Cert HE in Popular Music Practice (Higher Diploma)

Why Choose us?

1. Our unrivalled track record – since 1983 we have trained more successful musicians than any one else in Europe

2. In London, the music capital – where everything takes place. A must for networking and getting into the industry

3. Trained teachers and working professionals – great communicators, great players. Some of the best in the business

4. A resource for the industry – record companies, managers and agents know this is THE place to find new talent

5. Small class sizes and individual attention – we maximize your learning experience. (13 students per class maximum, except in live performance classes. However, the tutor student ratio in those will remain 1:13 maximum)

6. Students from all over the world – Vocals, drums, guitar, bass and keyboards. Great for performing together and networking

7. High quality performance facilities – we use the best gear from the top manufacturers.

8. Master classes by world famous performers – check out some of the great musicians who have and will be visiting us.

9. Our industry and jam nights – plug straight into the London live scene

10. Our credibility your guarantee – our reputation is second to none.

Cert HE in Popular Music Practice (Higher Diploma)

The One Year Full-Time Higher Diploma (Cert HE in Popular Music Practice) is truly a unique and amazing course. It is packed with the same concepts, techniques, theory, musicianship, performance and technology as the One-Year Full-Time Diploma, with a higher level of academic rigour and some great additional features. It is designed to give performers an all-round higher level of musicianship, preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of today’s music industry.

The One-Year Higher Diploma is fully validated by Thames Valley University and is a NQF level 4 award, offering progression onto other higher education courses, including our 2 Year Dip HE and 3 Year Bachelor of Music Degree and our Master Performance Course.
Students are enrolled with both Tech Music Schools and Thames Valley University and have full access to the University’s state of the art facilities. This includes: student services, use of Learning Resource Centre, student union, accommodation, student advice and counselling.

On successful completion of the course students will gain two awards; Drumtech Higher Diploma and a Certificate of Higher Education in Popular Music Practice.

For EU students the course is funded. Students can apply for Student Loans to cover the tuition costs and have access to bursaries (subject to status).

Course Structure
The One-Year Higher Diploma has two intakes: in October and April. The academic year is divided into three ten week terms, each with a break in the middle and at the end.

Hours
On average 16 hrs of teaching per week, as well as practice time, master classes, jam nights and students events.

Entry Requirements

All students are required to attend an assessment to ascertain their instrumental potential. A remote audition is available for overseas students.
The academic requirement is 80 UCAS points (or equivalent) with GCSE English or (equivalent), or a relevant 16-19 specialist diploma.
A candidate would be expected to be at a high performance level, equivalent to that of grade 8 in performance, but not necessarily in all of the broad range of musicianship skills required to attain the grade certificate. Elements such as music theory or reading may be lacking.
Mature students are at pathway leaders’ discretion. In exceptional cases the pathway leader may offer a place to a very talented applicant based upon the audition and interview.

Cost
UK and EU students (home students)
Tuition Fees £3225
Course materials £300
Total £3525

Overseas Students
Tuition Fees £6495
Course materials £300
Total £6795

FUNDING

Home students can apply through their Local Education Authority for Tuition Fee Loans, Higher Education Maintenance Grants and Maintenance Loans.

International students should contact the admissions team for details about course fees.

The Next Step

Assessment

Through our streaming process we are able to accept students of different levels onto these courses. Before enrolling, we ask you to take an assessment with one of our teachers. So what is the assessment? It’s not an audition. It’s not an exam. But it is a great opportunity for you to work with a teacher to help determine where you're at, what works and what doesn't and to get professional advice.

We give you a selection of specific exercises covering:

• Technique
• Stylistic knowledge
• Musicality
• Reading

We ask you to play some of your favourite material. We look at your potential, your experience so far and discuss your goals. We give you professional and detailed feedback, answer your questions related to your music career and suggest a plan of action for the future. After your assessment you can discuss all other issues with a member of the admissions team. We strongly recommend that you take this opportunity to tour our facilities and get the feel of what it's like to study with us.

Once you have been assessed and accepted onto the course, you can enrol and secure your place by sending the completed enrolment form found in the brochure and include your deposit.

International students who are not able to come to the school in person can film their assessment and send it to us on DVD or VHS.