The RSL Level 3 Creative Music Industry course has a strong focus on solo and ensemble performance. You’ll regularly work in bands to compose and perform original tracks in a variety of styles, from Psychedelic Rock to Disco.

You’ll also explore:

• Stagecraft and what makes a performance successful
• How to rehearse effectively as a band
• Performing professional-sounding covers in genres like Britpop and Synthpop

In addition to performance and composition, you will:

• Study how your instrument has developed over time
• Give a presentation on its historical and cultural significance
• Analyse genres such as Rock ’n’ Roll and Bubblegum Punk
• Review live concerts and interview music industry professionals
• Learn about live streaming and how it’s changing performance
• Prepare for employment in the music industry

There are no formal written exams on this programme. Instead, you’re assessed through a mix of research tasks, rehearsals, and live performances.

Year 12 Modules include:

• CMI303 – Performing Music Live
• CMI340SU – Composing Music Styles
• CMI372 – Music in Context
• CMI376 – Music Instrument Development

This course can lead to a wide range of exciting and creative pathways in the music and media industries. You’ll gain practical skills that are essential for many professional roles, both on and off stage.

Possible career or study routes include:

• Performer
• Composer
• Music Producer
• Studio Engineer
• Radio or Podcast Presenter
• Theatre or live music technician

You’ll also be well prepared to progress to vocational or higher education courses in areas such as:

• Popular Music Performance
• Songwriting
• Music Business
• Music Journalism

Whether you’re aiming for university, a specialist music course, or direct entry into the industry, this qualification helps you build the experience and knowledge to take that next step.

This course is awarded by RSL (RSL Awards), a leading international organisation known for creating industry-relevant qualifications in music and the creative arts. RSL specialises in contemporary, practical courses that reflect real-world careers in the modern music industry.

To join the Level 3 RSL Creative Music Industry course, you’ll need:

• At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above
• A minimum of Grade 3–5 ABRSM (or equivalent) in Music
• At least a grade 4 in either English Language or Maths

There is no formal audition or prerequisite before starting the course. However, you should:

• Have a strong interest in a range of musical styles
• Be ready to demonstrate your performance ability to a proficient level within the first week of the course

This helps ensure you're well prepared to take part in the practical, performance-based nature of the course.

This course is worth 1 A-Level equivalent and will be studied alongside 2 or 3 other subjects. 

It is a common option to combine this course with either the A-Level Music or the BTEC Music Production course.

Trip to the British Music Experience in Liverpool.
Visits to universities, including Huddersfield, Salford, BIMM, Spirit Studios, UCLan, etc.
Annual Creative Music Industry Careers Panel.
Guest lectures from Water Bear and Spirit Studios, etc.
Assessed performances at external venues, including The Ferret in Preston.
Numerous performance opportunities throughout the two years, including End of Year Art Show, Leavers' Celebration, Taster Days, Freshers' Fair, etc.
Opportunity to "top-up" to the Subsidiary Diploma in Year 13.

Creative industries are constantly evolving. Building a "multi-discipline" skill set is more important than ever for success in the Music and Media industries. Students studying creative subjects such as Music and Media will learn a range of vital skills such as composing music, sound design, creating video content, sound recording and timeline-based editing in software. 

Most importantly, the ability to collaborate with others is something that the industry demands. Students that have studied a range of creative skills and worked on multi-disciplinary projects are far more employable. You will be able to create a "portfolio career" moving confidently between different projects and working for different employers or undertaking different roles in larger companies such as the BBC, TV production and Computer Game companies