HNC Music

Level

HNC

Entry Requirements

School leavers must have at least two Highers at C level or better, one of which being Higher Music.  Entry is by interview and recorded/live audition. 

If an applicant wishes to submit a recorded audition, it should be on a high quality digital format and be approximately six minutes long with two contrasting pieces (or sets of tunes) on what will be their primary instrument.  The student may choose to submit another three minute selection on their secondary instrument. 

 

Duration and Mode

1 Year Full-Time

Description

Located at out Benbecula Campus, this is a practical course for students who are not new to their instruments and who want to improve their musicality and creativity.  Although the emphasis is placed on traditional music, the course is suitable for popular and contemporary musicians as well.  Additional Gaelic language units are also available.

The course is taught over three days per week (15 hours of class time). Like the FE Course, it benefits from the outstanding teaching staff of the College, who are complemented by occasional guest lecturers from away. The focus of the programme is upon performance and arranging, with gigs locally and further a field and the recording of a high-quality demo CD. This course is an ideal option for someone looking for a stepping-stone before studying music at degree level, or simply a musician wishing to spend a year focusing on improving and developing his or her skills.

Although the HNC is not specifically a Gaelic course, students wishing to pursue Gaelic language studies may do so by infilling into the Diploma classes.

Course Features

• Increase skills and knowledge in traditional music performance, practice, history and theory.
• Prepare students for successfully working in the creative industries.
• Provide quality training in digital music recording and production (including the Pro Tools 101 training programme).
• A solid preparation that can be useful for vocational development or continuing on to further Higher Education courses (e.g. HND or Degree)
• Three hours of dedicated studio time per week.
  

Access and Making an Application
All students should be at least at an intermediate level in their primary instrument, or voice. Applicants should have two passes at Higher or above, OR an appropriate set of National Units OR an equivalent qualification. Mature students without the above but with relevant experience may also be considered. Entrance is by interview and recorded audition (6-8 minutes, showing a diversity of tune or song types, keys and technique).

Applications may be made electronically via the UCAS website at www.ucas.com. Paper applications may also be submitted and may be requested through the college secretary. To guarantee consideration, applicants are advised to have their applications in before the end of April.

Staff at the Benbecula Campus

Course Code: U103W

Progression

For students interested in pursuing further courses in traditional music, there are Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) focusing on this subject at North Highland College (Alness campus) and at Perth College. Perth College also offers a degree course in Music with traditional music options. The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama offers a 4 year degree in traditional music. The 3-year Bachelors Degree in Applied Music at Strathclyde University has also produced some excellent traditional musicians. Beginning in 2006-07, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, in Skye, has begun to run a BA in Traditional Music and Gaelic.

Campus

Benbecula