Higher Education is more than just a course…
Higher Education at the Academy of Music and Sound is your stepping stone to a career in the music industry. We understand that musicians need to be highly trained in a range of skills and being top notch on your instrument is just the start! To support our Higher Education students, we have also developed a pioneering enrichment program.
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Courses at AMS
Foundation Degree Music
This course is designed for musicians who want to improve their instrumental skills while working on stagecraft, performance and rehearsal skills. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of musicians developing you communication skills and network of professional contacts. To support your vocational skills, you will also develop entrepreneurial and creative skills, helping you to get your freelance career off the ground.

Music Performance at the Academy of Music & Sound
Foundation Degree Creative Music Production
On this course, aspiring producers will have the opportunity to develop skills to work with artists in the studio or work on your own EDM creations in our iMac suites. If you choose to study as a studio producer, you will work on recording, mixing and mastering. If you choose to study on our EDM pathway, you will develop your skills in live midi implementation and triggering, audio loops and sequencing. In addition to these creative skills, you will also work on entrepreneurial skills and teaching skills, helping you to develop a sustainable freelance career.
HNC & HND Music
In our Scottish centres, you will have the opportunity to study HNC and HND courses. These courses are for musicians who want to develop their instrumental and performance skills while also receiving teaching on a range of skills that the modern musician will need. You will develop teaching, creative, entrepreneurial and analytical skills, readying you for further study or your freelance career.
BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up
Once you have completed your Foundation Degree or HND, you can embark on our BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up in 1 year. Through a variery of exciting projects, you can develop your musicianship, sound recording, composition and songwriting skills. You will have an enormous amount of creative autonomy and freedom to tailor your degree to suit your needs.

Graduate with honours with the Academy of Music and Sound
If you’ve been working in the music industry as a professional, but don’t have a Foundation Degree or HND qualification you may still be able to fast track directly to the BA(hons) Performance Industries Top Up through the process of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) Please contact your local centre for more information.
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Higher Education Enrichment Program
Masterclasses
Our industry led masterclasses will provide you with specific training and connections with top class practitioners. Previous masterclasses have been delivered by Nat Power, Newton Faulkner, PRS for Music, Bumblefoot, Vintage Trouble, Musicians Union, Futureheads and many more!
Industry Mentors
Our industry mentor scheme will connect you with dedicated professionals who will offer help and advice. Your mentors will be available throughout your time on the course and for 6 months after you graduate to really help you get your career off the ground.

Glen Brady (A.K.A DJ Wool): California based music producer and audio engineer. Glen writes and produces music for film & TV and specialises in analogue synth systems, modular synths and drum machines.

Keith Armstrong: A manager and publisher, currently working with Jake Bugg and previously Editors, Karima Francis and Lighthouse Family among many more.

Rick McMurray: Founding member and drummer in Alternative Rock band, Ash. Rick tours the world as a drummer and has extensive experience of the live & recording industry.

Roy Harter: New York based Emmy award-winning composer, sound designer & audio mixer best known for his work in film & TV.

Simon Efemey: A record producer, noted for his work with Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Obituary, The Wonderstuff and Diamond Head among many more!
Tour & Showcase
At the end of your first year on the Foundation Degree in Music Performance, you will be taken on a tour bus to a showcase event within the UK. You will showcase your talents at a gig with students from across the UK. After the gig, you will spend the night on the tour bus as you’re taken home. Music Performance students will be given delegate passes to Liverpool Sound City where you can network with the who’s who of the UK music industry. Creative Music Production students will have the opportunity to attend Sonar in Barcelona.
If you’re interested in any of our Higher Education courses, please contact any of our locations for more information.
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