Course Content
The Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners (Technology pathway) will equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding for entry to employment in the music industry. Students will study units that total 90 credits.
The course includes two core units that all students will complete.
- Major Project 1 – Live Sound Recording & Sound Reinforcement (30 credits): Students will be expected to set up mics and record 8 tracks during a live performance through DAW software. This may include setting up mics for a drum kit, electric guitar, bass guitar and voice.
- Planning a Career in Music (15 credits)
Students will then study additional units. These can be tailored to the interest and strengths of the learners. Units that previous students have opted to undertake include:
- Composing for interactive media/tv/film/adverts (15 credits)
- Music events management (15 credits)
- Live music performance (15 credits)
All students will be trained to use Cubase or Ableton and should be able to competently record performances via our control room. Students also have the opportunity to record/compose on this industry standard software.
The course also provides opportunities for students to play a leading role in school performances and developing skills using radio mics.
The course is designed to provide students with a grasp of the industry and develop relevant skills for the workplace.
Further information about which units can be studied can be found here
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences | Written exam | 2h 15m | 35% |
| 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth | Written exam | 2h 30m | 35% |
| 3: Cross-Media Production | Written exam | N/A | 30% |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 388: Live Sound and Recording Planning
Core Knowledge
- Plan recording of live music using professional documentation including input lists, stage plans, and signal flow diagrams.
- Identify and mitigate health and safety risks, manage logistics and timing.
- Understand the function and purpose of live sound systems in different venue types.
Core Skills
- Operate basic and intermediate PA systems.
- Demonstrate technical setup skills including mic placement, cabling, and monitoring.
- Interpret live sound plans and adapt under pressure.
Assessment
- Initial written planning document and mock setup observation
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 388: Live Setup and Recording Practice
Core Knowledge
- Practise and refine sound engineering setups using different scenarios.
- Understand microphone polar patterns and their application.
- Build familiarity with dynamic, condenser, and DI inputs.
- Apply EQ and gain structure knowledge to improve sound clarity.
Core Skills
- Troubleshoot signal flow issues.
- Work collaboratively in team roles (FOH engineer, monitor engineer, stage crew).
- Use DAWs to organise multitrack recordings and edit for clarity.
Assessment
- Mock recording and team evaluation journal
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 388: Final Recording and Evaluation
Core Knowledge
- Analyse results from test recordings and refine live mic’ing for clarity and balance.
- Mix down recordings using DAW with basic mastering chain (EQ, compression, reverb).
- Understand stereo imaging and its role in recorded media.
Core Skills
- Produce a final balanced stereo mix.
- Write a reflective report on mic choice, positioning, and signal routing.
- Respond to technical feedback in writing and mix amendments.
Assessment
- Final stereo mixdown and written evaluation
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 359: Live Performance Planning
Core Knowledge
- Investigate live music performance types and contexts.
- Develop musical identity and genre-appropriate presentation.
- Understand repertoire selection principles including difficulty, pacing, and audience.
Core Skills
- Design a rehearsal schedule.
- Plan logistics including technical requirements, stage layout and transitions.
- Present performance ideas to peers for critique.
Assessment
- Initial performance plan and rehearsal log
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 359: Performance and Review
Core Knowledge
- Evaluate live performance using professional frameworks.
- Understand how to reflect critically on feedback and analyse performance impact.
- Link rehearsal and technical planning to performance outcome.
Core Skills
- Perform confidently in a live setting with appropriate stylistic character.
- Document improvement areas and set forward targets.
Assessment
- Live performance (video recorded)
- Reflective evaluation of performance choices
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 308: Composing for Interactive Media
Core Knowledge
- Explore how music enhances visual media (e.g., pacing, tension, emotion).
- Analyse game and film scores to identify scoring strategies (leitmotif, ambient beds, hit points).
Core Skills
- Use DAWs to sync music to visuals.
- Create and manipulate MIDI, audio layers and transitions.
- Use automation and tempo mapping in a DAW.
Assessment
- Submit two contrasting compositions with annotations
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 388: Sound Reinforcement Recap
Core Knowledge
- Extend application of live sound reinforcement knowledge in complex venue types.
- Refine input/output management and apply technical planning to real-world scenarios.
- Understand licensing, insurance, and legal responsibilities of event production.
Core Skills
- Lead a live setup with focus on efficiency and safety.
- Adjust mic technique and EQ based on space and instrument.
- Demonstrate professional communication with a technical team.
Assessment
- Mock plan and dry-run setup observation
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 388: Mock Practical Brief
Core Knowledge
- Interpret and respond to externally set practical briefs.
- Apply theory and planning documents to time-constrained recording conditions.
- Understand priorities when compromises are necessary in live environments.
Core Skills
- Manage time-sensitive audio tasks under pressure.
- Use initiative and technical expertise to problem-solve during setup.
- Document decisions clearly and concisely for assessment.
Assessment
- Mock exam setup and recording with peer/team review
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 388: Final Submission
Core Knowledge
- Deliver a final recording using a full multitrack rig.
- Apply mix decisions to enhance clarity, style, and genre authenticity.
- Finalise documentation with evaluation based on audience, purpose, and outcome.
Core Skills
- Execute high-quality live audio capture and stereo mixdown.
- Present technical reflections with insight into growth and workflow.
- Defend choices with reference to planning and rehearsal outcomes.
Assessment
- Final practical recording and written evaluation
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 359: Performance Setup and Rehearsal
Core Knowledge
- Refine musical identity with advanced understanding of genre/audience expectations.
- Tailor repertoire and performance techniques to specific event contexts.
- Plan independently for live delivery, managing all technical and creative aspects.
Core Skills
- Conduct independent rehearsals with self-critique.
- Adjust performance plan in response to rehearsal results.
- Liaise with staff and venues professionally.
Assessment
- Technical rider and staging plan submission
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Unit 359: Final Performance and Evaluation
Core Knowledge
- Demonstrate final public performance to a standard suitable for entry to industry or higher study.
- Evaluate critically using external feedback and own long-term learning goals.
Core Skills
- Sustain character, timing, and ensemble across a live set.
- Maintain performance energy and audience engagement.
- Document strengths, challenges, and next steps with clarity.
Assessment
- Final live performance and video submission
- Written self-review
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Optional Skills Catch-up or Creative Project
Core Knowledge
- Optional enrichment: revisit units, extend projects, or undertake an independent music brief.
- Choose a specialism (composition, live sound, performance, production) and create a mini portfolio.
Core Skills
- Use initiative to design and deliver a creative project.
- Manage time and resource independently.
- Apply prior feedback to refine skills.
Assessment
- Mini portfolio project or skills log
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: RSL
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
Career Opportunities