Responding to growing demand for creative and technical skills in the music industry, the college is launching both a Level 1 Music course alongside an advanced Level 4 HNC in Music Production, creating a clear progression route, right from beginner through to higher education and the wider industry.
Based at our Witney campus, with the Cotswolds nearby, students will benefit from a vibrant creative environment and access to a growing local music scene. Equipped to industry-standard, our Music Technology Suite offers high-definition recording studios, mixing desks, and a range of industry-standard synthesisers, all centred around Pro Tools for professional-grade audio production.
Melanie Coleman-Clements, Head of Faculty for Creative Industries, shared:
“We’re thrilled to launch our new Music Production courses - designed for the next generation of producers, beatmakers and sound creators. Whether learners are just starting out on our Level 1 course or progressing all the way to our Higher National Diploma, they’ll dive hands-on into the world of recording, mixing, sound design and music technology. From studio sessions and industry-standard software to developing a unique creative sound, these courses are all about building confidence, creativity and real-world production skills - so students leave ready to take the next step into higher study or straight into the music industry.”
Building skills, confidence, and creativity
The new Level 1 course offers an accessible starting point for students taking their first steps into the industry, introducing the fundamentals of music creation, including basic recording techniques, beat-making, and an introduction to digital audio workstations. Students will explore how music is created and structured, develop listening skills, and gain confidence using studio equipment.
Learners will also begin to build practical skills in areas such as simple sound editing, using loops and samples, and creating their own tracks. Alongside this, the course develops key employability skills including teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving, helping students prepare for further study. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of work and the confidence to progress onto Level 2 or 3 Music courses.
Learning to produce like a pro
At the other end of the spectrum, the HNC Music Production, equivalent to the first year of a degree, delivers a career-focused, intensive higher education course providing a comprehensive foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of music-making. Students develop core skills in sound synthesis, audio engineering, and recording techniques, working across both studio and live sound environments. Teaching is centred around industry tools such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro, alongside specialist plug-ins including Native Instruments, Soundtoys, and Sonnox.
Alongside technical training, the course develops key industry skills in artist development, project management, and professional practice - equipping students to confidently manage projects from concept to completion and building experience in real-world music production environments. Students can progress onto the Higher National Diploma for a second year of study, move directly into industry, or continue to university to top up to a full degree.
A pathway from entry-level to higher education
These new courses complement the College’s existing music provision, providing progression opportunities across its existing Level 2 and Level 3 Music Production courses. Students can turn their passion for music into a viable and exciting career as the next generation of producers, engineers, and artists.
Find out more and apply to start in September, on the course area pages:
