ICMP DIPLOMA - GUITAR

Course Name Diploma (Guitar)

Qualification The validating body is Edexcel and you will receive a National Certificate in Music (up
to 240 UCAS points) which is a Level 3 award equivalent to two ‘A’ levels. Our partner
college is CNWL
Location Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, London

Start Dates September 2009

Duration 40 weeks full-time

Class size Instrumental classes are typically 12 students per class. Academic subject class sizes can vary
depending upon the mode of delivery

Timing 4 x 10 week terms, +/- 18 hours/week, 3-4 days/week

Course Fees Tuition fees fully funded for UK resident 16-18 year olds. All other students contact
Admissions or see website for details of course fees and funding. For all students there
will be a small additional materials cost
Entry Solid technical playing skills, subject to assessment, of grade 4-5 equivalence.
Requirements Minimum 5 GCSE passes at C or above (including English/Maths)
Equivalent level 2 English/Maths qualifications.
We may consider applicants with equivalent qualifications or professional musical
experience.

THE PROGRAMME

The Diploma course is for guitarists wishing to develop and practice their live band performance skills,
improve their general musicianship and musical knowledge, and explore their creative potential.

Funded specialist one year Diploma course

Play and perform every week in live bands and discover your creative potential

Experience our unique and inspirational teaching

Gain a nationally recognised qualification

The focus of this course is very much on playing in a band, with lots of performance opportunities each week
and throughout the course. You will form bands, choose and rehearse repertoire and deliver the results
where it matters, on stage! In addition to this you will learn about a wide range of contemporary styles, study
the techniques and theory of your instrument, enhance your creativity and songwriting whilst also looking at
the broader issues involved with contemporary music including music business and the history of music.

The Diploma is broken down into five main areas of study:

Core Skills
These classes will develop the fundamental skills that learners will require to progress on their
instrument, such as Instrumental Techniques, Reading Skills, Harmony & Theory and Aural and
Transcribing

Stylistic Study
This part of the course provides the student with an in- depth understanding of all the principle
contemporary musical styles, from rock to blues, indie to R ‘n’ B, both in terms of performance and
their historical importance

Live Performance
These units, where students of all four instruments come together, provide the opportunity to develop
the skills necessary to confidently perform in front of an audience, at the same time applying much of
what is learned in other classes. Classes take the form of weekly Live Performance Workshops, Band
Workshops and a Final Pop Project where learners prepare for their final performances

1

Composition
These modules focus on developing the students’ creative potential, both as an individual and as a
musician working within a band, and giving them the skills to become a composer and songwriter

Humanities
These units focus on many of the historical, social, philosophical and cultural issues relating to the
study of music and help develop analytical and critical skills which are highly transferable to different
roles within the music industry. Classes include Music Business, the History of Popular Music and
Music in Society.

If you love music and performing, this course will help you develop the instrumental and musical skills you
need to start your career. Unleash you own true creative potential; find out what you are capable of as a
musician! The Diploma is delivered in partnership with The College of North West London, and is broken
down in to the following key components over four 10-week terms:

LEVEL I (Term 1)

Core Skills
− Instrumental Techniques
− Reading Skills 1, Sight Reading 1
− Harmony & Theory
− Aural and Transcribing

Stylistic Study
− Styles 1 and Styles 2

Live Performance
− Live Performance Workshops and Prep class
− Rhythm Section Workshop

Composition
− Songwriting

Humanities
− History of Popular Music
− Music Business

LEVEL Il (Term 2)

Core Skills
− Instrumental Techniques
− Reading Skills 2, Sight Reading 2
− Harmony & Theory
− Aural and Transcribing

Stylistic Study
− Styles 3 and Styles 4

Live Performance
− Live Performance Workshops and Prep class
− Rhythm Section Workshop

Composition
− Songwriting

Humanities
− History of Popular Music
− Music Business

2
LEVEL III (Term 3)

Core Skills
− Instrumental Techniques
− Reading Skills 3, Sight Reading 3
− Harmony & Theory
− Aural and Transcribing

Live Performance
− Live Performance Workshops and Prep class
− Pop Performance Project
− Rhythm Section Workshop

Composition
− Songwriting

Humanities
− Music and Society
− Music Business

In addition all students will study one prescribed Key Skill at level three and have regular tutorial support

LEVEL IV (Term 4)

Core Skills
− Instrumental Techniques
− Harmony & Theory
− Aural and Transcribing

Stylistic Study
− Styles 5 and Styles 6

Live Performance
− Live Performance Workshops and Prep class
− Pop Performance Project
− Rhythm Section Workshop

Composition
− Songwriting

Humanities
− Music and Society
− Music Business

At The Institute we share your passion for music and by choosing to continue your music education with us
you will become a valued member of a musical community. Consequently, in addition to time-tabled studies,
learners are encouraged to participate in a range of extra-curricula activities designed to enhance and
reinforce the learning experience. These include masterclasses, clinics, recitals, and participation in jam
nights, open days, faculty led ensembles and many external musical events.