BURY College has confirmed it will no longer run a music performance and production course from this year.

Students currently studying for the qualification were reportedly informed about the decision by college staff last month.

The college’s website does not appear to list alternative music courses, meaning prospective students will have to study the subject elsewhere.

According to the National Careers Service course-finder tool, the nearest Further Education (FE) providers offering similar courses are the Manchester College, which offers a diploma in Music Technology and Production, and Oldham College, which runs a level 2 course in Music.

While Bury College offered a diploma in Music Performance and Production, awarded by the University of the Arts London, a decline in students taking similar FE courses have also been reported.

In 2020 UK Music, an organisation which represents the music industry, reported an “alarming drop” in A-level music students.

Between 2014 and 2020, UK Music reported that 32 per cent drop in the number of people studying A-Level music, five times the drop in the total number of people studying A-levels over the same time.

In 2019, UK Music reported a 5.8 per cent drop in the number of in the number of students taking A-level music, followed by a “further blow to music teaching in schools” due to Covid-19.

In response to the shuttering of the college’s own music course, spokesperson for Bury College said: “The college regularly reviews its curriculum provision in line with local need and demand.

"As a result the difficult decision has been made to withdraw the music performance and production programme from September 2022 for new students.

“Courses will continue for Level 3 students currently mid-programme and these students will be well supported to achieve and progress to their next steps.

“The college is providing information, advice and guidance to those students who may have been interested in studying in this area, including information regarding alternative courses at Bury College as well as music options at other local colleges."