Level 2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Ashford College

Application Limits - You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

This course is the perfect starting point for learners who want to develop their creative and technical skills in music. You’ll work in our industry level recording studio and live room as well as have access to our Mac suites which are equipped with the editing software Logic Pro. Throughout your qualification you’ll explore both the performance and production sides of the industry. This course is practical, supportive and designed to help you grow as a musician, producer or audio creator. This course is suitable for students who have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths. If you have not yet achieved this grade, you will need to complete the course over two years. This will give you time to develop skills in your chosen area and improve your English and Maths grade.

On this course, you’ll build a solid foundation in music through a mixture of practical and creative projects. You will also explore what a future career in music industry could look like. You’ll learn from supportive staff who have real industry experience, and you’ll have full access to the College’s professional standard recording studio, high-quality instruments and iMac editing suites. Key modules on the course include: • Music production basics using Logic Pro • Recording techniques in the studio • Using microphones, audio interfaces and mixers • Sequencing, sampling and sound design essentials • Rehearsing and performing as part of a group • Writing simple compositions and developing ideas • Building confidence with live sound setups • An introduction to how the music industry works, including streaming, royalties and how artists release music • Essential skills for working in the creative industries, such as teamwork, communication and project planning Alongside your studies, you’ll complete a tailored work experience placement with a leading industry specialist. Our dedicated Industry Liaison Officers will match you with a placement that supports your interests and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a result.

All assessment is completed through coursework. You’ll complete a series of creative projects across the year, developing your skills while meeting UAL qualification criteria. There are no written exams – instead you’ll produce practical outcomes, research, experiments, reflections and a final major project.

This course is suitable for students who have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths. A positive recommendation or reference from your school/tutor will be needed for you to be eligible for this course. Once your application is submitted, you will be invited in to attend an application day in which you will be required to complete a music task to show us your practical and creative skills. You will also be required to present your portfolio/audition. This helps us to determine the right course for you. If you have not yet achieved 4/C grade in English and/or Maths, you will need to complete the course over two years. This will give you time to develop skills in your chosen area and improve your English and Maths skills. Reaching this level will help you have more opportunities in the future, like getting a skilled job, an apprenticeship, or moving on to a Level 3 course.

The course focuses on building your foundation skills, confidence and creativity, preparing you to progress into the music industry. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get an entry-level job however, this programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. Many of our learners have progressed to our Level 3 Music Performance and Production course and from there have enrolled at university or entered the industry. Once he completed his course, Level 3 learner, Jack, headed to the specialist music production school, The Abbey Road Institute. He commented: "College has been an incredible experience, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. The studio access has been a huge advantage. I’ve grown so much during my time at Ashford. My Tutors have always been helpful, supportive and always on hand to talk so I owe them a lot of gratitude.”