Popular Music Performance- Diploma in Higher Education

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.

Two Year Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE)- Popular Performance Music

The Two Year Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) consists of the first two years of the BMus programme, and is also validated and awarded by Thames Valley University.

The DipHE remains a popular choice for musicians wanting professional vocational training but who may not want to dedicate three years to their study.

This course is also ideal for those who wish to enter higher education but do not possess all the necessary qualifications to start at degree level.

You will still learn to play to a professional standard and will be capable of dealing with most live and studio situations. At the same time, you will develop arranging, programming, and composition skills.

Providing you pass the first two years of study, you may decide to complete the third year of the degree. This will perfect your playing and technical skills, refine your arranging and composition abilities and give you a broad knowledge of the music business.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally have:

• 80 points at ‘A’ Level (must include 1 completed ‘A’ Level), or equivalent (for the DipHE)

or

• The One Year Drumtech OTC/OCN Diploma in Popular Music Performance

and

• Five GCSEs grades A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent
• Drum performance at Grade 8 standard*
• Sight Reading at Grade 6 standard*
• Music Theory at Grade 6 standard*
• Music Aural at Grade 6 standard*

* These are guidelines only - applicants are expected to be at this standard, but are not required to have passed the exams.

Please note that mature students (over 21) will be considered on an individual basis. Because of the specialised nature of the programmes, it is essential that a high level of competence and experience in pop music performance is demonstrated at audition. Applicants with a background in classical music but little experience in pop styles may not be considered appropriate. We accept applications directly to Vocaltech or prospective students may also apply through UCAS.

A member of the admissions team will contact you to schedule a practical audition.

Funding

The DipHE is designated for mandatory funding. You may be eligible for a grant for your course fees (unless you have received an educational grant before or you are not a EU citizen) and will be able to apply for a maintenance grant and a student loan. You should contact your Local Educational Department’s ‘Students Awards Section’ for further details.

If you are not eligible for a mandatory award, you may apply for a Career Development Loan from the Department of Education and Employment through Barclays, the Co-Operative Bank or the Bank of Scotland. Another alternative is to look for a grant-making trust which may contribute towards course fees. Your local library will have details of such charitable institutions.

EU 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