Modules in Detail: Year One

Applied Music Theory

Understanding music theory is essential for any creative performer. It provides the language and structure musicians need to communicate ideas clearly, both on paper and in practice. This module introduces key theoretical principles and explores how they can be applied to enhance musical creativity and performance.

Students will learn how to interpret and use theoretical concepts in a practical context, developing their understanding through listening, analysis, and application. Keyboard work will support the visualisation and internalisation of harmonic and melodic relationships, helping to make theoretical ideas more intuitive and accessible. Aural training will also play a central role in developing the ability to recognise and apply musical elements in performance and composition.

By the end of this module, students will be able to identify and apply melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements across a range of contemporary music styles, with a clear understanding of how these components function both stylistically and structurally.

Instrumental Techniques

Strong technique is the foundation of effective and expressive musicianship. In today’s competitive music industry, performers are expected to demonstrate a high level of technical ability, versatility, and control across a wide range of musical contexts.

This module supports students in developing their instrumental technique through focused and reflective practice. Students will explore the technical demands placed on professional musicians and apply this understanding to their own instrument or voice. Areas covered include warm-up routines, posture, dexterity, sound production, dynamic control, stamina, and tone. Students will also engage with music theory, harmony, notation, and ear training to support their technical development.

A practical and personalised approach will be encouraged, with students designing practice plans and learning how to track their own progress effectively. Topics such as tuning, timing, grip, fingering, sticking, embouchure, use of the metronome, and instrument maintenance will also be addressed, along with health and safety considerations related to regular performance and practice.

By the end of the module, students will have developed a well-rounded technical skill set relevant to their instrument, alongside the tools and strategies to continue improving and meeting professional standards.

Marketing and Promotion

A successful music career requires more than talent alone. Understanding how to market yourself and your work is essential in building a sustainable presence in today’s music industry.

This module introduces students to the core principles of marketing and self-promotion, with a focus on real-world application. Students will explore how to create an effective professional identity, promote their music through both digital and traditional platforms, and engage audiences through compelling content and communication.

Topics covered include social media strategy, branding, networking, offline promotion, press kits, and the use of promotional tools such as websites, mailing lists, and streaming platforms. Students will examine the relative strengths of different marketing approaches and evaluate which are most appropriate for their personal artistic goals.

By the end of the module, students will have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the music industry, and will be able to plan and implement a tailored marketing strategy that supports their own creative work and career progression.

Music Production Fundamentals

In today’s music industry, production skills are essential for artists, producers, and performers alike. This module introduces the key tools and techniques used in recording, producing, mixing, and mastering music across a range of contemporary styles.

Students will gain hands-on experience with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and learn the technical and creative skills needed to bring their musical ideas to life. Topics include signal flow, MIDI sequencing, audio editing, VST instruments, synthesis and sampling, critical listening, mixing, mastering, and workflow management. Emphasis will be placed on developing a strong understanding of stylistic conventions and how to apply them effectively in production.

As students progress, they will build a foundation in session management, arrangement, and the use of effects and processors. The module encourages creative experimentation while promoting professional standards and efficient studio practice.

By the end of the module, students will be able to produce, arrange, and mix music with confidence, using a range of digital tools and techniques aligned with industry expectations.

Performance

Live performance remains a vital part of a musician’s career, whether as a solo artist, band member, or session player. This module focuses on preparing students for the demands of live performance in a variety of settings.

Students will explore the key elements of successful performance, including stagecraft, audience engagement, rehearsal planning, set construction, and technical requirements. The module also addresses the business and logistical aspects of putting on a live show, such as budgeting, hiring musicians, liaising with venues, writing technical specifications, and event promotion.

Through regular performance opportunities and workshops, students will build confidence, develop their musical identity, and receive constructive feedback to support their growth. Collaboration, preparation, and professionalism are central to this module’s approach.

By the end of the module, students will be able to plan, promote, and deliver a live performance that meets professional expectations and effectively showcases their musical skills.

Professional Development

The music industry is constantly evolving, and successful artists are often those who combine creativity with adaptability, initiative, and entrepreneurial thinking. This module helps students explore their professional identity and chart a path toward sustainable employment in the music industry.

Students will investigate the range of career opportunities available to them, from freelance performance and songwriting to teaching, production, and artist management. Emphasis is placed on identifying personal strengths, setting realistic goals, and understanding the skills required to maintain a portfolio career.

The module also covers topics such as CV writing, self-assessment, personal branding, networking, and time management. Students will develop a personalised professional development plan that reflects their artistic ambitions and positions them to take advantage of future opportunities.

By the end of the module, students will have greater clarity around their career direction, along with the confidence and strategic thinking required to navigate the modern music industry.

Songwriting

Songwriting is both an art and a craft, requiring creativity, versatility, and a strong understanding of form, structure, and intent. This module supports students in developing their songwriting skills through practical exploration and guided reflection.

Students will work individually and collaboratively to create original songs, drawing on a range of tools and techniques. Topics include song form, lyric writing, melodic and harmonic development, arrangement, writing for specific genres or audiences, and the use of songwriting prompts and inspiration strategies.

Contextual understanding is also developed, with students examining the cultural, social, and personal influences behind songwriting. The module encourages students to find and refine their artistic voice, while also considering the commercial aspects of songwriting in today’s industry.

By the end of the module, students will have produced a portfolio of original material and gained a clearer understanding of how to approach songwriting as a creative and professional practice.

The Music Industry

The modern music industry is a dynamic and fast-changing environment, shaped by technology, globalisation, and evolving patterns of music consumption. This module introduces students to the structure and function of the music industry, with a focus on the income streams and professional opportunities available today.

Students will explore the key areas of the industry, including record labels, publishing, distribution, live music, management, and digital platforms. Emphasis will be placed on how money flows through these different sectors and how musicians and professionals can generate sustainable income from their work.

Students will also be encouraged to consider their own goals and how their creative work fits into the wider industry landscape. This module provides a foundation for further exploration of music business topics in more specialised modules.

By the end of the module, students will have a broad understanding of how the music industry operates and will be able to identify potential pathways for their own professional development within it.

Modules in Detail: Year Two

Advanced Composition Techniques

This module builds on the compositional and theoretical foundations established in the first year, focusing on more sophisticated musical structures and techniques. Students will explore advanced aspects of Western music theory and apply them creatively across a range of genres and styles.

Topics include complex harmonic structures, rhythm and metre, counterpoint, multi-part writing, and compositional devices used in both traditional and contemporary contexts. Emphasis is placed on applying these skills practically, using notation, DAW software, and instrument-based work to bring ideas to life.

By the end of the module, students will produce a set of short compositional studies that demonstrate their ability to apply advanced techniques creatively. These works will be supported by written reflections and visual analyses, allowing students to articulate their compositional choices in relation to stylistic conventions and established practice.

Advanced Performance Skills

Outstanding performance goes beyond technical accuracy. It involves expression, authenticity, and the ability to connect with an audience. This module focuses on elevating performance technique, developing musical personality, and meeting the high expectations of today’s live and recorded music environments.

Students will refine their instrumental or vocal technique while expanding their stylistic vocabulary and expressive range. Attention will also be given to performance health, stamina, and managing the physical and mental demands of live work. With technology playing an increasing role in modern performance, students will also explore the use of music tech to enhance both solo and ensemble performances.

By the end of the module, students will demonstrate a confident, well-rounded performance approach that reflects both technical control and artistic intent, informed by their personal influences and genre specialisms.

Creative Portfolio

This module supports students in developing a professional creative portfolio aligned with their personal artistic goals. The portfolio may centre around a product, service, platform, or creative brand and will serve as a promotional tool to demonstrate readiness for industry or further study.

Students will research their area of interest, explore current market trends, and design a professional package that reflects their skills and ambitions. Projects may include launching a record label, showcasing a music tech concept, curating a body of original work, or developing a business plan for a music service.

Throughout the process, students will be encouraged to engage with industry professionals, gaining feedback and making valuable connections. The final portfolio will be presented to an industry panel, providing a unique opportunity to receive real-world input and strengthen links with potential collaborators or employers.

Creative Research Project

This module provides an opportunity for students to undertake a substantial research project based on a Pearson-set theme. Each student will select a topic relevant to their specialist area, allowing them to explore an issue or question that reflects their own interests and aspirations within the music sector.

The project will introduce students to key research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methods, critical thinking, and academic writing. Students will be encouraged to take a creative approach to their research, integrating practical elements or case studies where appropriate.

By the end of the module, students will have completed a mini-dissertation or equivalent research project that demonstrates academic rigour, critical engagement, and a deeper understanding of a current issue in the music industry. This will also support progression to further study, including degree-level courses.

Developing as an Artist

Today’s artists must combine creativity with business acumen to thrive in a fast-moving and competitive industry. This module explores the dual identity of the artist: as a creative performer and as a brand or business entity.

Students will examine the key roles and networks within the industry, learning how to navigate professional relationships and make effective connections. Topics include image development, audience targeting, brand positioning, social media strategy, and the realities of earning a living from music.

Alongside industry research, students will reflect on their own artistic identity, values, and ambitions. The module culminates in the creation of a full artist portfolio, ready for presentation to labels, agents, or other industry stakeholders.

Live Arrangement Skills

With live music continuing to play a vital role in the industry, artists and musicians must know how to adapt studio material for performance. This module focuses on the creative and technical skills required to produce convincing live arrangements that retain the essence of recorded work while bringing it to life on stage.

Students will explore arranging techniques for various ensemble types, studying pre-existing live arrangements and creating their own for group performance. Attention will be given to musical structure, instrumental balance, dynamic planning, and how to maintain energy and audience engagement throughout a set.

By the end of the module, students will have created and performed original live arrangements suitable for a range of contemporary settings, demonstrating both musicality and practical understanding of live performance demands.

Musical Direction in Practice

Effective musical direction is crucial in live and studio settings, whether leading a group, shaping arrangements, or responding to real-time changes during performance. This module introduces the principles and techniques of musical direction, both as a leader and as a responsive ensemble member.

Students will examine different contexts in which musical direction occurs, from band rehearsals to live gigs and studio sessions. They will develop skills in verbal and non-verbal communication, score preparation, cueing, dynamics control, and rehearsal strategy. Critical listening and reflective practice are key components of the module.

By the end of the module, students will be able to confidently lead and contribute to rehearsals and performances, applying musical direction skills to enhance ensemble cohesion and artistic delivery.