Music - BTEC

Duration of course: 2 years

Course type: BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Music Practice

Examination Board: PEARSON

Overview: 

• Apply understanding of the use of techniques to create music
• Demonstrate professional and commercial skills for the music industry
• Apply development processes for music skills and techniques

Assessment Method and Component Percentages: 

Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles (30%)
You will learn how to demonstrate an understanding of styles of music and apply understanding of the use of techniques to create music.

Assessment: Consists of two tasks. Learners will compile a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their understanding of four different styles of music using musical examples related to a theme. Learners will create three 30–60-second examples of ideas for music products related to a theme.

Component 2: Music Skills Development (30%)
You will learn how to demonstrate professional and commercial skills for the music industry and apply development processes for music skills and techniques.

Assessment: Learners will plan and create 2 musical outcomes in different musical areas in response to a theme

Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief (40%)
This external component builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired and developed in Components 1 and 2 and allows learners to apply the musical skills and techniques they have explored.

Assessment: Learners will present music in response to a given music brief.

What will I learn? 

You will learn how to practically apply knowledge and understanding in practical music. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the use of musical elements, devices, tonalities and structures, the use of resources, conventions, processes, music technology and relevant notations.

In performance and composition students will explore their own instrument, styles, and genres of their own choosing.

How will I learn? 

• You will learn through performing, composing and listening to music.
• You will experience the various styles and genres of music thought listening, composing and performing.

Departmental Expectations: 

• You will rehearse and perform to the class on a weekly basis.
• You will be expected to join at least one of the music department’s enrichment clubs, such as musical theatre club, rock school, tech club, orchestra or choir. You will undertake private practice on your instrument and work on your composition techniques at least one lunch time per week.

Career Potential: 

Teacher, performer, A&R manager, concert promoter, journalist, music producer, backing singer, blogger, booking agent, composer, DJ, event manager, instrument technician, live sound technician, music PR, peripatetic teacher, music therapist, musical director, recording engineer, singer, songwriter, tour manager, songwriter, sound engineer and stage manager, lawyer, lecturer, sound editor, radio presenter, radio producer

Future Progression routes possible: 

• A Level/L3 qualification in Music or Music Technology   
• BTEC performing arts qualification
• University to study a Music or Music Technology degree
• Music Conservatoire
• Apprenticeship within the Music Industry

Entry Requirements:

Top 80 in the rank order for Music or a discussion with Mrs Carney regarding passion for subject.
At least grade 2 level (ABRSM/Rock School/Trinity) in one instrument or frequent displays or passion for subject outside of lesson time.
And the ability to perform in-front of others on chosen instrument.