Level 3 Diploma in Music Performing and Production 2025-26

The Level 3 programme is designed to help you extend your understanding of music performance and production developing your practical skills and theoretical knowledge as a musician or a production specialist. You will explore a range of techniques to enable you to complete projects across the year, both onsite and at external venues.
Learners have the opportunity to perform onboard the ferry to Holland, participate in the annual Community Pantomime as part of the pit band; promote, rig, operate and perform at gigs working for commissions with external clients. If you are passionate about working in the Arts, then this is the programme for you!

The programme is 'learner responsive' which means we build projects around the learners who have chosen this programme of study. Typically projects include performance and production, composition, specialist study and a final project where you take the lead.
You will be given guidance over the development of projects, which help you to develop independence. You will also participate in annual events, stage major music productions and have the opportunity to see professional performances at external venues and experience a different culture on a trip to Holland!

• Choreographer
• Cruise Ship Entertainer
• Dancer
• Education and Coaching
• Director
• Events Manager
• Musician / Singer
• Producer
• Sound Technician

... and so much more!

Students achieving a Merit at Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production, can progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production. Progression following the Extended Diploma is onto a BA (Hons) programme in Music Performance or Music Production, into employment as a Performer or Production specialist, either working for an employer or as a freelance artist.

Five 9-4 grade GCSEs (including Maths and English) a keen interest in music performance / production and the ability to demonstrate a confident level of playing or operating sound production equipment.
Alternatively a merit or distinction at L2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production, along with maths and English grades 4 or above.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

There are 7 formative units delivered in 4 projects. These are graded as Pass / Fail and each unit must be passed to progress to the final project. The work you complete for the final project is graded as 'Pass' / Merit / Distinction'. The course is assessed internally by an Assessor, before being Internally and Externally Verified to check the marking is consistent. Assessment includes live performance, written submissions, viva voce (interview to camera), photographic evidence, sound track or digital music upload, with learners producing digital portfolios.

September 2025

The Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production is a one year programme, with the Extended Diploma in year two; you will study across four days each week.

This full time study programme course may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.