Bishop Auckland College is believed to be the first in the country to offer a specifically designed course to help budding performers pass auditions for the hit TV talent show X Factor.
Students enrolling on the 17-week programme, which ends just in time for the next round of auditions for the ITV1 show, will receive technical tuition in singing and performing and coaching on how to project themselves confidently.
The idea behind the unique course stemmed from the college’s previous work with X Factor winners – last summer the 2009 winner Joe McElderry and James Arthur, who took the 2012 title in December, both performed at the Bishop Auckland Music and Arts Festival.
The three day annual event, run by the college, attracted crowds of over 6,000 last June and students on the new course will be able to put into practice what they have learned by performing at this year’s festival.
Mike Jinks, Head of Art, Music and Performing Arts at the College, explaining his inspiration for the course said: “I wanted to run a course which prepared people for X Factor auditions and similar competitions. Many applicants have talent but need to work on key things such as their singing technique and confidence.
“People auditioning also need to know that the ones who succeed on X Factor don’t just walk in there blind. It’s not about just wandering in, singing a song and you’re famous. Most applicants have been doing the rounds for years working really hard – it’s very rare that you get a Susan Boyle character.
“The course is also about giving people real, transferable skills. The biggest thing they will get out of it is confidence, whether this is for a future singing audition or a job interview.”
The X Factor Preparation course runs at the college’s main Woodhouse Lane campus from 6pm to 9pm every Monday night for 17 weeks, starting on January 21. Experienced actress and performer Susan Harris, who has worked with global musicians including Lenny Kravitz and had TV roles including Davina Pike on Emmerdale during her 25 year career, is leading the course.
There are 40 places available and there are no formal entry requirements other than enthusiasm and motivation, although those enrolling need to complete a two week probationary period. Fees cost £95, but eligible applicants meeting certain qualifying criteria such as receipt of benefits will not need to pay.
On completion, students will qualify with an NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Music.
Mike Jinks added: “There are plenty of colleges running this qualification but as far as I’m aware none of them have designed the course around the X Factor. It’s something I came up with last year but it was finding the right time to run it as it had to be timed to finish when the X Factor auditions start.
“But it also ends just in time for the next music and arts festival in early June, and students who have qualified from the course will be invited to perform there in front of thousands which will be great experience for them.”
For more information or to apply for the X Factor Preparation course, visit www.bacoll.ac.uk or email start@bacoll.ac.uk or call (01388) 443000.
