The fully accredited One Year Full-time Diploma is designed to equip singers with the
professional skills and awareness required by today’s music industry. The Diploma is
a level 3 qualification, which is approved for entry on to many degree programmes,
including our 3 year BMus (Hons) degree.
Drawing on countless years of professional experience, the curriculum offers
structured, ‘hands-on’ education. It is packed with concepts, techniques, theory and
performances, covering virtually every modern style of singing.
There are no age limits or academic prerequisites, but students are required to take
an assessment prior to enrolling on the course.
The Diploma has two intakes – in March and October. The academic year is divided
into three 10-week terms with mid and end of term breaks. Students who successfully
complete the course will be awarded the Vocaltech Diploma as well as the OTC OCN
award*. The top performers will sing at the graduation show, held at a prestigious
London venue.
COURSE OVERVIEW
- Voice Production develops the fundamentals of vocal technique. You’ll work to
improve your pitch, tone, range and awareness of different registers.
- Contemporary and Classic Styles studies the landmarks of the contemporary music
repertoire, from soul classics to the latest hits. You’ll learn what’s required to perform
with authenticity and confidence in different styles.
- Ensemble covers a variety of approaches to harmony singing, from performing as part
of a backing vocal line-up to directing your own vocal arrangement.
- Harmony and Theory is so important because it allows you to communicate with
other musicians and enhances your creativity. This module takes you from the
rudiments of music theory to degree entry level.
- Aural helps you to develop a good musical ear, which is an essential skill for all
vocalists, allowing you to translate what you hear on to the page and vice versa.
- Sight Singing is extremely useful for learning repertoire, allowing you to respond
quickly in a number of professional situations including studio session work and live
performance.
- Song Writing takes you through the creative process of lyric, melody and chord writing
to a final performance of your own original material. You will be encouraged to
develop your individual style and to create an original contemporary repertoire.
- Second Instrument: Keyboard gives you a great reference point for all your studies.
The keyboard is a creative tool, which can assist you with writing, arranging and
performing.
- Accompaniment increases your versatility as a performer by teaching you to
accompany yourself and other vocalists on the keyboard. It develops creativity,
interpretation and performance skills.
- Stage Techniques covers key vocal and physical performance techniques. You will
explore movement, space, posture, eye contact and communication with your
audience as well as practical matters like mic techniques and how to set up a PA.
- Live Performance Workshop is your chance to put it all into practice - on stage with a
full band line-up. You’ll learn exactly how to interact with other performers, as well as
with an audience, and you’ll develop your live sound in a number of different styles.
- LPW Prep helps you to make the most of your weekly live performance workshops by
guiding you through the main vocal and backing vocal parts. You will learn how to
analyse, interpret and memorise songs.
- Studio gives you direct, hand-on experience in a professional recording environment.
You’ll learn all the functions of a studio and its equipment through expert tuition.
- Master Classes are your chance to learn from some of the best performers in the
business. We also invite key figures from the music industry to give their perspective.
- Student Support is your chance to book one-to-one time with a tutor to discuss any
area of the course.
Open College Network
The One Year Full-Time Diploma course in Popular Music Performance is fully
accredited by the OTC OCN (Oxford, Thames and Chiltern), which is part of the Open
College Network.
It is necessary to join OTC OCN in order to earn credits towards an OCN qualification
which is a recognised award and will enable you to proceed onto Higher Education.