Music Higher National Diploma - HND

The main ingredient for success on this course is a deep love of music and a willingness to work hard. You will develop academic, technological, creative and performance skills.

This career-focused course will prepare you for working in the industry by developing professional skills, many of which are transferable to different careers. As well as the technical, performance and production elements you’ll be busy refining your skills across management, marketing, networking, theory and many more.Leading it all is a team of tutors with exceptional experience both as performers and in technical fields including studio construction, production in analogue, virtual and visual environments.

Throughout the course you will study a range of subjects and work on projects covering an eclectic mix of musical styles. You’ll be learning how to deliver consistent freelance work. With this in mind, collaborating with other creative students is essential. You will study a diverse and eclectic mix of musical styles.

Time tailored to developing your own, personal focus is another key component. This could be individual instrumental tuition, session musicianship, studio and facilities management, promotion, live performance, recording techniques or music technology. You will utilise our recently upgraded studio facilities, theatre and computer suites. The College’s new online radio station creates excellent opportunities for technicians and ‘unplugged’ performers.

Hempstead Road Studios, the college's music studios, are open for professional musicians to record, rehearse and create new music in. Our Music students get the opportunity to oversee these sessions and network with those already in the music industry.

Collaboration with students from other creative courses will see you working on multidisciplinary projects to real deadlines. The aim is to see you leave the course self-sufficient and ready for your next step. The College has excellent relationships with venues locally and further afield, which you’ll utilise to host DJ nights, gigs and events. You could find yourself running an industry showcase at a London venue, organising live gigs in Watford and managing the Level 3 music students’ GAPfest project on campus.

Specialist units include:


• Band Rehearsal & Performance



• Applied Production Techniques



• Studio and Facilities Management



• Managing a creative business



• Marketing the creative arts



• Audio Mastering and Manufacture



• Planning for Public Performance



• Music Performance Studies



• Music Performance Skills



• Improvisation in Music



• Composing for Film and Television



• Audio Post Production



• Music Studio Production