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Music - Contemporary Music Performance

PLC Post Leaving Cert
PRH

Develop self-expression, musical composition, songwriting, instrumental skills, presentation and live music performance in Contemporary Music.

Award Name BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body Pearson
NFQ Level
Award Name BTEC Higher National Certificate at UK Level 4
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body Pearson
NFQ Level
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
BTEC Higher National Diploma at UK Level 5 Pearson
BTEC Higher National Certificate at UK Level 4 Pearson
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Ballyfermot
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Qualification Letters:
HND/HNC
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

2 years full-time.

Entry Requirements

Standard minimum entry requirements for all courses in BCFE:
• Minimum statutory school leaving age (16+)
• CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 and Level 6 courses for those whose first language is not English.
• Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees. Please refer to Information for international students.
• A PPS number is required for registration. Please refer to How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.
• The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+)

Minimum entry requirements for all level 6 courses
• QQI Level 5 award in a relevant or equivalent
• Leaving Certificate/LCVP with a minimum of two O1/H5 and three O6/H7 grades or equivalent.

What Do You Need To Apply?
In addition to the Entry Requirements, applicants will also be required to complete an audition and supply a demo featuring a vocal or instrumental music performance. This recording may be a solo performance or as part of a group.
Year 1 Higher National Certificate
• Suitable BCFE QQI Level 5 awards, with a merit profile, that satisfy the entry requirements are:
o Music Performance (PMCp)
o Sound Production (PMCe)

Year 2 Higher National Diploma
• Students who have successfully completed year 1 and have achieved a Higher National Certificate in Music (General), can progress automatically to year 2.
• Applicants with an equivalent Higher National Certificate and subject to module compatibility may also apply directly to Year 2, Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development).

Careers / Further progression

Progression Opportunities
• Graduates who achieve a Merit/Distinction profile may apply for entry to the BA (Hons) in Media Production Management in BCFE.
• Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities, where graduates gain exemption of one or two years from music degree courses in Ireland, (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
• Graduates may also gain exemption of one or two years from other Music degree courses in the UK.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Commencing September 2024.

• International Applicants
• Mature Students
• VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) funded applicants
• BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) funded applicants

Sources of Funding:
- PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme Refer to www.susi.ie
- VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) Refer to www.gov.ie/vtos
- BTEA (Back to Education Allowance) Refer to www.welfare.ie
- SOLAS Fund for Students with Disabilities Refer to www.solas.ie and guidance notes on www.bcfe.ie

Applications and Admissions Process 2024/25:
All applications to Ballyfermot Campus will be accepted after the 6th November 2023 and the closing date for receipt of applications directly to Ballyfermot Campus is the 27th of September 2024. Applications received after this date will be processed as late applications in accordance with the Admissions Policy of Ballyfermot Campus.

Apply Online (see "Application Weblink").

For further details on admissions:
Tel: (01) 6269421
Email: info@bcfe.cdetb.ie

Why Choose A HND In Contemporary Music Performance?
This course is suitable for aspiring professional musicians who want to learn more about the music industry.

This is an exciting course which will develop your knowledge, understanding, skills and performance techniques as a musician for successful employment in the music industry or progression to further Your lecturers are experienced musicians and industry practitioners who will give you invaluable insights into the music business.

During this course both theoretical and practical musicianship skills are covered. These skills are learned in a working environment where you can develop skills of self-expression, music composition, presentation, and performance.

As an artist you are actively given the freedom to develop and create new music. This is supported by live performances in the college and city centre venues which are an exciting and integral part of the course.

Year 1
• Performance
• Instrumental Technique
• Songwriting
• Applied Music Theory
• The Music Industry
• Marketing and Promotion for Musicians
• Professional Development
• Music Production Fundamentals

End of Year 1 Certification Higher National Certificate in Music (General).

Year 2
• Developing as an Artist
• Advanced Performance Skills
• Creative Portfolio
• Musical Direction in Practice
• Advanced Composing Using Technology
• Live Arrangement Skills
• Creative Research Project

End of Year 2 Certification Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development).

Award Year 1: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (General)

Award Year 2: Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development)

* The Higher National Diploma is recognised by the QQI as being comparable to the Higher Certificate at NFQ Level 6.

Course Facilities
• Fully equipped Rehearsal and Recording Studios
• Professional software includes: Pro-tools, Logic Pro, Ableton and Reaper
• Professional hardware includes: Amplifiers from Orange, Fender, Marshall, AER, Roland, Ampeg and more. Audio interfaces from SSL, Neve and Universal Audio. Drums kits from Gretsch and Pearl
• Professional TV Broadcasting Studio
• Purpose Built Performance Venue
• Professional back line and P.A. Systems
• Multi-Media Computer and Music Production Rooms

Course Features
• International Band and Business Camp in Germany.

Ballyfermot College of Further Education,
Ballyfermot Road,
Ballyfermot,
Dublin 10
Phone: +353-1-6298500
Email: info@bcfe.cdetb.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Ballyfermot
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Qualification Letters:
HND/HNC
Apply to:
Course provider