Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

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 Canterbury College

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 for aspiring singers, musicians and creators who want to work in today’s music and audio industries. 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. During the course, there are many opportunities for live performance, collaboration, and developing your confidence as a musician. This course is suitable for students who have completed the Level 2 qualification or have an impressive portfolio of work. You should also have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths.

On this course, you’ll develop on your creative ear and explore a wide range of performance skills. Our supportive staff, who have industry experience, will support you to build a strong portfolio that reflects your personal interests. Throughout your qualification, you’ll have full access to the College’s professional standard recording studio, high-quality instruments and iMac editing suites. In your first year, you will explore a diverse range of subjects in both performance and production, including: • The principles of performance and production • Critical listening and composition • The music industry and professional practice • Contextual studies • Collaborative projects • Preparing for progression In your second year, you will have the exciting opportunity to specialise in a career pathway related to music performance. This specialisation allows you to focus on your passion and gain the skills needed to excel in your chosen field. 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 performance 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 completed the Level 2 qualification or have an impressive portfolio of work. You should also have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths. 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.

During this course, you will build a strong portfolio that reflects your personal interests, and you will finish a confident musician/producer. This will prepare you for your next steps in the creative sector. Many of our learners have progressed to our Level 3 Music Performance course and from there have enrolled at university or entered the industry. Once she completed her course, Level 3 learner, Ruby, headed to the Canterbury Christ Church University to study Music. She commented: “I chose music because I absolutely love it. It’s my dream to be a singer, write my own music, and have a career in the industry. College has given me the confidence to make my dream a reality.”