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Specialist music course for modern musicians

Join the thousands of students that have studied music with the Academy of Music & Sound over the last 25 years. Our city centre facilities in Edinburgh and Glasgow boast teaching rooms, rehearsal rooms, Mac suites, recording studios and a team of professional music tutors.

Learn from the pros

All our tutors and staff are working in music, and our courses are both delivered by and written by musicians. With that comes a great community, common goals and an immediate industry focus that you won’t get at your run of the mill college.

If you’re serious about your music, and want to take your creativity to the next level whilst studying an accredited undergraduate pathway then the HNC in Music could be for you.

Alumni

Many of our past students are now working in music, check out our alumni page to find out more.

Fully accredited and internationally recognised

Accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), it is written in partnership with education professionals and industry experts, reflecting the current music industry and allows for further progression onto higher levels of study, expanding career opportunities and personal development.

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GUITAR DRUMS BASS
  • Undertake a key role in a band
  • Engage in a recorded music performance
  • Gain experience as a session musician
SINGER-SONGWRITER
  • Compose and perform your own music
  • Collaborate with others to create original music
  • Develop and refine your lyric writing skills
VOCALS
  • Undertake a key vocals role in a band
  • Engage in a recorded music performance
  • Gain experience as a session musician
Course Details

Course

  • Pathway-specific tuition with professional musicians
  • Gain a working, comprehensive knowledge of the music industry
  • Perform and organise your own gig in collaboration with other musicians
  • Compose, arrange and record your own music using industry standard software
  • Exclusive access to our Higher Education enrichment programme

HNC and HND Units

Year 1

Music History 1
Creative Industries Infrastructure
Music First Study 1: Instrument
Live Performance Skills
Music: Instrumental Accompaniment (Glasgow)
Songwriting 1
Graded Unit 1: Music
Music Theory 1
Professional Practice
Stagecraft for Musicians
Working in Creative Industries
Music Second Study 1: Composition
Music Sequencing (Edinburgh)

Year 2

Music First Study 2: Instrument
Graded Unit 2: Music
Music Industry Digital Communication
Music: Live Performance Skills 2
Music: Session Skills
Music for the Visual Arts
Music and Image for Video
Music Research Project
Instrumental Instruction: An Introduction
Music Second Study 2: Composition
Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industries

Progression

Many of our students are now working in music, find out more on our alumni page. There are countless career opportunities for musicians including performing, writing and recording music, releasing music on streaming platforms, gaining a social media following, teaching, or indeed a combination of various paths to forge a multi-faceted income base.

You will be able to progress to study a BA (Hons) top-up at Level 6.

During your time with us, besides industry networking, you will have gained transferable skills such as communication, personal development and teamwork

Entry Requirements

Minimum of a Higher Music and Higher English, or an NC in Music or completed a creative industry apprenticeship, plus a successful audition and interview.

Open Events

Find out about our virtual open events HERE

  • Level: 4 & 5
  • Length: 2 year
  • Fees: Partially SAAS Funded
  • Study Locations: Edinburgh • Glasgow

Audition & Interview

Our qualifications require a successful audition and interview to enrol onto a course, but don’t be nervous! The auditions are on a 1-1 basis to assess your future potential to see what you can do, rather than what you can’t. It’s a great chance for you to see the centre, meet our fantastic tutors and ask any questions. You’re coming to us to learn and improve your skills, so we appreciate everyone has their strengths.

*COVID UPDATE* In these uncertain times, our centres are still taking applications and arranging auditions. Auditions are now carried out virtually using a combination of video calls and digital portfolio submission.

Our admissions teams at Edinburgh and Glasgow will be delighted to guide you through the application process.

How To Apply

Application for this course is via the application form below

Apply