Bard (Magician Archetype) Multiclassing Question

[kronovan]

Does this extraordinary ability...

Quote:

Magical Talent (Ex): A magician gains a bonus equal to half his level on Knowledge (arcana), Spellcraft, and Use Magic Device checks. This ability replaces bardic knowledge.

..increase with overall character level or just with Bard class level?

My multiclassing idea for this involves another class as the favored class, so I'm not sure if that has any bearing on it. Which sort of brings up another question:
Does a Bard have to take Performance as a skill?

I'd be using this PC in PFS play, so I'll have to play it by the book.

[LazarX]

In order.

1. Just the Bard class level.

2. No technically not, but you will lose out on some bard tricks by not doing so. This may not matter to you depending on your situation.

[kronovan]

Thanks for the reply LazarX. It still might be worth it, considering what I'm planning.