BTEC First Certificate/Diploma MUSIC

(Option Subject)

Exam Board: Edexcel

What is BTEC Music all about?

BTEC Music is about making, listening to, understanding and researching music.  It covers performing, composing and listening in a wide variety of musical styles – popular, world and classical music.  It also gives you the opportunity to research and take part in other aspects of music such as planning and creating music projects/concerts, professional roles in the music industry, preparation for a musical performance, performing as part of a musical ensemble, DJ technology and recording techniques. There is a lot of opportunity to use music technology, such as sequencing and recording, as there is a section available to research computer systems used by music professionals.

You will enjoy the course if you want to study a subject that

  • Involves performing.
  • Involves listening to all kinds of music.
  • Involves watches different types of performances (from popular to classical).
  • Gives the opportunity to play music with others e.g. rock groups, bands and orchestras or choirs.
  • Gives you the opportunity to learn more about and use music technology.
  • Gives you the opportunity to research the music industry in general.

You will improve your skills in performing and composing different types of music.  You will listen to a wide variety of music and learn more about how and why it was written and/or performed.

You will learn about the background of the music industry and different types of performance and performers and understand the process of creating and organising a concert performance.

What about Exams?

There is no formal examination.

Is there any coursework?

Yes, the course itself is based on completing at least 4 Units of work over the 2 years.

There are 2 compulsory units:

  • Planning and Creating a Music Product and;
  • Exploring the Music Profession

In order to complete the BTEC First Certificate you must complete a further 2 of the following Units. For the BTEC First Diploma, you must complete a further 4 of the following Units:

  • Solo Musical Performance
  • Exploring Musical Performance
  • Developing as a Musical Performer
  • Working as a Musical Ensemble
  • Introducing DJ Technology
  • Rehearsal Techniques for Musicians
  • Producing a Musical Recording
  • Understanding Music
  • Exploring Computer Systems Used by Musicians
  • Exploring Musical Improvisation
  • The Musical World
  • Exploring an Area of Music

           
What other skills will I develop?

As well as covering Music at BTEC you will develop skills in ICT which will be useful to you whatever you do in the future.  BTEC Music offers you the opportunity to develop wider key skills in working with others (eg. taking part in rehearsals, performances etc)

Assessment

You can achieve a Pass Merit and Distinction, in 4 different areas;

  • Application of Knowledge and Understanding
  • Development of Practical and Technical Skills
  • Personal Development for Occupational Roles
  • Application of Generic and Key Skills

 

Assessment will take place at the end of each Unit (Max 3 per year)

What could I do next?

BTEC Music is good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for AS/A Level studies in Music and Music Technology as well as vocational qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas in Music, Popular Music and Music Technology).

You may wish to take BTEC Music for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of future interest.  Alternatively you may wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use the skills developed during the course.

Possible careers might include publishing, entertainment, teaching, management, retail, therapy, Music ICT, media or any career that involves communication and expressive skills.

For further information, please contact Ms Gott.

 

Examples of Jobs and Careers for Music: - Sound Recording Engineer, Music Technologist, Music Producer, Concert Organiser, Music Journalist, Singer, Teacher, Band Member, Composer, Music Therapist.