- Code: MK (Year One); ML (Year Two)
- Certification:
BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (Performance) Level 6+ equivalence on the NFQ after year 1 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Performance) Level 6+ equivalence on the NFQ after year 2 (603/2274/3) - Duration: One or Two Years (option of second year to achieve a Higher National Diploma)
Description
The BTEC in Music Performance is an exciting course which will develop your knowledge, understanding, skills and performance techniques as a musician for successful employment in the music industry or progression to further study. Both theoretical and practical musicianship skills are covered, combined with performance opportunities, event management, music technology and recording. In addition, students will get a broad insight into the music business from lecturers who are experienced musicians and industry practitioners. If you want the foundations for launching your solo career, this is the course for you.
- Programme of Study
-
HNC - Year One
- The Music Industry
- Marketing & Promotion for Musicians
- Professional Development
- Applied Music Theory
- Performance
- Instrumental Technique
- Songwriting
- The Evolution of the Instrument
HND - Year Two- Creative Research Project
- Musical Direction in Practice
- Advanced Performance Skills
- Live Arrangement Skills
- Advanced Composition Techniques
- Advanced Sound Engineering
- Composing To A Brief
- Live Mixing
Components subject to change - Entry Requirements
-
One of the following:
- Leaving Certificate or its equivalent with a performing ability on guitar, violin, piano/ keyboard or singing. Ability to read music notation an advantage.
- Mature Applicants – experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications
Places are offered following successful interview and audition. Students should come prepared to play or sing 2 contrasting pieces with or without accompaniment. Video evidence will also be accepted in addition to the above.
- Career Opportunities
-
- Live Events
- Promotion
- Community Arts
- Music Business
- Music Performance
- Cultural Venue Operations
- Music Therapy
- Higher Education Progression*
-
Examples of potential courses include:
BIMM Dublin certified by TU Dublin:
- BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music (TU961)
DCU Dublin City University:
- BA (Hons) in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance (DC014)
TCD Trinity College Dublin:
- Bachelor of Music (BMus) (TR002)
- Bachelor of Music Education (BMusEd) (TR009)
MTU Munster Technological University (Cork School of Music Campus):
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Popular Music: Electrical Guitar (MT931)
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Popular Music: Electrical Bass (MT932)
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Popular Music: Keyboards (MT933)
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Popular Music: Voice (MT935)
DkIT Dundalk Institute of Technology:
- BA in Musical Theatre (DK771)
Maynooth University:
- Bachelor of Arts (Music) (MH101)
Plus numerous colleges in the UK offering degrees in rock, popular music and classical. You could even go to Nottingham Trent University and acquire a degree in Heavy Metal Music Performance
*Places are not guaranteed in these Institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie and www.ucas.com
- BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music (TU961)
- Course Co-Ordinator
-
Philip Dobie
- Where are they now?
-
"I attended first and second year of Music Performance at BIFE and I would recommend it to any musician. Throughout the course, I had a great time meeting other musicians and working together to learn and perform. My time in BIFE was the most fun and beneficial academic years of my life. Even though I had no experience in theory, I was able to pick up on it in no time without stress. Through the music course, I was able to get into Commercial Modern Music (guitar stream) in BIMM Dublin." - Jonathan Barker - Music Performance
"I am currently attending the Music Performance course at BIFE which so far has been a great experience for me. Along with the recording facilities in BIFE and live performance with fellow classmates, there are also lots of opportunities to improve and have fun. Having played music for a long time but never studying music theory, the subjects covered in the first year are perfect to fill in the gaps."
- Ben Downes – Music Performance
"I completed the HND in Music Performance in BIFE. The course has definitely made me a better musician and musical director. It has made me feel more confident in jamming with other musicians and has made me a way better performer, arranger, and composer. It has given me a better scope of the music industry as a whole and provided me with a clear vision of how to market my music efficiently. Before this course I had no previous music theory knowledge, no previous DAW experience, and a very, very basic understanding of live sound. Now I'm competent in music theory; I can read and write sheet music, which is hugely beneficial for not only learning songs but composing music too. I'm currently co-producing and co-mixing an album for my band DOGPOND, and I'm also helping to produce works for other up and coming artists at the moment, something which I wouldn't have been able to do before this course. I have also done some live sound at festivals since finishing the course. I loved every moment of the course. I made some great friends, and I found all the teachers so down to earth and relatable. I will always look back on my time in BIFE fondly." - Tim Cullen