FD Music Performance and Production Foundation Degree

Sheffield College

Course info

UCAS CODE W3W3

Validated by The Open University, the Foundation Degree in Music Performance & Production is an innovative programme located in purpose-built facilities at Hillsborough Campus. The course offers a highly practical focus and provides the opportunity to develop specialist skills in music performance, production and composition, whilst simultaneously gaining a broader understanding of the industry and the interrelationship between musical disciplines. The course is delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, performances and professional projects, supported by experienced academic staff, professional musicians, producers, studio engineers, performers and high quality, tailored industry support. Students will draw upon critical approaches which underpin effective and professional practice and engage with contemporary thinking both within and beyond their specialist area. The course prepares students for employment, further study and self-fulfilment within a wide field informed by critical, historical, conceptual, and ethical dimensions and their own relationships with audiences, clients, consumers and co-creators, enterprise, industry and markets. The programme aims to provide skills that:Cultivate and nurture originality and the development of musical identityDevelop an ability in interpretive and technical skills within composition, performance and productionsDevelop an understanding of the music industry, how it functions and how to develop entrepreneurial skillsDevelop some analytical and critical awareness of the synthesis between relevant theory and its application in performance, production and compositionDevelop the practical skills required to use a variety of It formats and music technologyGain an understanding of how cultural and social contexts shape significant developments within popular musicSupport the development of interpersonal, communication and leadership skillsAt Level 4, students will study two modules focusing on practical musicianship; studying the context and elements of composition, popular music, recording and live sound. The modules at Level 5 further develop students' musical and contextual skills with harmony and composition, advanced practical musicianship and music studio production; all of which lead to the development of a composition/songwriting portfolio. You will also study session styles, improvisation and music processes and production.The Foundation Degree in Music Performance and Production is heavily focused on employability and involves work related learning, live briefs and simulated live briefs. Students work across a range of venues in Sheffield and the surrounding area, engaging in large scale projects involving project management, developing individual portfolios and employability skills.The course is delivered in purpose built, industry standard setting, comprising of a fully equipped recording studio, production suite, teaching spaces running Logic Pro, Ableton, Reason and CUBASE and 7 fully equipped practice rooms.The Staff are experienced HEA fellows and practicing musicians, studio and live sound engineers with experience working across Europe as vocalists, recording artists and session musicians.Formal and informal, group and one-to-one tutorials take place at regular intervals and on a weekly basis throughout the programme. Formal tutorials are documented to include topics discussed, guidance, feedback, support, actions and outcomes. They are also an opportunity to inform members of staff of any personal issues students wish them to know. Group tutorials focus on project work, discussion, progress review and current and future information, given as guidance and feedback. Students are expected to take notes and use this opportunity as reflection and potential area

Key stats

DATA SOURCE: UNISTATS / UCAS / HESA

Start date and duration
DATA SOURCE: UCAS

Start date

SEP-20

Full Time

2 Years

Music
DATA SOURCE: UNISTATS

Drop-out rate

Employment rate

Modules

DATA SOURCE: IDP Connect

Modules (Year 1)

Modules (Year 2)

Entry requirements

DATA SOURCE: UCAS

Choose Exam type	Grades / Points required
UCAS Tariff	Grades / Points required 64
Details
UCAS points fromA LevelBTEC or equivalent Merit/Pass/PassOther Level 3 in courses related to music performance/production equivalents with supporting performance or theory grades (Grade 6 and above)Students should also have English Language GCSE at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent e.g. Functional Skills at Level 2).Applicants should have a genuine interest and passion for the subject and be able to demonstrate this articulately along with motivation, confidence and creativity. Students do not need to have a theory qualification to enter the programme.In line with The Sheffield College’s commitment to widening participation, we encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. If students are mature learners, they may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience and/or a range of professional qualifications in their work sector. References, alternative experience and skills will all be taken into account. Use of prior credit will be considered on an individual basis. In terms of APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning) you will be expected to provide detailed transcripts of previous qualification. These will be mapped against the Course Modules to check for compatibility and currency. To gain APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) prospective students will be required to present a portfolio of evidence for assessment. Any final decisions on your acceptance will be made in line with The Sheffield College’s policy guidelines and regulations on the following: APCL (Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning) and/or APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning).