Music Performance & Production – Level 3

Course Type
School Leavers
Subject Area
Music, Music & Musical Theatre
Location
Strode College
Start date
02/09/2026

Course Overview

This course will take place at Strode College. To find out more about Strode College, please click here.

Strodelive is a brand where we work together as a production team. We write, perform, record and promote music in any genre or style. Students are encouraged to follow a pathway that leads to their desired industry career, whilst keeping a broadness to the studies that encompasses a portfolio creative career. The soft and hard skills of this course are robustly developed and widely transferable. There are many creative work experience opportunities available in the South West and we constantly strive to make new connections and collaborations possible for our students.

Students will generally work towards making an EP or album in year two, either as a solo or collaborative project or both. They will market this with online materials and videos and event manage concerts to promote its release. Students take up a range of primary roles ranging from Performer, Producer, Marketing Manager, Events Manager, etc. or any combination to support the team and manage the projects.

Each year, we release a full digital (and occasional physical) compilation of student work which we celebrate by releasing it live in multiple venues in the local area. Students are also encouraged to make their own complete indie releases.

Topics may include:

  • Live sound
  • Music creation
  • Music marketing
  • Career development
  • Development of the music industry
  • Studio techniques
  • Personal projects
  • Collaborative projects and event management.

Assessment Methods

You will study a combination of practical and theory subjects. Your progress is assessed through a range of assignments and assessments. These are set and marked internally by college staff and then validated by an external moderator.

You will also be expected to undertake work experience in a relevant industry placement or experience set up by the course.

Progression Options

On successful completion of this course, you could start an exciting career in the music or wider creative industries. Many students go on to study this as a vocational degree course.

Alternatively, there are creative apprenticeships or opportunities to begin freelance work. The South West has a vibrant freelance creative community.

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSEs at 4 or above.

Entry is subject to a successful interview and hearing you play an instrument or demonstrate some production skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.