BTEC

Careers related to studying Music:

If you choose to study music, you will be developing your musical, technical and listening skills as well as many transferable skills such as self-evaluation, practice and review which are highly regarded by higher education and employers in many fields. Careers specifically related to music include performing, composing, teaching, sound engineering, music production and music promotion and administration.

Course content:

The course is divided into 2 main modules – Music Skills Development and The Music Industry. These cover a wide range of practical skills and are studied in 4 units:

· Performing as an ensemble

· Creating musical material

· Using musical styles

· Planning a career in the music industry

Entry requirements:

Ideally you will have a Level 2 Merit or above in BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice or a Level 5 or above in GCSE Music. You should be able to play an instrument or sing to at least Grade 4 standard and have some knowledge of music technology. This is a very practical course and so you must be willing to practise regularly both on your own and with others.

Subject specific events:

We will hold regular concerts at which you will either perform or work backstage in sound production or administration. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to visit professional performances and venues and take part in the annual performing arts trip to London.

Methods of study:

There are five lessons a week divided between two subject specialists. We also provide free instrumental tuition from our team of visiting staff.

Your learning will be divided between lessons on performance, use of DAW (Garageband and Logic) and exploration of the music industry. You will work independently both on DAW to complete composition projects and in developing your own research, and with others as part of an ensemble.

Methods of assessment:

The course is a two – year programme and is assessed entirely by internally set and marked assignment briefs.

Module A1: Performing as an ensemble

Learners will be assessed on their ability to:

· Contribute to the development of musical material through rehearsal

· Review choices and actions made in rehearsal to develop musical material

· Apply ensemble performance skills

Module A2: Creating musical material

Learners will be assessed on their ability to:

· Demonstrate an understanding of musical sequencing techniques when developing musical material in response to a brief

· Apply creative processes when developing musical material

Module A3: Using musical styles

Learners will be assessed on their ability to:

· Apply stylistic conventions to musical materials in response to a brief

· Review the stylistic conventions used

Module C7: Planning a career in the music industry

Learners will be assessed on their ability to:

· Understand the development of the music industry

· Understand the sectors and employment in the music industry

· Identify potential opportunities for the future music industry