Music - Bass: HND
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Course overview
Turn up your amp, master your technique, and make your mark on Scotland’s vibrant live music scene.
This two-year, full-time HND Music (Guitar) course develops your playing, creativity, and confidence as a professional guitarist. You’ll perform live, record in professional studios, and collaborate with musicians across genres — building a versatile skill set for today’s ever-changing music industry.
You’ll be supported by expert tutors and gain real-world experience performing in Glasgow venues, developing both your technical precision and stage presence.
This course is ideal for:
- Guitarists who want to refine their skills and stage performance
- School leavers and adult returners seeking a professional music qualification
- Musicians preparing for a career in performance, studio work, or teaching
- Those interested in progressing to university-level music or sound production study
What you will learn
Your studies will combine technical musicianship, creative composition, and industry understanding through modules such as:
- First Study – Guitar: Weekly one-to-one lessons focusing on tone, technique, improvisation, and stylistic versatility
- Live Performance: Work with fellow musicians across instruments to create, rehearse, and perform dynamic live sets
- Digital Audio Workstations: Record and produce tracks using Logic Pro and Pro Tools
- Music Theory & Harmony: Strengthen your understanding of scales, chords, and arrangement for composition and improvisation
- Songwriting & Composition: Create original material and contribute to collaborative projects
- Music Business for Musicians: Understand contracts, publishing, self-promotion, and marketing in the modern music scene
- Music History & Context: Explore major artists, movements, and influences shaping contemporary performance
Classes are practical and collaborative, giving you the chance to perform, record, and experiment while building the confidence to stand out on stage and in the studio.
Entry requirements
✅ One Higher (including Music or equivalent) or an NQ Music qualification
✅ Demonstrable performance ability on guitar
✅ Interview and practical audition
✅ Mature applicants with experience will also be considered
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 go on to work as:
🎸 Guitarist
🎧 Session Musician
🎶 Songwriter/Composer
📀 Recording Artist
🧑🏫 Music Tutor
🎤 Live Performer
Future prospects
Graduates can progress to:
- BA/BMus degree pathways at the University of the West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University or UHI Perth
- Careers in performance, songwriting, production, or education
Many graduates also move directly into industry as self-employed musicians, performers, or producers.
