Top Foundation Year Programs in Performing Arts

If you want to gain the musicianship and business skills to work as a professional musician or vocalist, then this foundation degree offered in partnership with Nottingham Trent University is for you!

If you want to gain the audio and tech skills to work as a professional producer and sound engineer, then this foundation degree offered in partnership with Nottingham Trent University is for you!

A Level Business starts by teaching students the practical steps of starting up a small business. It finishes by discussing the detailed issues involved in running a large corporation like Dell Computer Plc.

Part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, A Level Business at DLD College allows learners to develop a holistic understanding of organisations in various business sectors and environments, drawing on local, national and global contexts. We embrace creativity and work to inculcate a measured approach to tackling questions that ultimately lead to justified judgments that avoid the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.Learners will apply a number of analytical techniques such as break-even analysis, investment appraisal tools and ratio analysis in order to investigate business opportunities and problems. They will be equipped to determine appropriate business strategy in a range of contexts. Business Tutors at DLD aim to create an atmosphere that is dynamic in terms of its delivery of subject material, stimulating and one that nurtures an awareness of events and issues within the global commercial environment.Students in the first year of the programme will all work towards the AS qualification. The content of the first year forms the foundation of the Eduqas A Level that is completed in the second year.... [-]

The one-year Foundation in Music program of three equal semester drills you on the core knowledge and skills in music performance, theory, music technology and beginning level liberal arts studies.

In the core area of music, performance, you will develop dexterity in your principal instrument allowing you to master the basic scales in major and minor keys and the chromatic and Blues scales. Individual instruction in your principal instrument will expand your knowledge of the intrinsic interpretations of performing Pop, Jazz, and Classical repertoire.

You will hone sight reading skills continuously in your private instruction classes and in group performance labs. You will learn rehearsal techniques to prepare you to lead and perform in advanced level ensembles. In addition to class and ensemble sessions, you will participate in a performance seminar session where you will feature your performance before a live audience comprising of your peers, faculty and visitors in each semester. You will develop your musical ear in a series of progressive ear training classes to refine your ability to identify intervals, chord progressions, rhythm patterns, and to read music at sight.... [-]

Looking for a Gap Year program? Want to spend 6 or 12 months traveling the world? Up with People has been offering one of the most unique Gap Year experiences for young people from around the world for more than five decades. The diversity of experiences available with Up with People is perfect for the person who wants to maximize their Gap Year opportunity!

A Gap Year is often defined as a period of time when students take a break from formal education to do something that provides personal growth through travel, community service and/or internships.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my Gap Year spent with Up with People between high school and college. I’m so thankful that my entire year at age 18 was spent traveling the world.” - UWP Alumna Juli from Minnesota, USA... [-]

Foundation Year in Music ProductionThe Foundation Degree in Music Production gives you the vital, practical training you need to become a sophisticated music producer.While no less rigorous than the BA (Hons) Music Production pathway, the Foundation Degree is more vocational, with most assignments written to either reflect industry practice or enable you to build a professional portfolio of work. A work placement gives you hands-on experience, while a year-long independent project sees you devise and create a fully marketable product.You can choose to complete the course over two years (full-time) or four years (part-time). The Foundation Degree stands alone as a respected qualification, or you can top it up to a full BA with one further year of full-time study, or two years' part-time study.The Foundation Degree is ideal if you:... [-]

A Foundation Degree is a combined academic and vocational qualification, equivalent to two thirds of an honours degree. It is anticipated that those who complete the Foundation Degree in Music & Sound will progress to the BA (Hons) top-up Music & Sound. The course is developed to mirror the modern music industry allowing students to gain the skills to be an independent multi-skilled music practitioner, fluent with various forms of multi-media.

The programme is validated by the University of West London and is equivalent to the first 2 years of a BA(hons).

The FD in Music & Sound can help to prepare you for a career as a music producer, studio assistant and/or recording engineer.... [-]

In today’s world, it is not only important to be able to play your instrument well, but it is vital to understand the history of the craft and where everything originated from. Computers are at the heart of everything we do; the ability to be able to use the software, make your own recording, mix it, improve the sound and set up a microphone are all important skills if you are to become an accomplished musician.

If you are looking for a place at a university music department you will be well prepared for higher education, having undertaken aural training, music research and performance. At a music university department, your study will be more academically based; you will study a broader range of content of which performance is one element. If you are looking for a place at a Conservatoire, you will be given the opportunity to undertake extensive preparation for entrance examinations and auditions. At a Conservatoire, there will be more of a focus on performance. You will be encouraged to build links within the music industry through course projects and key units throughout the year.... [-]

One of the reasons contemporary dance is so popular is because of its diversity and flexibility. Building on 20th Century and modern dance styles, it is constantly changing and developing as new trends emerge.

A very personalised style and approach to dance, contemporary dance explores the connection between mind and body, using natural energy along with strong knowledge of technique, vocabulary, and repertoire. Contemporary dancers can come from any training background, making it very accessible to classical ballet dancers and break dancers alike. Dance styles and well-known movement techniques are mixed with body training, such as yoga, pilates, and conditioning.... [-]

Working from the same overall ethos as the Classical & Contemporary Acting course, our Musical Theatre stream is designed to cultivate the strong singing and dancing skills that define the genre, and also to help you grow and develop as sensitive, imaginative, expressive, emotionally-connected actors who are well grounded in good technique. This actor-driven ethos infuses every element of the performance-related aspects of the course; the teaching team work closely together to ensure that authenticity in character development and storytelling are at the heart of the work. At the same time, you are provided with regular technique classes to expand your repertoire of performance skills, to refine and advance the skills you already have, and to encourage proficiency in the theoretical elements that underpin the art form.... [-]

Actor training has two distinct facets. The first to do with the holistic development of the human being that allows them to expand their imagination and empathetic capacities, to deepen their sensitivity to the broad spectrum of human experience and emotion, and to push the boundaries of their willingness and ability to connect with and express powerful and often painful feelings with freedom and authenticity. The second concerns the training of the actor’s ‘instruments’ – his/her body and their voice – and the mastery of the technical elements of performance that enables an actor to communicate effectively with an audience. These two facets of work often feel at odds with one another – pure feeling versus pure technique – but when an actor can build within him or herself a strong bridge between them, that is when the magic happens. And that is when the actor, as a skilled creative artist, is at his/her most powerful.... [-]