Musicians
Up to £55,516 /year
Musicians write, arrange, orchestrate, conduct and perform musical compositions.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 ideally including English and Maths.
- An audition — you’ll need existing skill on your chosen instrument or voice
- A genuine passion for playing live and being in a band
- Successful interview with our team alongside your audition
If you haven't yet achieved Grade 4 in Maths or English, you'll keep working towards them alongside your course, built into your timetable.
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What You'll Learn
Rehearse. Write. Play Live.
This is a practical, gig-led course for musicians who want real experience playing live and working as part of a band. You’ll learn how to rehearse effectively as a group, write and arrange your own music, and deliver engaging live sets. You’ll get to grips with the different roles in a live music setting, and how a band actually works together to put on a show.
Alongside the playing, you’ll build the professional skills behind it: researching musical styles, artists and live performance techniques, and planning rehearsals, setlists and performances. It takes real effort to sharpen your craft, but by the end of the year you’ll have stage presence, band and teamwork skills, and the confidence to make your music heard.
What You'll Learn
- How to rehearse and perform as a band
- Writing and arranging your own music
- Understanding roles in live music settings
- Analysing different musical styles
- Improving your skills through reflection
- Researching artists, genres and live performances to inform your work
- Planning rehearsals, setlists and live performances effectively
What You'll Gain
- Confidence performing at live gigs
- Strong band and teamwork skills
- Stage presence and audience engagement
- Planning and preparation for live events
- Communication and collaboration skills
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Portfolio
Build a portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements throughout the course.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
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Your Progression Pathway
- GCSEs or Level 1
- Level 2 UAL Level 2 Developing Band Skills and Live Gigs – Music Performance & Production Diploma
- Level 3
- University or Work in the Industry
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Your Rehearsal Studio, Your Stage
Most of your time is spent playing, rehearsing and performing, not sat in a classroom. The rehearsal studios become your home.
Excellent rehearsal studios
proper spaces to rehearse, jam, and develop your sound as a band.
The Café Indie performance link
a real venue connection where you get to play live to an audience.
Real gigs and performances
take part in live gigs that show you what it's really like to perform and connect with a crowd.
Expert-led tuition
learn from tutors with real industry experience, in a college that isn't like school.
Rehearsal Studios · Café Indie Venue Link · Real Live Gigs
Student Voice
“
Recording our first single was and a great opportunity. It was professionally mixed and mastered. It has been huge for us, a massive jump in our careers. Poet’s Corner is us now and we want to continue. The only way to go is up. We are doing something people only dream of doing. If it were not for the College, we would not have met, and we would not be where we are today.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
GCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
Learn moreMore than a Hobby
This is a practical course. There's real theory and real craft to learn, and students have to work to earn the qualification. It's about turning a genuine interest into a real skill set that hones their craft and gives them great work-ready transferable skills.
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 2
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
UAL
Location
North Lindsey College
Entry
Audition — existing musical skill on your instrument or voice
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Portfolio
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: L2 Diploma Developing Band Skills and Live Gigs → L3 Diploma Developing Band Skills and Live Gigs → L3 Extended Diploma Developing Band Skills and Live Gigs → University (UCAS points), auditions, or performing/working in music
Ready to Play Live?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 01724 281 111 or email customer.services.team@dncolleges.ac.uk