Music Performance Higher National Diploma - HND

In Partnership with – Connected Campus

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.

The BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music Performance builds on the skills and knowledge developed at HNC level, providing students with advanced practical, technical, and professional training to become confident and versatile performers.