Music - Bass: HND
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Course overview
Lock in the groove, drive the rhythm, and become the backbone of every great performance.
This two-year, full-time HND Music (Drums) course helps you develop the technical skill, creativity, and stage confidence needed to thrive as a modern drummer. You’ll rehearse, record, and perform with other musicians across genres — learning how to adapt your playing for live gigs and studio sessions.
With expert tuition and professional studio access, you’ll refine your timing, control, and expression while gaining experience performing in real venues around Glasgow
This course is ideal for:
- Drummers who want to take their playing to a professional level
- School leavers or adult returners with a strong interest in performance
- Musicians aiming for a career in live music, studio recording, or teaching
- Those planning to progress to university-level study in music or sound production
What you will learn
You’ll gain a mix of practical musicianship, technical knowledge, and industry insight through modules such as:
- First Study – Drums: Weekly one-to-one lessons focused on technique, timing, stylistic interpretation, and dynamic control
- Live Performance: Collaborate with other performers to rehearse and play live across diverse musical styles
- Digital Audio Workstations: Record and edit drum tracks using Logic Pro and Pro Tools
- Music Theory & Rhythm Studies: Build a strong understanding of notation, time signatures, and groove development
- Songwriting & Composition: Contribute creatively to arrangements and original material
- Music Business for Musicians: Learn how to promote yourself, manage your work, and understand music industry structures
- Music History & Context: Explore the evolution of drumming, key influences, and genre development
Learning is hands-on and performance-driven, blending studio sessions, rehearsals, and assessed gigs that build your professional confidence.
Entry requirements
✅ One Higher (including Music or equivalent) or an NQ Music qualification
✅ Demonstrable performance ability on drums
✅ Interview and practical audition
✅ Mature applicants with experience will also be considered
✅ Your personal statement should clearly show your interest in music
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:
🥁 Drummer
🎧 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.
