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Why study at Riverside Music College?

On completion of our 2 year Music Performance course our students leave, not only with an HND qualification, but also a high quality portfolio, preparing them for working in a number of industry vocations and gaining a unique insight into modern professional practices. 

Overview

Our HND framework prepares candidates with the necessary knowledge and practical experiences to pursue a career in the music industry, with opportunities to specialise in  particular areas of interest and develop a focused and relevant skill set enabling them to operate as confident industry professionals.

Some examples of career paths our students can focus on include:

  • Studio Session Musician 

  • Online Session Musician

  • Touring Musician

  • Music Tutor (Private, Accredited and Online learning)

  • Musical Director

  • Industry Entrepreneur/ Consultant

Our students and staff are held in high regard by Universities and employers alike and we always aim to deliver the best possible and most relevant learning experience, utilising our state of the art equipment and facilities.

Our 2 year HND Music Performance courses with articulation to years 3 and 4 of BA Popular Music are designed to give our students real-world experiences and develop the necessary skills to pursue a career in their chosen career pathway.



The Performing Musician and Teaching course focuses on developing musicianship, professional practices, applied music theory, instrumental accompaniment, improvisation and music tuition in one of Scotland’s most celebrated music institutions. The combination of practical learning in a real-life commercial working environment provides the ideal surroundings for meaningful academic study.

Our HND in Music Performance is much more than a qualification, we view it as a two year work placement.


Candidates enrolling on this course participate in a range of contemporary and innovative industry events, seminars and workshops throughout the term. You will learn about copyright, management, publishing, recording and live performance contracts and gain knowledge and understanding of collection agencies such as PRS, MCPS, and PPL, who can provide important income streams, allowing you to plan and manage your career.

During your studies you will undertake hands-on learning in our high-tech facilities and have direct access to cutting-edge pre-production/ rehearsal facilities, the latest industry standard equipment and software and commercially successful recording studios.

Our world-class industry lecturing team with vast experience and knowledge of creative processes will offer direction and support making it the perfect course for applicants who are looking to build a successful career. You will also benefit from insight into their experiences and work ethic, helping you to contextualise your learning activities.

Courses at RMC offer applicants opportunities to develop real and tangible high quality professional portfolios, making this course an exciting route to the music industry.

Through the core modules and the course option you have chosen, you can begin working towards a successful and sustainable industry career.

At Riverside Music College, you Choose Your Own Path! The course option you choose will help you to focus your studies and create the career pathway that’s right for you.

Curriculum

HND Year 1 - Course Content

Music Business for Musicians (1 Credit) J01H 34

This unit is designed to give learners the knowledge and skills to recognise the role and function of copyright, contracts and relevant income streams available to musicians and provide an opportunity to prepare for employment. The unit will provide a broad overview of copyright and contracts found in the music industry, as well as the role and function of a number of relevant collection societies. The learners will also gain insight into professional development through the exploration of employment opportunities.

Music First Study: Instrument (3 Credits) J01K 34

This unit is designed to provide the learner with the skills to become technically proficient on their chosen instrument. The unit is aimed at learners who wish to develop on their first study instrument. The unit will develop technical ability through a range of relevant exercises and then through the performance of a range of pieces.

Graded Unit 1 (1 Credit) J0J4 34

This graded unit is designed to provide evidence that the learner has achieved the following principal aims of HNC in Music.

  • an ability to develop underpinning knowledge in music

  • an ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge and skills acquired through study

  • an ability to develop study, organisational and research skills

  • an ability to develop skills in musicality, expression and creativity in performance and stagecraft and/or composition and promote sensitivity in musical presentation

  • an ability to integrate musical skills in a practical or business application

  • an ability to develop competencies in a range of specialised areas in line with preferred career aims

  • to enable progression to further study in music or a related discipline

  • an ability to develop personal skills and follow music industry protocol

    Learners will plan and produce a portfolio of work that could be used to showcase their ability in, for example, a job application or interview situation for either employment or further study. They will also evaluate their effectiveness when planning and producing the portfolio.

Music: Live Performance (2 Credits) J01M 34

This unit is designed to give learners an understanding of the practical aspects of working with other musicians to rehearse and stage a live performance. Learners will develop and evaluate the skills necessary for successful live performance in a professional environment. Learners will undertake a series of rehearsals before performing a set live.

Music Theory (1 Credit) J01L 34

 

This unit is designed to give learners an understanding of the fundamental aspects of music theory and notation. Learners will explore note values, note pitch, key signatures, intervals, time signatures, selected scales, chords and chord progressions. Learners will develop skills in notating key signatures, scales, chords and rhythm. This unit is aimed at learners who wish to develop an understanding of the fundamental aspects of music theory and notation.

Music: Improvisation (1 Credit) J475 35

This unit is designed to develop learners’ knowledge and skills in improvisation. Learners will develop their knowledge through analysing existing improvisations. Learners will then apply this knowledge in the performance of improvisations in two contrasting styles. The unit will be suitable for any learners wishing to develop skills in improvisation and is relevant for those working in a range of genres. As a key musical technique, improvisation can enhance the skillset of anyone wishing to pursue a career or undertake further study within music performance and composition.

Stagecraft for Musicians (1 Credit) J0MP 34

This unit is designed to give learners the opportunity to develop and display skills in stagecraft. Learners will examine components of the presentation of live performances and create a plan for their own performance. Learners will then be given the opportunity to develop their skills in stagecraft by performing live using their planned concept. Learners will then evaluate their live performance in terms of the concept presented.

Instrumental Accompaniment (1 Credit) J0MK 34

This unit is designed to enable learners to understand and demonstrate the skills of instrumental accompaniment. It prepares them for this through studying, rehearsing and performing accompaniment repertoire with a soloist or ensemble leader.

Music: Instrumental Instruction (1 Credit) J0MY 35

This unit is designed to give learners an understanding of the practical aspects associated with instrumental instruction. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the learning process and how to assess progress. An awareness of professional issues and responsibilities related to the teaching situation will be acquired together with the skills necessary for managing effective learning in the context of instrumental tuition. Learners will present their discussion of professional issues before planning and delivering a series of instrumental lessons. This unit is intended for those wishing to work as a music tutor/ educator or planning to undertake further studies.

Digital Audio Workstations (2 Credits) J019 34

This unit is designed to give learners an understanding of recording and manipulating audio and MIDI signals for sound production using digital audio workstations. It is designed to give learners the underpinning knowledge and skills required to use the main functions of a digital audio workstation and to take a sound production project to a conclusion by creating an edited pre-production master incorporating critical listening.

Creative Project (2 Credits) DM0W 34

This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop expertise in the generation, development, completion and presentation of a project to a given brief, for an elected vocational area of the Creative Industries. This project should act as a ‘showcase’ to display skills and knowledge being acquired throughout the group award.

HND Year 2 - Course Content

Music First Study: Instrument (3 Credits) J01R 35

This unit is designed to provide the learner with the skills to develop their technical proficiency on their first study instrument. The unit will begin by developing technical ability through a range of relevant exercises to improve fluency and accuracy. The unit will then give learners the opportunity to implement techniques learned and enhance their performance skills by learning and playing a range of pieces. The learner will reflect on their development through preparing programme notes and evaluating. The unit is aimed at Music students that have a level of proficiency on their instrument.

Music: Graded Unit 2 (2 Credits) J0J5 35

This graded unit is designed to provide evidence that the learner has achieved the following principal aims of the HND Music:

  • an ability to develop breadth and depth of knowledge in music

  • an ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge and skills acquired through study

  • an ability to develop study, organisational and research skills

  • an ability to develop proficiency in musicality, expression and creativity in performance and stagecraft and/or composition and promote sensitivity in musical presentation

  • an ability to integrate musical skills in a practical or business application

  • an ability to develop competencies in a range of specialised areas in line with preferred career aims

  • to enable progression to further study in music or a related discipline

  • an ability to develop personal skills and follow music industry protocol

  • an ability to develop critical analysis; to reflect on own work and continually strive for best practice

  • to enable the adoption of innovative practices and creativity in work and ability to respond quickly to the challenges posed by changes in the music industry

Music: Live Performance (2 Credits) J01N 35

This unit is designed to develop learners’ understanding of the practical aspects of working with other musicians to rehearse and stage a live performance. Learners will develop the skills necessary for a high level of proficiency in live performance. Learners will undertake a series of rehearsals and use evaluation of these rehearsals to improve their set before performing to an audience.

Music: Online Promotion (1 Credit) J01S 35

This unit is designed to enable learners to gain a broad knowledge of methods of delivering and promoting music online and to put this into practice by creating an online presence for a musical project. The unit explores platforms for delivery and promotion of music in relation to recent trends, before giving learners the opportunity to upload audio, video and other promotional content.

Music Theory (1 Credit) J0MX 35

This unit is designed to develop and extend learners’ knowledge and understanding of music theory. The unit is a direct progression from the unit Music Theory (SCQF level 7) and builds on the knowledge of this unit, covering a range of time signatures, scales, modes, key signatures, extended chords and inversions before giving the learner the opportunity to transpose a melody and chord progression. The learner will develop their skills in musical notation while demonstrating that they can notate the given time signatures, scales, modes, key signatures, extended chords and inversions.

Music: Session Skills (1 Credit) J0N1 35

This unit is designed to provide learners with the opportunity to experience and understand the work of the session musician in a variety of contexts. Learners are expected to prepare for sessions, create and perform musically appropriate parts from written, verbal or aural stimuli, working under pressure of time, while maintaining professional standards of conduct and musicianship. This unit is suitable for learners who intend to work freelance in any musical situation as a session musician, as well as those wishing to develop their musical skills in a professional environment.

Recording Techniques for Musicians (2 Credits) J0MM 34

This unit is designed to give learners an insight into the multi-track recording process, related terminology, and key factors concerning the recording of music. It will give learners knowledge of the technical elements of a multi-track session and the opportunity to gain practical experience in recording and mixing music. Learners will use knowledge gained in capturing sound, the signal path and multi-track systems to plan a multi-track session. Learners will then contribute to the recording of a piece of music and create a stereo mix- down of the work.

Music Business: Professional Development Project (3 Credits) J015 35

This unit is designed to develop learners’ skills in planning, developing and implementing a music business project. The learners will develop skills in creating a brief, marketing strategy and planning before developing this brief and seeing it through to completion. There will be opportunities for learners to draw on knowledge of marketing and promotion of music as well as relevant business skills in the development of a substantial project.

Fees & Funding

Riverside offers flexible payment options for students wishing to pay fees via our SAAS and non-SAAS funded instalment plans. Eligible students can also apply for living cost support via SAAS, who have a combination of loans, grants and bursaries available. Student loans of up to £6,750.00 and bursaries of £2,000.00 are available depending on individual circumstances. For further details please check the SAAS website. Read More

Entry Requirements & Duration

Practical applications of the Performance course will allow candidates to build their musical skills in group situations, develop a professional stage presence and learn about the practical aspects of performing. Our Performance students also have the opportunity to further develop their playing technique through individual study and one to one sessions with our experienced tutors.

Entry Requirements

Minimum of One Higher (Band C or above, music is highly desirable) or equivalent plus passes in at least 2 other subjects at NAT 5 or equivalent. Students must demonstrate ability on at least 1 instrument, or voice.

Don't meet the entry requirements? No problem, check out our Access to HND courses!

Duration

2 Years (HNC can be obtained after 1 academic year) August - June (full time)

RMCplus+, our Extracurricular Project Development Programme, is a unique opportunity for our students to build a working CV and high quality practical portfolio, preparing them to confidently take the next steps in their chosen career or further studies.

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Success Stories “Nothing can prepare you for the industry apart from gaining experience from someone who's already been there and done it”

Other Courses We Offer

HND Music Performance - Composition, Songwriting & Production

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HND Sound Production - Multimedia Audio Production

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HND Sound Production - Audio Engineering


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BSc Audio Engineering - In partnership with Perth UHI

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