Music Performance
Course Overview
Students will have the opportunity to develop their musical skills beyond GCSE level, giving them the chance to refine and develop skills that are applicable as professional musicians. The course is designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels. The programme gives a broad overview of the sector, with a focus on performance, including musical skills development and professional practice.
There will be a mixture of written and practical work and regular recording events to present coursework both in and out of school time. The language and traditions of music from many cultures is studied, as well as examples from a huge range of styles.
How is the course structured?
The course is run over two years and content is broken down into 4 units. Each unit is worth a specific amount of credits and to successfully complete the course, you must complete the selected units in order to achieve the required amount of credits. Each assignment has a specific vocational context and a scenario in order to allow students to relate their studies to the industry.
What will I learn?
Professional Practice in the Music Industry (externally assessed):
- How do you finance a large-scale music event?
- What considerations will need to be taken into account during the planning stages?
- What professional skills are required as professional musicians outside of performance, composition and production?
Practical Music Theory and Harmony (internally assessed):
- How to read musical notation
- How to interpret and apply musical symbols to enhance performance
- How to compose an original melody that compliments a chord progression
- How to compose interesting and dynamic chord progressions
- Using music technology to realise creative ideas
- The skills necessary to take a simple lead sheet and translate into an arrangement for a musical ensemble.
Ensemble Music Performance (externally assessed):
- What skills are important in the rehearsal space?
- How to play as part of an ensemble
- Ways in which you can use your instrumental skills to develop and reinterpret existing material
- Experience in performing music in a live context.
Music Performance Session Styles ( internally assessed):
- What makes an efficient and employable session musician?
- An in-depth instrumental study into the techniques used by professional musicians in specific musical genres.
- How to create a suitable performance efficiently in a short time frame.
Examination Board:
Pearson
Entry Requirements:
Students should have studied Music at Key Stage 4 and be able to demonstrate instrumental/vocal skills at ABRSM grade 4 or equivalent standard. Students who haven’t done so will still be considered pending a practical audition to demonstrate musical performance skill at a level which will allow them to succeed in the course.
Course Level:
BTEC – Level 3
What skills will I develop?
| Employability skills | |
| Real and relevant industry experience | |
| Project management | |
| Communication skills | |
| Collaborative working | |
| Independence | |
| Confidence | |
| Self-esteem | |
| Initiative |
How will I be assessed?
All assessment is made through completion of assignments and coursework as well as formal written and performance exams at the end of the second year. Each unit has an assignment to complete in order to fulfil the individual unit requirements. Within assignments, tasks will be completed to PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION level.
Each individual assignment must be completed to at least a pass level in order to pass the whole unit.
On successful completion of a unit, points are awarded depending upon the level of completion and the credit value of the unit. At the end of the course, the points will be added from all completed units to make a combined total points score.
Is there anything else I should know?
Due to the course content it is advisable to have studied Music; however, promising musicians who have a good standard of performance but have not studied the subject in Year 11 should talk to the Music staff about their suitability for the course. Alternatively, please email reception@stjohnplessington.com.
Progression Routes
The qualification can provide the UCAS points required to allow access to higher education courses including degrees and foundation degrees. Potential occupations include opportunities in teaching, promotions, performance, publishing, music therapy and the media.