Music btec
LEVEL 3 (1 A Level equivalent)
Why should I study BTEC extended certificate in Music?
This course is designed to give you an overview of the music industry yet also allows you to study content relevant to your own interests, be that as a performer, composer or producer. You will work on practical tasks that require collaboration with others including creating and running musical events, composing for a specific event and acquiring the relevant skills, plus the knowledge and understanding needed to become a professional musician.
What will I learn about?
The programme covers a broad basis of study of the music sector with a focus on performance, personal instrumental technique, music theory and professional practice.
There are three mandatory units:
Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony is internally assessed, and should form the theoretical underpinning for the other units within the qualification, focussing on musical theory and the inner workings of harmony in composition and performance.
Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry is externally assessed and takes the form of a two-part assessment – Part A (research), and Part B (written task) – to be taken over a timetabled period set by Pearson.
Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance is externally assessed and takes the form of learners choosing three songs from a prescribed list and performing them within an ensemble of three to eight performers, to be completed in controlled conditions over a total of 30 hours during a slot timetabled by Pearson. It is the synoptic unit for this qualification and should be delivered at the end of the course in year 13 once learners have acquired all the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. It is recommended that learners spend approximately 30 hours preparation time for the assessment tasks under monitored conditions.
Learners will then additionally complete one of the following four internally assessed units:
- Unit 4: Composing Music
- Unit 5: Music Performance Session Styles
- Unit 6: Solo Performance
- Unit 7: Improvising Music.
How will I be assessed?
There are three types of assessment: internal, external and synoptic. You will work on a variety of assignments which include both practical and written tasks depending on which units you are studying. External assessments comprise of set tasks which are to be completed under supervised conditions and marked by Pearson.
What skills will I develop?
Throughout this course you will develop your skills in the following areas:
- Performance skills.
- Composition skills.
- Music production.
- The music industry.
- Music theory.
Where could this subject take me in the future?
There are many career options within the music industry, from film music composers to guitar teachers to function bands. This qualification is designed to support your progression to higher education in the subject and also gives you key transferable skills such as effective writing,
analytical skills, creative deployment and performance skills.
Exam Board: Edexcel
