow Hill
Birmingham
B4 6HW
T: 0121 236 6066
E: admin@theacademy.uk.com 
www.theacademy.uk.com
 
BTEC National Diploma Music Practice (Guitar)
Each week you will learn rhythm & lead guitar parts for many classic rock songs and rehearse these in a band format. Additionally, there are lessons in Rhythm Studies, Style Studies, Popular Music Analysis, Fretboard Theory, The Music Industry, Ear Training, Music in Context, Acoustic Guitar, Transcribing, Guitar Notation, Guitar Technology, Rehearsal Studies, Video Critique, Live Performance Workshop, Music Arranging, MIDI Sequencing, Sound Recording Techniques and World Music.
Duration: 2 Years
Entry: Assessment… They ask you to play/sing a selection of technical exercises and to play/sing some of your favourite material. They determine your ability and you can then discuss which course is appropriate.

BTEC National Diploma Music Practice (Drums)
The academy state that “relevant instrumental lessons are taught in individual instrument groups, so for example, instead of learning generic music theory, drummers will learn Drum Theory relevant to drums only.” The Drum Academy is headed by Andy Edwards, one of the UK's top session musicians who is a regular drummer for Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and endorsee for Tama drums.
Duration: 2 Years
Entry: Assessment… They ask you to play/sing a selection of technical exercises and to play/sing some of your favourite material. They determine your ability and you can then discuss which course is appropriate.

BTEC National Diploma Music Technology
Lessons include Sound Recording Techniques, MIDI Sequencing, Acoustics Theory, The Music Industry, Music in Context, Computer Technology for Music, Sound Creation and Manipulation, Keyboard Skills, Recording Workshop, Live Sound, Live Performance Workshop, Music Arranging, Advanced Keyboard Skills, Aural Skills, Listening Skills, and Music Technology for Live Sound
Duration: 2 Years
Entry: Assessment… They ask you to play/sing a selection of technical exercises and to play/sing some of your favourite material. They determine your ability and you can then discuss which course is appropriate.

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