L.I.P.A.

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts offers a course in Music and Performing Arts. It is aimed at singers who would like to add something else to their performance (ie. dancing, songwriting, or musical theatre). Musical Theatre is the area I would like to be in. Graduates from the course have gone on to work with such people as Tenacious D, Death Cab for Cutie, Take That, Guns 'N Roses and Britney Spears. They also hold in-house shows and auditions for record and publishing companies. Many people have also gone on to star in musicals and other types of shows.

More info can be found here:

http://www.lipa.ac.uk/content/Courses/UndergraduateCourses2/BAHonsPerformingArtsMusic.aspx

Skillset Qualifications

This is a quote from the section on screenwriting from http://www.skillset.org/.

"While no formal training is required to be a Screenwriter, Producers expect screenplays to be submitted in standard Mastershot format, and are unlikely to read submissions unless they are presented in this way. Prospective Screenwriters can attend one of a number of industry respected Screenwriting courses. More experienced Screenwriters may also wish to consider taking an MA in Screenwriting. Screenwriters must write a number of original short and feature screenplays 'on spec' (self-financed) in order to attract the attention of Producers and Agents. In addition to First Draft screenplays (a screenplay is always a First Draft screenplay until it is sold), Screenwriters should also prepare pitches, synopses and outlines, which may be required by Producers before they are prepared to read the screenplay itself."

There is also a section on composing music for film:

"Composers usually have some form of musical training, but talent and the drive to write music for films are more important than qualifications. There are some HE courses in Composing for Film and Television, which offer access to studios and orchestras, and the possibility of producing show-reels. However, industry experience and knowledge are equally valued.

"Composers for film productions need to be musically versatile, and able to compose in different styles. They must be able to improvise, and to create themes quickly under the pressure of deadlines. They need to be able to work collaboratively, and to be flexible and willing to compromise. The ability to listen to Directors, and to translate their vision into musical terms, is crucial. Many Composers use samples, and produce electronic scores using technology such as ProTools. Computer skills and the ability to work with new technology are increasingly required. Composers must have a feel for drama and narrative, and the ability to write music to pictures. An understanding of the technical side of filmmaking, and an appreciation of how this affects the sound, are also important. Imagination and a passion for film and music are essential."

University Courses

When I go to university, I imagine this is a place I would consider going: The University of Salford, which offers a course in scriptwriting for TV and Radio. I found out about it here: http://www.salford.ac.uk/course-finder/course/1401. Also, after a bit of searching around, I found that they also offer a music composition course: http://www.salford.ac.uk/course-finder/course/1347.

I haven't been able to find any courses out of school time for pre-college, but they would probably be hard to find anyway.