HNC Music - HND Year 1

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Overview

"You're in safe hands here" - Former Student, Lewis Capaldi

Musicians and performers are among the most disciplined and dedicated professionals within the creative industries. Hours are spent perfecting their skills – not because they have to, but because it’s their passion. The music industry is highly competitive however just like our former student, Lewis Capaldi, with the right learning and education it’s possible to get ahead of the competition. 

Being the equivalent of a 1st year undergraduate degree, our HNC Music Course is delivered from our Motherwell Campus where you will be taught by industry professionals in our dedicated rehearsal rooms and live performance areas.

 

Entry

One of:

  • 1 Higher grade pass in Music or equivalent relevant NQ unit passes.
  • Successful completion of NC Music and Sound Production.
  • Alternatively, other relevant work experience/prior learning may be considered in place of formal qualifications. In this case you may also be required to submit a portfolio of work to gain entry.

 

You will also be required to undertake an audition and interview.

You should bring copies of any qualifications you have with you and a passport size photograph.

For this we ask that you prepare two contrasting musical pieces on your main instrument/voice, one of which can be an original composition.

Your main instrument should be either guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, saxophone or vocals.

All auditionees should provide their own backing track(s).

 

 

Learn

The course is highly practical with a focus on employability and preparation for further study and/or gaining employment in the music industry. 

Throughout the course you will receive instrumental tuition on your first-choice instrument, and there will be several opportunities to hone your performance skills in a live environment. Student performances and gigs take place in a number of Glasgow-based venues including Oran Mor, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Ivory Blacks, Box and The Blue Arrow.

In addition to modules covering solo and group performance skills, you will also study songwriting, composition, arranging, music theory and the music industry to prepare you for life as a professional musician.

You will learn the essential practical and theoretical skills necessary to work within the music industry. Choosing to study with us will offer an enriching experience in both the academic and technical pursuits of music. From music theory and history to performance and composition, this music course offers a diverse range of units from which to study.

You will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one lessons on an instrument chosen from the following options: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals and Piano/Keyboard from professionals who are still active within the music industry. Performance skills are also developed within weekly performance classes utilising our fully-equipped rehearsal studios and through frequent performance opportunities at venues across Glasgow and North Lanarkshire. You will also gain valuable ensemble experience by participating in groups and bands.

Music theory and history classes will deepen your understanding of style and musicianship as it applies to your chosen speciality and beyond. Regardless of your training background or skill level, our specially-designed theory classes ensure that all students can be accommodated. Further classes in Live Events, Songwriting, and Music Business Skills equip you for both the performance and business aspects of the music profession.

Modules covered include:

  • Music First Study: Instrument
  • Music: Live Performance
  • Music: Stagecraft for Musicians
  • Music: Songwriting
  • Creative Project
  • Music Business for Musicians
  • Music Business: Running a Live Music Event
  • Music History
  • Music Theory
  • Music: Graded Unit 1

 

Where can I go from here?

Graduates of this course will be able to go directly into the following courses: