New students starting in September: You can find more information about College Ready Sessions and submitting your GCSE results in our online Guide. Transport and bursary information will be available from 15 June 2026.
FACULTY OF Music & Performing Arts
With access to cutting-edge equipment, studios and concert spaces, you’ll develop your creative, technical and practical knowledge with Truro and Penwith College’s Music & Performing Arts courses.
breaking creative boundaries
Performance, production and creativity are abundant in our Music & Performing Arts department. Whether choosing to study a creative A Level or taking the dedicated Extended Diploma options, our professionally focused courses are designed to equip you with the skills, experience and friendships to take your studies to the next level at university or to embark on a career in this popular sector.
Our creative Music and Performing Arts Academy helps to promote the development of practical skills while also giving an opportunity to work and collaborate with the wider artistic community of Cornwall.
Sound, Stage and Screen
You will be joining a vibrant and dynamic department with opportunities to showcase your talents in one of the many performance spaces within the College, or beyond. As part of the artistic community that Cornwall is celebrated for, all the world really is your stage. Supported by experienced lecturers and technicians, your course will give you a solid foundation from which to springboard your talents.
High-grade success on Vocational Dance courses with 78% of learners achieving a triple distinction star.
A* & A
A Level Dance saw learners achieve A* and A Grades 51% above the national average.
skills
All courses within the department develop and promote key transferable skills needed for progression including a focus on creativity, resilience, confidence, teamwork, creative problem-solving, critical engagement, leadership and communication.
further
Go further with our strong enrichment options including Jazz Band, Live Events, Music Technology, Rock Band, Music for Media, Vocals and Strings as well as Drama and Dance.
Expert
There are lots of opportunities to develop your performance to the highest level thanks to teaching staff who work locally and nationally in the industry as composers, singers and performers.
From College to the Stage
We caught up with our Performing Arts students to hear about their next steps after college—and they’ve landed some incredible offers.
From progressing to top performing arts schools to pursuing exciting opportunities in the industry, these students share their journeys, ambitions, and what they’re most looking forward to next.
They also offer advice for anyone considering studying Performing Arts, giving an honest insight into the course, the experience, and how it can help you take the next step towards a career in the creative industries.
Thinking about Performing Arts? Hear directly from our students and discover where it could take you.
STATE-OF-THE-ART RESOURCES
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and performance spaces, including recording studios, audio editing software and concert areas with professional rigging and lighting consoles. You’ll also have the opportunity to perform in real venues across Cornwall, building up valuable experience and exposure. Our tutors are industry experts, which they use to give you insights into what it takes to become a professional musician or performing artist. With their expert tuition, you’ll thrive in your chosen field.
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Have you always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, or perhaps you already learn an instrument and want to continue with lessons while you’re at college? At Truro & Penwith College, we provide the facilities so that you can apply for instrumental lessons that work around your timetable. For information on the cost of 1:1 or small group instrumental lessons and how to apply, please visit the Cornwall Music Service Trust website: www.cmst.co.uk and choose the ‘sign up’ option now.
The dedication, experience and industry-related skills of the teaching team, combined with up-to-date resources and highly talented students create one of the most accomplished Performing Arts faculties in the country.
Lee Clark
Head of Faculty
Being offered a place on the day at Bird College was something I once thought was unreachable. I was ecstatic and so grateful for everyone who helped me get to that point, including my wonderful lecturers at Truro College.
Lola
Level 3 Diploma in Dance
FIND THE COURSE FOR YOU
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for a Music or Performing Arts course at Truro and Penwith College, visit the course page on our official college website and complete your application online.
Students learn in fantastic, well-equipped theatres, dance studios, practice rooms, performance studios, recording suite and music technology rooms. Equipment includes a 96 Channel DMX Lighting rig, Behringer X32 and Allen and Heath Digital sound mixing desks, projection mapping software, rehearsal rooms with full back line, 4K video cameras and much more. All are equipped with up-to-date software so students gain industry relevant experience.
Yes, our strong Enrichment options include – Acoustic, Vocal, Brass, Jazz, String, Rock and Music Technology as well as Drama and Dance. You can find out more about our Enrichment programme at truro-penwith.ac.uk/enrichment
Graduates from Music and Performing Arts programs at Truro and Penwith College can pursue diverse career paths. Bands, theatre directors and actors, screen actors, dancers and West End performers have all emerged from this exciting department and we keenly await the chance to see your talents. Visit the Career Zone or truro-penwith.ac.uk/career-zone to find out more.
Yes, prospective students can speak to the Music and Performing Arts department at an open event which are free to attend and take place throughout the year. Visit truro-penwith.ac.uk/events to see the latest event details. Alternatively, you can contact the academic advisors in the Music and Performing Arts at Truro and Penwith College. Check the college website for contact details or reach out to the admissions office, and they will guide you on how to connect with the relevant academic advisors for more information.
We strongly recommend making an application for your chosen course as soon as you can when you are in your final year of school. After you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can make amendments to your application if need be.