Unit 11 - Project 2 Task 1: Identifying progression opportunities

Career choice-
The ultimate career choice/area i would like to involve myself is to start off with some session singing for example- cruise ships, abroad to engage my stage presence and gain more confidence performing to a wider audience than just other pupils, i would also do this by going out doing some busking but my ambitions lie in being a professional singer and a creative artist (songwriting) in my own right i would also like to be signed to an independent record label. 
Progression-  An area of progression which best suits me and what i would like to achieve is Higher education i feel this may open many doors and opportunities for the future if not in the path i originally plan to succeed in then in many other aspects of my life and further education from diploma can teach me many more things about what i have to come and ill still be able to get the support and benefits i need before entering the music industry .

Alternatively , the career choice after diploma education moving straight into the business and music world i feel isn't suitable for me because i have a lot more to learn before feeling comfortable going straight into the industry , going to a music institute and staying on for degree can also allow you to do session work on top of education,  and  can find as many opportunities for students as you would on your own anyway so it is a very beneficial choice, for me individually to also create links and contacts.


Advantages of progression route- 

The advantages of my progression route include gaining more experience and being around the right connection for my future career as well as learning new things and opening up opportunities to the world of goods, as well as this staying in education longer also has an advantage of having more time to figure out the next paths to my career.


Disadvantages of my progression route- 

The disadvantages of my progression route include being in debt in the near future and having to pay it off in amounts , and having more work to focus on for my career as well as completing more than one assignment.

My experience/experiences

Many of my experiences have been supported by my diploma course in music at Academy of Contemporary Music which include-

- live performance ( solo and in bands)
- stage presence ( what to do on stage - dance wise)
- basic studio skills (MIT sessions)
- Industry knowledge
- Vocal technique ( technical development classes)

Outside ACM-

-Gigs in my home country abroad during summer
- Gig at star 
- Both gaining more confidence to wider audience
-Working with river studios producing learning about studio 
- Basic guitar skills

My Skills-

Skill include
- Vocals ( backing vocals , harmonies, vocal arrangements, lead vocals)
- Genre specifics ( i.e- Jazz, indie... basic knowledge of rearranging voice to fit styles)
- Basic guitar skills i.e- chords 
- Song writing skills ( lyrically ) 
- performing in bands
- Basic productions skills i.e. reverb on vocals, how to make drums quieter and louder so on...


My Qualifications-

GCSE's - 5 GCSE at grade C OR above
Level 4 - Dance qualification
High Pass at 1st year of diploma 
Level 3 vocals Trinity 


Appropriate requirements for the course/courses( music business , performing arts, song writing, Creative artistry )  i would like to enter - 

-  For performing arts route - requires a via in person audition or video link clip of you acting a scene from them which would be given in person on the day and a song of your choice. the minimum amount of 112 ucas points . It also required EITHER a levels, Btec extended diploma at DMM or Btec diploma at D* D* or equivalent although applicants who do not meet the requirements may be considered if they have aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation but on an individual basis but may be asked in for an interview and it will be necessarily to have a portfolio 

- For songwriting route the minimum requirements include and virtual audition and assessment  , a requirement of 32 ucas points, 2 A levels at E or above or btec level 3 equivalent and 5 GCSE's from A*-C must be good at English and have a C in English language.

- For music business course the requirements is a levels , btec extended diploma, or international qualifications such as baccalaureate at 104 ucas points . You sould also hold a grade C or above in english& maths or a suitable equivalent such as Level 2 key skills, functional skills, or adult numeracy/literacy but applicants with C or aove grade will be prioritised. Although the requirements are listed other applicants will be considered if they do not have qualifications but show and demonstrate their suitability for study through appropriate skills and experience. 

- For the creative Artist course you will need the minimum or 2 A levels at grade C or equivelent posing a minimum of 160 ucas credits , audition as required. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate fluent english spoken language skills, as well as provide evidence appropriately to study , although students who don't necessarily have these qualifications may need to provide prior relevant experience or education.

Available institutes that accommodate my career choice and requirements from each

ICMP-      icmp is located in London and offer a BA hons degree in songwriting 

which is designed for individuals who would like to become songwriters in future it looks for determined individuals and is a 3 year course but may be completed in one if a participant would like.

To get onto the Level 4 first year of degree the minimum amount of ucas points to 2017 is 80 credits 

and requires your to auditions with 2 original pieces of your choice either accompanied or backing track. Applicants must demonstrate their skills appropriately.

University of Southampton (Solent) -  To get onto the Acting and performance course which involves acting and singing a wide range of genres the course is able to offer west end experiences. You need a minimum of 112 UCAS points to be able to get onto the course, the course lasts 3 years overall , it also includes trips. It is located in the centre of Southampton and the course is a BA (Hons) in acting and performance. You will also be required to audition a scene and a song which you may be asked to prepare beforehand or alternatively on the day you show up, this is to show who you react under pressure, although there is audition information when you apply. You will need to have a BTEC extended diploma at DMM , A levels or Btec diploma at D*D*.

 



Metropolis ACM-  A Course at Metropolis is run through ACM for the creative Artistry route which is a 2 year course in either music and creative artistry or in songwriting and creative artistry which will extend your knowledge and skills to discover the inner artistry and covering songwriting, evaluating and improving songwriting skills effectively, as well as this is also improves your performance, business and production skills or teach you them newly. Although to study at metropolis students MUST have certain modules in addiction to mandatory modules. The minimum amount of UCAS points required to study at metropolis include at least 2 A levels at C or above or an equivalent for example Btec which amounts to 160 UCAS points. You must also be able to demonstrate good English skills and speak English fluently, as well as structure arguments to study on Level 4 , but students can also access this course if they show relevant past experience and prior education.

Improvements needed to facilitate course-

-Songwriting skills
-Guitar skills
- Extra instruments - piano
-Production skills further development
- EPK and Website portfolio
- Try and reach at Least Merit but preferably Distinction in final year of ACM

Qualifications I would like to achieve at University and realistic goals to support it- 

I would like to gain a BA (hons) in not only one course but a few for example Music Business alongside Acting and performance , to qualify for this i will need to make sure i not only complete my Level 8 theory in voice but also they and set myself goals to gaining a Distinction in my last year of ACM