A 6 term course designed for students who have a passion for music, acting, dance or singing, but don't have the skills or experience necessary to apply directly onto our Music or Drama Foundation
This programme will develop your skills in the performing arts whilst allowing you to specialise in the area of your choice before progressing onto the Music Foundation or Drama Foundation upon successful completion. Regardless of whether you are following a music or drama pathway, you will have the opportunity to explore different elements of performance giving useful insight into any given speciality.
- If you wish to train in music, this discipline requires technical, theoretical and historical study. The Extended Diploma will help you to focus on these areas whilst giving you access to greater improvisation and relaxation techniques. The physical work will positively impact your posture and breathing and the drama classes will encourage your expression, sensitivity and performance practice.
- As a drama student, you will also benefit from the music classes improving the potential of your own singing voice as well as recording techniques and discussions on trends in the current music industry.
At the end the year upon successful completion you will be awarded the University of the Arts London Awarding Body Diploma in Production & Performing Arts, you can then progress onto either the Music Foundation or Drama Foundation at CSVPA to achieve the Extended Diploma.
The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts is quality assured by UAL Awarding Body through a rigorous external moderation process and grades are monitored against agreed national standards. It is also regulated by Ofqual.
What to Expect
As a student on this course, you will be exposed to a broad range of performance genres and styles across the arts whilst developing key skills in a specialism of your choice: Music or Drama. Regardless of your chosen specialism, the Extended Diploma course is rich with opportunities to hone your communication skills, to explore and develop the expressive potential of your voice and body, to expand your knowledge, understanding and personal experience of the historical, theoretical, technical, practical and creative aspects of the performing arts, and to discover first-hand both the demands and the joys of working in an ensemble to create work that you are proud to put before an audience.
Students who are successful on this course may apply to progress onto either the Music or Drama Foundation courses, but are subject to the same audition procedures and standards as students applying directly to those courses. With hard work and dedication, however, it is possible for any Extended Diploma student to move onto this next key stage of their growth and development as performing artists.
Entry Criteria
Age
16 years +
Educational Level
Successful completion of Secondary Education (Grade 10 or Grade 11 depending on native country) or 3 x GCSEs at grade 4 or C or equivalent overseas qualification, preferably in a relevant creative subject.
Students who do not meet these entry requirements will still be considered on their own individual potential to succeed.
English Level for International Students
IELTS 4.5+ (no element under 4.0)
Audition
An audition piece is required for entry to this course. Please refer to the Audition Process tab for more information.
Awarding Body
University of the Arts London Awarding Body
Start
September
Course Length
6 terms (after the first 3 terms students will move onto the Drama or Music Foundation pathway)
Contact Time
Up to 30 hours per week
English Language
Up to 5 hours per week if required
Progression
Music or Drama Foundation
Piano
- Two pieces contrasting in style representative of two different historical periods of piano repertoire.
- Scales played two octaves hands together in the keys of:
- E major, Bb major, d harmonic minor
- Applicants may be asked to sight read if auditioning in person.
Singing
Classical Singing
- Two pieces of contrasting styles representative of two different historical periods of vocal repertoire.
- It is preferred (but not necessary) that the applicant sing at least one piece in a language other than their own first language.
Pop Singing
- Two pieces of contrasting styles (eg rock, pop, jazz, blues).
Guitar
Two pieces of contrasting styles from the following lists:
Nylon-Stringed Classical / Spanish Guitar
Steel-Stringed Acoustic Guitar
- Acoustic Rock/Pop
- Acoustic Folk/Blues
Electric Guitar
- Rock (Rock, Blues, Funk, Metal, Pop etc.)
Jazz-Style Guitar (Or Electric)
Woodwind / Brass
- Two pieces contrasting in style: one lyrical and one technical showcasing musicianship and sound.
- Both pieces should show developing tone production and finger technique.
- Please prepare all major scales up to four sharps and four flats.
Other Items Required
Students must complete a:
- Background information form
- Music Theory test
Both forms must be supplied when applying for the course.
The Music Theory test needs to be completed under exam conditions. It is used to gauge the student’s knowledge and understanding of music to ensure the course it pitched at the right level. There is no pass or fail to the test, but will be used in conjunction with all the other elements to establish overall suitability to the course.
Audition Requirements
- 1 x monologue (classical or contemporary) • 2 minutes delivered from memory
- 2 songs taken from the musical theatre repertoire - 1 x traditional - 1 x contemporary
- Songs must be accompanied by piano or a backing track if you are submitting a video audition
- If you are attending an audition in person, an accompanist will be provided for your audition. Please bring sheet music for your songs in the keys in which you perform them.
For more information about how to prepare for your audition download our useful guide
What we look for in an audition
For more information about the course download the programme specification
Level 3 programme specification
Level 4 programme specification
