BTEC Music Performance

Course summary

Why should I study BTEC Music? The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the music sector or the creative sector as a whole. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to provide a course of study covering both performance and the music industry. The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics and employers to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the music sector. Course Overview Learners taking this qualification will study three mandatory units: Unit1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony Unit2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry Unit3: Ensemble Music Performance. Learners choose one optional unit. These have been designed to support progression to more specialist music courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas, such as composing music, improvising music and solo performance. All BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include: • the ability to learn independently • the ability to research actively and methodically • the ability to give presentations and be active group members. BTEC learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study and also provide a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including effective writing, analytical skills, creative development and performance skills, and preparation for assessment methods used in degrees. In the BTEC National units, there are opportunities to give learners practice in developing employability skills, such as cognitive and problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and intrapersonal skills. What can I do afterwards? BTEC Music Performance students can go on to degrees in Music, Musical Studies, Performance Studies, Music Education and Music Technology and then on to careers in Teaching, Composing, Performing, Music Management and Business, Recording Engineering, Music Therapy, Music Events Management, Composing for the Media, Music Copywriting and the Recording Industry. In fact, there are very few employment opportunities that can’t be connected with Music! Further information from Mr N Duf