Write. Produce. Perform. Build Your Future in Music.
The music industry is constantly changing - and so is the way musicians learn.
At BN1 Arts, our Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry has been designed to reflect the realities of today's music industry, combining hands-on practical training with the creative, technical and professional skills needed to succeed in higher education and the world of music.
Whether your ambition is to perform on stage, produce records, write original music, launch your own artist project or build a career behind the scenes, our industry-led programme gives you the opportunity to develop your talent in a creative, collaborative and inspiring environment.
Over two years, you'll work alongside like-minded musicians, producers and creatives, learning from experienced industry professionals who continue to work across performance, production, songwriting and the wider music industry. Alongside your specialist training, you'll take part in masterclasses, live performances, recording projects and industry experiences that provide genuine professional insight.
Choose your pathway
Everyone studies the same nationally recognised RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry, but you'll choose one of two specialist pathways that matches your interests and career ambitions.
Modern Musician
Develop as a performer, songwriter and creative artist while building the skills needed to succeed in today's music industry. You'll perform regularly, write original music, collaborate with other musicians and develop your own unique artistic identity.
Music Production
Learn the technical and creative skills behind modern music production. Working in professional studio environments, you'll develop expertise in recording, mixing, production, sound design and music technology while creating professional-quality music and audio projects.
Although you'll specialise in your chosen pathway, you'll regularly collaborate with students across the music department, just like professionals do in the real world. Performers and producers work together on recordings, live events and creative projects, giving you valuable experience of how today's music industry operates.
Whichever pathway you choose, you'll develop the technical, creative and professional skills needed to build a successful career in music.

Our curriculum balances technical excellence with creativity, encouraging you to become a confident, adaptable and independent creative professional. You'll develop the skills that universities, conservatoires and employers are looking for, while gaining the experience and resilience needed to thrive in a fast-moving industry.
Successful completion of the course leads to a nationally recognised RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry, equivalent to three A Levels, providing valuable UCAS points and excellent progression opportunities into higher education, specialist music colleges and professional training.
Whether your ambition is to perform on stage, produce tracks, study at university, work in a recording studio or forge your own path in the music industry, BN1 Arts will help you develop the skills, confidence and creative identity to take the next step in your career.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry
2 Years (Full-time)
16.5 hours per week
RSL Awards
Chichester College Group (CCG)
Brighton
English
RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Equivalent to 3 A Levels)
Applicants should have:
- Four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, or
- Three GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including either English or Maths, with the remaining subject to be retaken during the course.
All applicants will also be invited to attend an audition or portfolio interview, giving you the opportunity to showcase your creativity, skills and potential. Successful applicants will be offered a place on the course, although some may be invited back for a second audition or interview.
The course is fully funded for eligible UK students aged 16–19, and EU students with settled or pre-settled status, subject to ESFA funding eligibility criteria.
There are 3 pathways that sit under the Extended Diploma in The Creative Music Industry. You choose which pathway you want to apply for…and we’ll do the rest.

Write. Perform. Collaborate. Build Your Future in Music.
The music industry has evolved - and so has music education.
At BN1 Arts, we've reimagined our Music Performance and Songwriting courses to create Modern Musician: an exciting, industry-led programme that reflects how today's artists create, collaborate and build successful careers.
Gone are the days when musicians simply specialised in one discipline. Today's artists are performers, songwriters, collaborators, creators and entrepreneurs. They write original music, perform live, build audiences, develop their own artistic identity and adapt to an ever-changing industry.
Modern Musician has been designed to prepare you for exactly that.
Over two years, you'll develop the technical, creative and professional skills needed to thrive in the music industry. You'll perform regularly, write original music, collaborate with other musicians, explore different genres, develop your own artistic identity and learn how to turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Rather than separating performers from songwriters, Modern Musician brings them together in a collaborative environment where creativity flourishes. You'll learn from one another, challenge each other creatively and experience the way music is made in the real world.
Throughout the course you'll work with professional musicians and industry tutors, gaining practical experience through rehearsals, live performances, recording projects, artist development and industry-focused workshops. Every project has been designed to build your confidence, expand your creative skills and prepare you for higher education or employment within the creative industries.
Why choose Modern Musician?
Learn the skills that matter
Modern Musician combines practical musicianship with industry knowledge to help you become a confident, adaptable creative professional.
Across the course you'll explore:
You'll also have the opportunity to specialise through optional classes in areas such as instrumental performance or composition, allowing you to tailor your learning while continuing to develop as a well-rounded musician.
Learn by doing
At BN1 Arts, learning is practical, collaborative and industry-led.
You'll spend less time sitting behind a desk and more time rehearsing, performing, recording, creating and developing your craft.
Regular showcases, live performances, recording sessions and industry projects ensure you graduate with genuine experience, a portfolio of original work and the confidence to take your next step.
Where could this course take you?
Modern Musician prepares you for progression into higher education, conservatoires and a wide range of careers within the creative industries, including:
Whether your ambition is to perform on stage, release your own music, study at university or forge your own path in the music industry, Modern Musician gives you the skills, experience and confidence to make it happen.
This isn't just a music course. It's your first step towards a career in music.

Create. Produce. Innovate. Build Your Future in Music.
Music has never been more accessible to create.
Today's producers are shaping the sound of the modern music industry. They write songs, produce records, compose for film and television, engineer live events, create sound for games and digital media, and collaborate with artists across every genre imaginable.
At BN1 Arts, our Music Production course has been designed to prepare you for exactly that.
Over two years, you'll develop the creative, technical and professional skills needed to succeed as a modern music producer. You'll learn to compose, record, produce and mix original music, explore different styles and genres, collaborate with artists, and build a portfolio that showcases your creativity and technical ability.
Working in our professional studios with experienced producers and industry tutors, you'll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software and equipment while developing your own production style and creative identity.
Whether your ambition is to produce chart music, compose for film and television, work in a recording studio, become a live sound engineer or progress to university, this course gives you the knowledge, experience and confidence to take the next step.
Why choose Music Production?
Learn the skills that matter
Music Production combines technical expertise with creativity, helping you become a confident, versatile producer ready for the modern music industry.
Throughout the course you'll explore:
Learn by doing
At BN1 Arts, learning is practical, collaborative and industry-led.
You'll spend less time reading about music production and more time creating it.
From your very first term, you'll be writing, recording, producing and mixing music in our studios while responding to creative briefs, collaborating with musicians and developing your own unique production style.
You'll also gain practical experience through live sound projects, recording sessions, DJ workshops and industry-inspired assignments that reflect the way professional producers work today.
Every project is designed to build your confidence, strengthen your technical skills and prepare you for higher education or a career in the creative industries.
Where could this course take you?
Music Production prepares you for progression into higher education and a wide range of careers across the music and creative industries, including:
Whether your ambition is to produce artists, compose for media, engineer live events or launch your own creative career, Music Production gives you the skills, experience and confidence to make it happen.
This isn't just a production course. It's your first step towards a career in music.
Why not come along to one of our Open Days to find out more, meet your tutors and tour the building and facilities?
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