Creative Music Production and Business Foundation Degree

This creative course is aimed at music producers and musicians who want to develop professional production and musicianship skills, and then go on to learn the business skills needed to create a sustainable independent career within the music industry. The course has been designed in response to the ever-increasing demand for high quality practical and vocational training at a Higher Educational Level, by those wishing to develop their skills and experience in the music industry, both as a creative music maker and as a business entrepreneur. With excellent links to the music industry, it is a programme designed firstly to develop students’ creative and technological skills and ability, and then to focus on how students can channel these skills into their career and business development.

This course is a collaboration between Community Music and the University of Westminster. Community Music has a long-standing tradition of training and artist development using up-to-date industry standard equipment and facilities. The University of Westminster has a thriving music department and music degree with state-of-the-art recording studios and extensive library and IT facilities.

How will I learn and be assessed?

Students follow an intensely practical approach to learning and are required to complete a high level of creative music output throughout the course. Students follow a varied programme of practical and theoretical tasks and are encouraged to try out what they have learnt in a hands-on way, reflecting on theoretical learning pro-actively. Students are assessed in a variety of ways including recordings, work related projects, logbooks, written work, self-evaluations and verbal presentations. There are no exams.

What can I do once I have completed the course?

The course is primarily designed to provide students with a bank of skills and knowledge necessary to create their own role within the music industry, setting up their own small business for example. However, should students wish to gain employment within the existing music industry they will be equally well equipped to do so. Students will be able to enter a wide field of career areas, including commercial music production and music for media to name but a few.

Are there any opportunities for further study?

Students can take the full Foundation degree or opt to do a one year Certificate of Higher Education. After completing the Foundation degree, students will be able to apply to level 6 of the BA/MMus Music: Production, performance and enterprise at the University of Westminster should they wish to continue their studies. Students are also able to apply to any other suitable Level 6 courses across the country.