The Foundation Degree in Commercial Music offers students a unique opportunity to acquire a range of skills and knowledge relating to the music industry of today. The course is designed to interface directly with the industry and includes significant work placement experience.

Module content includes song-writing, composing for television and the media, the release of a commercial studio album, event management, production of a website, the study of popular music, the study of the music industry, instrumental studies, music technology techniques, live sound and live performance.

The course runs at Platform One on the Isle of Wight. Students would need to be resident on the Island for the duration of their course.

Resources include industry-experienced staff, three professional recording studios, purpose-built rehearsal rooms, music technology suite, experienced instrumental tutors, links with the music industry, including the Isle of Wight Festival.

Platform One has been involved in delivering programmes in collaboration with the University of Chichester since 2003.

College of rock hits the right notes
The famous Isle of Wight festival is helping to train students for a career in the music industry. Read more.
Tuesday March 25, 2008. The Guardian newspaper

Endorsement deals with Marshall Amplification, Ashdown, Peavey International and Musicman ensure that all equipment and resources are of high quality and are up to date.

Students will work in bands with regular performance opportunities in professional music venues. This includes the organisation and implementation of a tour in Year 2.

Students would be able to access a third year BA (Hons) top-up either at the University of Chichester or at another university.

For further information, please visit: www.platformone.org/

Indicative Course Content

Over the two years of the Foundation Degree, students undertake modules including:

• Understanding Popular Music
  
• The Music Workstation
  
• Studio Recording Techniques
  
• Web Design for Musicians
  
• Marketing and Promotion
  
• Session Styles
  
• Musical Arranging Techniques
  
• Live Performance
  
• Composition for the Media
  
• Songwriting
  
• Students will spend 50% of their time in work placements and work-based learning, providing a real
• vocational experience as a basis for their qualification.

Why this course?

Excellent resources include: professional recording studios and rehearsal rooms
Links with the music industry include the Isle of Wight Festival
Contemporary instrumental tuition
Professional industry staff
Music tour in Year 2

Careers

• Film, television and radio
  
• Performance
  
• Songwriting
  
• DJ
  
• Recording Studies

For further information, please visit: www.platformone.org/