About The Course

Higher Diploma in Music Compositional Techniques and Performance is practical, hands-on program which provides students with music editing laboratory and live venue-based training, through state-of-the-art facilities and industry-connected instructors who are already in the music industry. Students build on the core skills and knowledge from the first year to the second year and implement knowledge earned on small and large venue projects. This programme focuses on advanced aspects of music theory and compositional techniques. These can be applied practically across all genres to create more sophisticated musical material with a greater degree of complexity. In addition, knowledge of music theory facilitates in-depth communication with other musicians and greatly expands the range of professional opportunities available in the industry. The aim of this programme is to introduce students to advanced aspects of western music theory, wherever possible through practical work. The skills and knowledge covered will provide a basis and point of reference for practical composition work and written contextual work across all other music units. Topics included in this programme cover a range of advanced concepts, including notation, rhythm, melody and harmony, complex multi-part structures and compositional principles. On successful completion of this programme, students will produce three short compositional studies, in which they will apply all of the skills learnt over the course of study. In addition, students will produce visual representations of their studies, identifying key musical characteristics, and assessing their work in the light of common practice and convention through performance practice of their choice of instruments.