BTEC Music
The course is ideal if you love performing and composing music in a wide variety of styles. It also includes a unit on the music industry with a focus on live event planning.
Why study BTEC Level 3 Music?
The course is ideal if you love performing and composing music in a wide variety of styles. It also includes a unit on the music industry with a focus on live event planning. A BTEC qualification gives you a wealth of musical experience and transferable skills, preparing you to continue to undergraduate study or the workplace. The music industry makes a vast contribution to the UK economy and continues to grow, this course will prepare you for a career in this exciting and thriving industry.
What is the course like?
The course is made up of 4 units, 2 of which are assessed in Year 12 and the remaining 2 in Year 13.
| Unit no. | Unit Name | Type of Assessment |
| Unit 1 | Music Theory and Harmony | Internally assessed coursework moderated by exam board in Year 12 |
| Unit 2 | Professional Practice in the Music Industry | Externally assessed coursework sat in exam conditions over 6 hours in Year 12 |
| Unit 3 | Ensemble Music Performance | Externally assessed coursework in Year 13 |
| Unit 4 | Composing Music | Internally assessed coursework moderated by exam board in Y13 |
What topics will I study?
In BTEC Level 3 Music you will study the following topics:
Year 1:
- Music theory in practice
- Examine the signs and symbols used in musical notation
- Explore the application of melodic composition based on musical elements
- Explore the application of chords and cadences for composition or arrangement
- Produce correct musical notation for performance
- Professional practice in the music industry
- In depth exploration of the music industry
- Learning operational requirements relevant to specific organisations and practices.
- Create a project plan, budget, rationale and presentation in response to a music industry scenario
Year 2:
- Ensemble music performance
- Rehearse and perform within a variety of different ensembles
- Develop technical and musical awareness within rehearsal situations
- Learn how to interpret a piece of music and arrange it in a contrasting style.
- Perform regularly as part of an ensemble
- Composing Music
- Examine compositional techniques
- Explore original music ideas using a variety of compositional methods including technology
- Develop original compositional material in response to a brief
How many lessons will I have?
The St Edward’s timetable has a two-week structure, in which you will have 9 hours of Music. These will be a mix of theory and practical lessons taught by both music teachers.
What support and resources will be available to me?
The music department is equipped with a large music classroom and a music technology classroom with computers running Cubase Pro 8 software, each with an audio interface and MIDI keyboard. There are also 5 practice rooms for individual and group rehearsals as well as a fully equipped recording studio. There are 6 full size acoustic and digital pianos, 3 drum kits as well as a large number of guitars and amps for students to use during rehearsals.
We recommend students studying music at KS5 have individual lessons to develop their technical and performance skills.
Is BTEC Level 3 Music right for me?
If you enjoy performing and rehearsing challenging music from a variety of genres in groups, composing using technology, practical music theory and studying the music industry then this is the course for you.
You will need a Merit in BTEC Music or Grade 6 in GCSE Music. If you have not studied Music at Key Stage 4, it may be possible for you to complete the course if you have relevant experience in performing and composing. Please speak to Mr Sloan for details.
Course requirements – click here
Who can I contact with any questions?
Mrs L Keene –Music Subject Leader
lkeene@st-edwards.poole.sch.uk