Music - Composition: HND
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Course overview
Find your rhythm, define your sound, and play your part in the heartbeat of every band.
This two-year, full-time HND Music (Bass) course develops you as a professional bass guitarist ready for today’s music industry. You’ll gain extensive performance experience, build your technical ability, and work collaboratively with other musicians across styles and genres.
You’ll record, compose, and perform in professional studios and venues across the city, gaining the practical and creative skills you need to succeed as a confident performer or session musician.
This course is ideal for:
- School leavers and adult returners passionate about playing bass
- Musicians who want to refine their skills and develop stage confidence
- Those aiming for a professional career in live performance, studio work, or teaching
- Anyone keen to progress to degree level study in music or sound production
What you will learn
You’ll explore a mix of practical, theoretical, and creative modules designed to strengthen both your musicianship and your industry understanding, including:
- First Study – Bass Guitar: Weekly one-to-one lessons focused on tone, technique, groove, and musical expression
- Live Performance: Collaborate with fellow students across disciplines to perform live sets and assessed gigs
- Digital Audio Workstations: Record and edit using industry software such as Logic Pro and Pro Tools
- Music Theory & Harmony: Deepen your understanding of scales, rhythm, and chord progressions to expand your playing range
- Songwriting & Composition: Develop your creative ideas and contribute original material to project
- Music Business for Musicians: Learn how to manage yourself, market your work, and navigate contracts and royalties
- Music History & Context: Explore genres, movements, and influential artists shaping today’s music
Learning happens through workshops, rehearsals, live events, and studio practice — preparing you for the collaborative and fast-moving nature of the music industry.
Entry requirements
✅ One Higher (including Music or equivalent) or an NQ Music qualification
✅ Demonstrable performance ability on bass 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:
🎸 Bass 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.
