Course Catalogue

The aims of this programme are to prepare the student for study in higher education. More specifically the programme aims to

1. Develop the appropriate levels of performance skills required for entry into vocational higher education programmes in Popular Music in particular, and in music in general
2. Develop an understanding of their own skills, knowledge, ability and aspirations so as to facilitate an informed judgement regarding future steps, particularly as related to their progression into higher education
3. Develop the critical, analytical, research and study skills required of a new entrant into higher education
4. Develop the student’s understanding of the skills, knowledge and ability required of a music practitioner so that they are able to make appropriate choices of future programmes and careers.

Knowledge and understanding is delivered through a combination of one-to-one classes, diagnostic tutorials, workshops, lectures, seminars, lecture/demonstrations and performance.

Visiting artists representing a broad spectrum of the music industry contribute to the course, where appropriate, through master classes, lectures, presentations and working with students on projects. Students are encouraged to network and make connections in the industry and with potential advanced training providers. Self-directed learning is encouraged from the onset. Testing of the knowledge base is through a combination of assessed coursework in the form of continuous, practical performance, essays, evaluations, presentations and portfolio.

Cognitive skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. The modules have been carefully designed to facilitate whatever the teaching methodology, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of essential concepts both in written or oral articulation. The exchange of assessment feedback is given to students by individual tutorials and written feedback. The assessment methods for all the modules on the programme combine the use of written and oral presentation to demonstrate cognitive skills.

Practical skills are developed primarily through classes, workshops and group work. All students have the opportunity to work with visiting professional artists and practitioners. All students receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use sources available at the LIPA and LJMU Learning Resource Centres (LRCs). Skills are assessed through a range of methods appropriate to the task and will include presentations, performance, essay, portfolio, evaluations, observations and oral examinations.

Students are given the opportunity to engage and develop transferable skills through their time at LIPA. They are particularly developed within the practical modules. Students are supported in the development of these skills through the Learning Guidance Tutor (LGT) system. The transferable skills are not assessed as a separate module but are included within the Institute wide assessment criteria. As such they are included in all modules of study and their associated assessment tasks.

This is a one-year intense programme with high levels of student learning time and as such there are not the opportunities for formal credit bearing work placement activities. However, despite its introductory nature the programme is designed to provide the student with insight into the music industry as a profession as well as a creative practitioner. Appropriate professional employment working practices are adopted, particularly in the performance modules. The practical performance and production skills development modules are supported by modules which explore and develop the students understanding of the industry. As a result, successful students will complete the programme not only with creative/craft skills but with a broad understanding of how to begin the process of finding and sustaining viable employment or progressing on to further study.