Access to Music Industry is a creative and engaging alternative provision programme delivered by Coventry Music at Media Mania, based at The Daimler Powerhouse. The programme supports young people to re-engage with learning through practical music-making, music technology, performance, podcasting, songwriting, and exploration of careers within the music industry.
Learners develop musical, personal, and employability skills whilst working towards nationally recognised AQA Unit Award Scheme accreditation. The programme is designed for students who benefit from a hands-on, creative approach to learning and provides clear progression routes into further education, training, community projects, and music industry opportunities.
During 2025-26, the programme engaged 23 young people, delivered 9 accredited AQA units, and achieved a 60% progression rate into further music and creative opportunities with Coventry Music and partner organisations.
Course Modules
Band Skills, Beat Making and Performance
Learners explore contemporary music styles including rap, indie, rock, pop and electronic music whilst developing practical performance skills.
Learning Outcomes:
• Perform confidently using instruments, vocals, or digital music tools.
• Understand the role of different musical parts within an ensemble.
• Develop rehearsal, listening and communication skills.
• Work collaboratively towards live performances.
Music Production and Technology
Learners use industry-standard digital music software to create, edit and produce original music.
Learning Outcomes:
• Create beats and compositions using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
• Use recording, sampling and MIDI techniques.
• Apply mixing and production skills.
• Produce original music projects suitable for performance or sharing.
Songwriting and Creative Composition
Learners explore songwriting techniques and express their ideas through music.
Learning Outcomes:
• Write lyrics and develop musical ideas.
• Structure original songs and compositions.
• Collaborate creatively with peers.
• Record or perform original work.
Podcasting and Digital Media
Learners develop communication and technical skills through planning, recording and producing podcasts.
Learning Outcomes:
• Plan and structure podcast content.
• Use recording equipment and editing software.
• Develop presentation and communication skills.
• Produce and share completed podcast episodes.
Understanding the Music Industry
Learners gain insight into the music and creative industries, exploring employment opportunities and progression routes.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand key sectors within the music industry.
• Explore careers in performance, production, management, marketing and events.
• Identify pathways into further education and employment.
• Develop career planning and progression skills.
Live Performance and Showcase
Learners prepare for public performances and end-of-project showcases.
Learning Outcomes:
• Build confidence through performance opportunities.
• Demonstrate teamwork and professionalism.
• Develop stagecraft and audience engagement skills.
• Reflect on personal progress and achievements.
Awarding Body
AQA Unit Award Scheme
Student Expected Outcomes
Students will:
• Work towards up to 10 AQA Unit Awards in music, production, performance and industry-related skills.
• Develop confidence, resilience, communication and teamwork skills.
• Improve engagement with learning through practical, creative activities.
• Explore future pathways within education, employment and the creative industries.
• Create original music, podcasts and performances for public showcase events.
• Access progression opportunities with Coventry Music, SoundLab, Live On Stage, Media Mania, Coventry University, The Tin Music & Arts and other partner organisations.
Recent programme outcomes include:
• 14 students successfully achieving 9-10 accredited units.
• 60% of learners progressing into further music and creative opportunities.
• Increased confidence, attendance and participation across the cohort.
Learner Feedback
"Going to Cov Music helped me improve as a person and helped me at music."
Derren, Participant
"I'm so happy I got to experience this."
Aisha, Participant
"I really enjoy the lessons, especially playing in a band. I've started playing the bass because of this course."
Rylan, Participant
Provider Impact
This programme has demonstrated significant success in helping young people reconnect with learning, build positive relationships, and develop both creative and transferable life skills.
Coventry Alternative Provision Team feedback:
"This course has been a fantastic addition to the Coventry Alternative Provision Framework. It was excellent to see how well Mark and the team got to know each learner and develop personalised learning pathways tailored to their individual needs."
CAP Quality & Pastoral Officer
Key Stage course delivered to
KS3; KS4
Admissions Criteria
Interest in Music
Staff Experience
Mark Patton – is a Learning and Development Lead for Coventry Music, the lead organisation for the Heart of England Music Hub. Mark is an experienced music educator and has been the Music Service Inclusion Lead since 2018, developing the city wide music offer in partnership with national partners and Dr Phil Mullen. This has resulted in a development of new programmes for those excluded from school, in Hospital Education, with SEN/D and a substantial Children Looked After programme with over 60 looked after learners accessing provision in Coventry weekly. Mark has overseen and delivered at Coventry AP Academy sites since 2018, Virtual Schools partnership since 2019 and ran our previous work related learning offer 2019-2021. Alongside Mark’s work he is an accomplished Guitarist performing professionally.
Alongside Mark will be a team of tutors to compliment the offer and meet the needs of the young people including skills in DJ’ing, Beat Making, Acoustic Instruments and more. All Coventry Music tutors have a minimum of Grade 8 skill levels on their first instrument, complete Safeguarding training with DSL’s trained by Coventry Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and regular CPD in music education and inclusive practices.
