Music (RSL Subsidiary Diploma)

Overview of the course

Both the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners and A-level Music are available in the same option block at Welshpool High School. They are taught concurrently, and the route taken by each individual learner is decided upon based on their interests, strengths, and the career or further education path that they intend to pursue.

Through the subsidiary diploma course, the learner can choose to specialize in one of four pathways: Performance, Technology, Business or Composition. Although learners will complete their core unit in their chosen specialist area, they then have the freedom of choosing to complete the remaining units in any of the four areas listed above.

In all four areas they will demonstrate an understanding of contextual issues relating to the music industry in addition to demonstrating the core practical skills needed to forge a career in that particular specialist area.

Through performance they will demonstrate the ability to perform effectively on their instrument, choose repertoire, record performances, and perform live. Through technology they will demonstrate sound and recording skills, mixing, mastering, sequencing, and production skills. Through business they will demonstrate sound business and financial skills, marketing skills, an understanding of music contracts, media communication skills and event management skills. And finally, through composition, learners will compose and arrange music within the context of the music industry, initiate and develop repertoire and use computers and sequencing and recording software/hardware.

Opportunities

The Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners aims to provide learners with the skills needed to progress straight into the music industry or to progress to a wide range of higher education courses such as popular music, music technology, sound engineering, business, and BA (Hons) Music.