Music

Music

This course is designed to be a natural progression from Music studies (both GCSE and BTEC) at KS4. Students develop both their knowledge and skills through a variety of practical tasks and units, giving students the opportunity to explore the different facets of Music Performance that interest them – including composition and use of music technology, through a wide range of genres, cultures and contexts.

Exam board: Pearson

Syllabus title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance
Course code: QAN:603/0147/8

Course content

Coursework
Students taking this course will study three mandatory units, which provide an essential introduction to the skills and knowledge required to be successful in music, covering the following topics:

·         ensemble performance techniques

·         professional practice in the music industry

·         practical applications of music theory.

In addition, students choose one optional unit. The option units have been designed to support progression to more specialist music courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas such as composition, business, technology and performance. This allows students to choose a specific specialist area in which they wish to develop their skills.

Assessment and weighting

Each unit is marked independently. Units 1 & 6 will be internally marked and then externally verified and are coursework based.  Units 2 and 3 are externally marked.  There is more weighting on the units that are practical. (60%/40%)

Trips/visits

Regular trips to concerts are an integral part of the course, as students are required to listen and appreciate the context of music of all genres. It is also anticipated that there will be the opportunity to participate in a Performing Arts trip, which will develop workshop skills.

 

Future opportunities/ career

In addition to the music sector-specific content, the requirement of the qualification will mean that students develop the transferable and higher order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers. For example, performance techniques, communication skills, team working, and an opportunity to focus on their personal vocal/instrumental techniques. This qualification has a strong focus on performance, one of the key skills for progression to higher education. It combines well with a large number of subjects and sits within our thriving creative industry sector.

Qualifications/ School record

Required

· 5 in English

· 95% attendance in Year 11

· Good attitude to learning in music at KS3 and/or KS4

· Grade 4 standard on your main instrument/voice, in any genre. (For those students who have not taken formal exams, please see a member of the music staff for advice) OR provide experience of manipulation and creation of sound using technology and basic keyboard skills.  

Desirable

· C or above in Music GCSE or Merit or above at BTEC level 2

Attitude/Qualities

· Hard working

· Sociable

· Confident

· Positive/enthusiastic

Skills

Required:

· Team worker

· Confident performer (in school performances or outside of school) 

· Creative

· Organised

Desirable:

· May also be an actor or dancer

· Good to have a basic understanding of music theory

Experience

Required:

· Have performed in a classroom and /or concert setting

Desirable:

· A member of a music group outside of school

· Performed in a concert in/out of school  

· Attended different concerts and experienced professional performances

 

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