HNC Music Performance
Course Overview
The HNC in Music Performance is designed for musicians, vocalists, songwriters and creative performers who want to develop the artistic, technical and professional skills required for a successful career in the music industry.
The HNC provides a clear progression route into the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music Performance. Following successful completion of the HND, students can progress onto the BA (Hons) Creative Industries Top-Up Degree at Wakefield College, enabling them to achieve a full honours degree while continuing their studies locally.
Throughout the course, you will develop instrumental and vocal performance techniques, improving your musicianship, technical control, performance confidence, stagecraft and versatility as a performer. You will learn how to rehearse effectively, perform both independently and collaboratively, and adapt your skills across a variety of musical genres and live performance contexts. Students will explore audience engagement, rehearsal methodologies, performance preparation and professional performance practice while building the confidence required to perform to industry standards.
Alongside performance development, you will strengthen your songwriting, arrangement and creative development skills, learning how to create and refine original material while developing your own artistic identity. The course also introduces the use of music production technologies to support live performance, including the development of backing tracks, click tracks, cue tracks and professional in-ear monitoring systems using Logic Pro and digital mixing desks.
You will also investigate the cultural, historical, social and technological influences that shape music and the wider creative industries while developing an understanding of branding, promotion and audience engagement. Through practical projects, live performances and portfolio development, you will learn how to market your work, communicate with audiences and operate professionally within the modern music industry.
The programme combines performance, songwriting, music production, marketing and professional development and contextual studies, preparing you for progression into employment, freelance creative practice or higher-level study within the music and creative industries.
What You Will Study
Course Modules
A1: Creative Skills Development Portfolio
This module focuses on the development of the creative, technical and professional skills required to operate as a contemporary musician.
Performance
You will explore:
- Instrumental and vocal performance techniques
- Rehearsal strategies
- Ensemble performance
- Performance preparation
- Stagecraft
- Audience engagement
- Professional performance practice
- Health, safety and wellbeing for performers
Students will develop and perform a 20-minute set of reimagined repertoires, demonstrating creativity, versatility and performance ability.
Songwriting
You will develop:
- Lyric writing
- Melody creation
- Harmony and chord progressions
- Song structure
- Arrangement techniques
- Creative writing processes
- Original song development
Music Production for Performance
You will learn how production techniques support and enhance live performance through:
- DAW production techniques
- Backing track production
- Click track creation
- Cue track programming
- Live show preparation
- In-ear monitoring systems
- Digital mixer routing and setup
Promotion and Marketing
You will explore:
- Artist branding
- Audience development
- Digital marketing
- Social media management
- Content creation
- Event promotion
- Audience engagement strategies
Contextual Studies
You will investigate:·
- Music history
- Genre development
- Cultural influences
- Social influences
- Technological influences
- Contemporary music industry issues
- Copyright, ethics and AI
A2: Creative Performance Project
The A2 project allows you to apply the skills developed throughout A1 within a substantial creative project.
Students will:·
- Develop a professional performance identity
- Refine and expand original songwriting material
- Rehearse and deliver a professional live performance
- Create a portfolio of release-ready demos
- Develop artist branding and promotional campaigns
- Present and evaluate creative work
This project culminates in a professional showcase portfolio and performance that reflects contemporary industry practice.
3 days per week.
Assessment is coursework-based and designed to reflect real music industry practice.
Assessment methods include:·
- Live performances
- Performance portfolios
- Songwriting portfolios
- Rehearsal documentation
- Backing track creation
- Research blogs
- Contextual investigations
- Promotional campaigns
- Presentations
- Reflective journals
- Peer feedback
- Project evaluations
There are no formal written examinations.
Applicants will normally have one of the following:·
- 64 UCAS Tariff Points
- Access to Higher Education Diploma
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, Performing Arts or a related subject
- An equivalent Level 3 qualification
Applicants with relevant experience and non-standard qualifications may be considered following interview and audition.
Upon successful completion of the HNC, students may progress to:·
- HND Music Performance
- Professional performance opportunities
- Session musician work
- Independent artist careers
- Songwriting and composition
- Live events and touring
- Music education and community arts
- Freelance creative practice
The course is very engaging and the tutors are always there for you, encouraging you to achieve your best even when things get tough.
Music