Music - Bass: NQ (Level 6)
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Course overview
Discover your rhythm and learn to lead the beat with confidence.
The National Qualification in Music (Drums) is aimed at aspiring drummers ready to develop their craft within pop, rock, and indie music. Whether you’re a school leaver, adult returner, or already performing, this one-year, full-time course gives you the skills to grow as a confident percussionist.
You’ll perform, record, and work along with fellow musicians across styles, learning to use digital recording tools and building a solid understanding of rhythm, dynamics, and ensemble work. You will also collaborate with Music Business and Music Performance students to develop and showcase original work.
It’s an excellent first step for those looking to progress to HND level or begin professional work as a drummer.
This course is ideal for:
- Passionate musicians keen to develop performance and songwriting skills.
- Learners aiming to perform live and record music professionally.
- Those seeking structured training and studio experience with industry-standard tools.
- Students planning to progress to HNC/HND Music Performance, Music Business, or Sound Production.
What you will learn
You’ll build the precision, creativity, and versatility required of a modern drummer.
- Hone timing, coordination, and control across pop, rock, funk, and blues styles.
- Learn to read charts, set up kits for live/studio use, and adapt to any venue.
- Perform live in bands and develop tight ensemble skills.
- Use studio recording and mixing to refine your tone and accuracy.
- Take part in songwriting and remix projects to expand your creative range.
You’ll graduate with confidence, stamina, and professionalism — essential to any drummer’s success.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear understanding of your role as a performer, bandmate, and creative artist in a professional music environment.
Entry requirements
✅ Entry is by audition. You’ll be invited to perform two contrasting pieces in your chosen discipline (bass, drums, guitar, piano/keyboard, or vocals).
✅ No formal qualifications required, though National 5 English is desirable.
✅ Applicants without qualifications but with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
Your audition will be the key factor in selection, focusing on performance skill, musical awareness, and enthusiasm for collaborative work.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this course can progress to entry-level roles such as:
🥁 Session or Touring Drummer – live and studio performance
💡 Recording Artist – developing and releasing creative projects
⚙️ Sound Technician – supporting live music or studio sessions
💼 Music Educator – teaching drums privately or in schools
Future prospects
Successful completion of the course can lead to:
- HNC/HND Music Performance
- HNC/HND Music Business
- HNC/HND Sound Production or TV Production
This NQ provides a strong foundation for anyone serious about building a career in performance or progressing into higher-level creative study.
