Music Performance

Why Study This Subject?

Here at Greenhead College, the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance helps you to develop practical and industry skills, improves your music theory, and showcases your creative talents.

It is equivalent to one full A Level and is widely accepted for progression on degree level qualifications in Music. With a 100% pass rate across the College’s vocational courses, an impressive 95% of Music Performance students achieved a Merit, Distinction or Distinction* at the latest Results Day.

As part of the course, you will have the opportunity to perform both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble in a variety of situations. If you enjoy performing and want to focus on the more contemporary / popular side of music and performance – this is the course for you.

Music is at the heart of College life and as a student, you have a huge range of opportunities available to you. You are also encouraged to participate in the Music Enrichment Programme, which includes a variety of musical ensembles and performance opportunities.

You will be joining a vibrant Department, supported by two full time members of experienced staff and a dedicated and specialist music technology technician.

Most importantly, you will meet like-minded and enthusiastic students in an environment where you can continue to study something you’re passionate about. Music at Greenhead has something for everyone – whatever style you enjoy or instrument you play!

Which Music course should I choose?

Topics You Will Cover

This course follows the Pearson specification.

Topics include:

Solo performance
Ensemble performance
Practical musical theory and harmony
Professional practice (preparing for and planning e.g. an event/launch/gig).

The course will particularly appeal to you if you have popular, contemporary musical interests. You will perform in a variety of situations during the course.

Entry Guidelines

You must be a confident performer with a desire to perform in front of others. You must also meet the general College entry requirements. You can study any combination of Music courses at College.

What Our Students Say

“Studying Music at Greenhead was a great decision. I learnt an incredible amount in both Music and Music Technology. There is a fantastic dynamic between staff and students which facilitates everyone becoming their best musical selves. The rich extracurricular aspect of the department also means that anyone with a love for making music can get involved and perform in numerous concerts.”

“I think I really benefitted from how wide-ranging the course at Greenhead is; you get a solid grounding in a lot of music history and theory, but the department also encourages you to combine different disciplines and be inventive with your approaches to them. I think this dual ethos – of providing the opportunity to experiment with a composition, while also offering a technical basis for making that experimentation more fruitful – is what made the course so useful and so enjoyable.”

“The Greenhead music staff and facilities are top notch – there is a great relationship between students and staff that is really encouraging and productive. The opportunity to play or sing in the numerous ensembles and perform in the college concerts is also a great addition.”