The RSL Level 3 Creative Music Industry course has a strong focus on solo and ensemble performance. You’ll regularly work in bands to compose and perform original tracks from scratch in a variety of styles, from 50s Rock 'n' Roll to 70s Disco.

You’ll also explore:

• Stagecraft and what makes a performance successful
• How to rehearse effectively as a band
• Performing professional-sounding covers in genres like Britpop and Synthpo

As well as performance, you will develop a portfolio of songwriting and explore how to successfully market yourself as a musician using social media.

You will get to review concerts, interview current working professionals in the industry, learn about the world of Live Streaming and also prepare for employment within the Music Industry.

There are no formal exams on this course, but you are assessed on everything that you do from written research to rehearsal and performances.

There are no formal written exams on this programme. Instead, you’re assessed through a mix of research tasks, rehearsals, and live performances.

Year 12 Modules include:

• CMI303 – Performing Music Live
• CMI340SU – Composing Music Styles
• CMI372 – Music in Context
• CMI376 – Music Instrument Development

Year 13 Modules:

• CMI352SU Live Streaming
• CMI318SU Performing as a Featured Musician
• CMI321 Performing as a Session Musician

Studying the Extended Certificate in the Creative Music Industry can lead you into an exciting and creative career in the music and media industries. The skills that you will develop are essential for working as a Performer, Composer or Management, in a recording studio, in Radio and in theatres and live music venues. There is a wide range of vocational and Higher Education courses available in this subject area.

Students can also go onto study such subjects as as Music Journalism, Music Business, Songwriting and Popular Music Performance.

Creative industries are constantly evolving. Building a "multi-discipline" skill set is more important than ever for success in the Music and Media industries. Students studying creative subjects such as Music and Media will learn a range of vital skills such as composing music, sound design, creating video content, sound recording and timeline-based editing in software. 

Most importantly, the ability to collaborate with others is something that the industry demands. Students that have studied a range of creative skills and worked on multi-disciplinary projects are far more employable. You will be able to create a "portfolio career" moving confidently between different projects and working for different employers or undertaking different roles in larger companies such as the BBC, TV production and Computer Game companies.

This course is awarded by RSL (RSL Awards), a leading international organisation known for creating industry-relevant qualifications in music and the creative arts. RSL specialises in contemporary, practical courses that reflect real-world careers in the modern music industry.

To join the Level 3 RSL Creative Music Industry course, you’ll need:

• At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above
• A minimum of Grade 3–5 ABRSM (or equivalent) in Music
• At least a grade 4 in either English Language or Maths

There is no formal audition or prerequisite before starting the course. However, you should:

• Have a strong interest in a range of musical styles
• Be ready to demonstrate your performance ability to a proficient level within the first week of the course

This helps ensure you're well prepared to take part in the practical, performance-based nature of the course.

This course is worth 1 A-Level equivalent and will be studied alongside 2 or 3 other subjects. 

It is a common option to combine this course with either the A-Level Music or the BTEC Music Production course.

There is a range of enrichment available within the department, including:

• Trip to the British Music Experience in Liverpool.
• Visits to universities, including Huddersfield, Salford, BIMM, Spirit Studios, University of Lancashire, etc.
• Annual Creative Music Industry Careers Panel
• Guest lectures from Water Bear and Spirit Studios, etc.
• Assessed performances at external venues, including The Ferret in Preston
• Numerous performance opportunities throughout the two years, including End of Year Art Show, Leavers' Celebration, Taster Days, Freshers' Fair, etc.
• Opportunity to "top-up" to the Subsidiary Diploma in Year 13.

It is a common option to combine this course with either the A-Level Music or the BTEC Music Production course. Media, Business, Psychology and Musical Theatre are also commonly studied subject alongside.