WELCOME TO THE
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Music is what makes humans, human! As an industry, music covers and includes a phenomenal amount of different jobs. This BTEC is successful as it appeals to a wide range of interests as some students have a passion in performing, others may prefer to learn how to become a composer/song-writer whereas some will want to focus on using computer software to sequence and mix a track.
BTEC LEVEL 2 TECH AWARD IN
MUSIC PRACTICE
The course has two internally assessed components and one externally assessed component (there is no written exam).
Component 1: Exploring Music Products
Through a series of workshops and practical tasks, you will create a portfolio exploring a variety of styles and genres of popular music (such as disco, punk, reggae, motown, Britpop, RnB, Rock), world music, music for film and games, western classical styles and blues. Through these practical workshops, listening and theory elements will also be developed. The aim of this component is to capitalise on, nurture and encourage your own musical interests.
Component 2: Music Skills Development
You will specialise in two different areas out of these three: Music Performance, Creating Original Music (song writing/composing) and Music Production (using computer software to produce music).
Component 3: Responding to a Commercial Music Brief
This component will allow you to work to your strengths and interests and apply the skills that you have learned throughout your course in a practical way. You will focus on a particular area of the music industry that excites and appeals to you and respond to a commercial music brief as a composer, performer or producer.
What other skills will I develop?
You will need to develop Music Technology skills in order to help you produce your composition coursework. Music is considered one of the most employable subjects because of the range of skills covered, including self-management, communication and presentation, which are vital to any future course of study.
How will I be assessed?
The course has two internally assessed components, and one that’s externally assessed. The externally assessed unit is not a written exam paper but instead the assessment takes the form of a set task taken under supervised conditions, which is then sent away to be marked.
What is the course worth?
The BTEC Level 2 Tech Award has the exact same worth/points as a GCSE. The grading is Distinction+, Distinction, Merit, Pass. This is equivalent is A+ (8/9) for Distinction +, A (7) for Distinction, B (5/6) for Merit, C (4) for Pass and D (3) for Level 1.
What could I study Post 16?
Level 3 BTEC at our Sixth Form Centre or any other music based qualification
What ICT and digital opportunities will I experience?
The music department has its own suite of laptops, with specialist software and hardware included. We also have a number of Apple Mac computers for recording and mixing.
What possible careers could I have?
The BTEC Tech Award is an introduction to vocational learning. The qualification gives learners the opportunity to build skills that show an aptitude for further learning, both in the sector and more widely. The approach to BTEC Tech Award is based on well-established BTEC assessment approaches that are proven to be successful in building skills and motivating learners to engage fully with challenging study. There is no limit to progression options as the skills acquired are applicable to a range of post-16 study options.
There are a vast spectrum of careers within the music industry but a snapshot includes; performer, composer/song-writer, record producer, manager, music therapist, music journalist/blogger, live sound technician, promoter, concert manager, studio manager, radio presenter, music teacher, instrumental technician etc.
