BTEC National Diploma Music Technology
2 Years: Equivalent to 3 A-Levels
View Admission Requirements here
This qualification gives students the opportunity to study a broad music technology curriculum, developing music and music technology skills for both the workplace and higher education.
Units studied may include:
Sound Recording Techniques
This will provide you with a fundamental understanding of sound recording technology. It applies theoretical and practical learning, including hands-on experience in the recording studio.
Creating and Marketing a Music Product/Planning a Music Recording
These combined second year units focus on the preparation and delivery of a recorded music product. Students will produce a conceptual music package such as a CD to demonstrate recording and production skills, project management, team working and product marketing.
Music Sequencing
The unit introduces you to sequencing, sampling, MIDI systems and representative commercial music software.
Computer Music Systems
This specialist unit is designed to give students a basic understanding of computer technology as applicable to the music industry. Students will need to become familiar with the routine use of computers, the correct terminology and the operational skills required to work effectively with software and peripherals for a variety of musical applications.
The Sound and Music Industry/Music Freelance World
These units take an in-depth look at the workings of the music industry. The unit is supported by a wide variety of guest lecturers from all aspects of the industry. The unit will also help you develop your career aspirations and understand the working conditions within different areas of the music industry.
Pop Music in Practice
You will develop a knowledge of the different periods and styles in popular music, and will learn about these in a historical and social context.
Composing
This unit will teach the skills of composing in popular music styles. Students will be able to expand their creative abilities and produce a selection of pieces.
Operating Live Sound
This unit will introduce you to the skills of operation of music technology equipment as used in support of live performance.
Listening Skills for Musicians
This unit will help you develop the aural skills needed for effective and critical listening. You will learn to identify musical structures, timbres, intervals and tonality.
Special Subject Investigation
This unit provides the opportunity to carry out academic research into a personally selected aspect of music, resulting in the production of a report or presentation.
Sound Creation and Manipulation
This unit will develop your understanding of sound creation using computer applications that allow synthesis.
Introduction to Acoustics
This unit explores the science of sound. Topics covered include the physics of sound, instrumental sound, hearing processes and room acoustics.
The Functional Music Keyboard
This unit will help you develop your keyboard skills to enable you to use the keyboard as a tool for a variety of musical applications. This unit is ideal for non-keyboard players who wish to learn these valuable skills.
Music Theory and Harmony
You will have the opportunity to study aspects of music theory that will prove invaluable when working with musicians. This unit teaches theory in the context of popular music styles and genres and involves the creative use of sequencing software.
Options
Students choose one of the following options in the second year:
Music Video Production
This unit is designed to allow students to investigate the genre of music video, both as a specific media format, and as an interpretative and marketing tool. Students will then research, develop and produce an original video for a chosen track.
Music and Sounds for Multimedia
Students will produce music and audio to accompany the moving image and other media. They will learn about the conventions involved in mixed-media environments when adding audio.
Admission Requirements
Minimum Age
The minimum age at the time of enrolment for Further Education courses is normally 16 as stated in the Edexcel Programme Specifications. There is no upper age limit on entry.
Qualifications
A minimum of 4 GCSEs (grade A*–C) including English Language and Maths. You should also demonstrate an enthusiasm for/understanding of music technology, preferably with some experience.
Interview
You will be expected to attend an interview and take a short music technology test.
If English is not your first language then you must have a British Council English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5.
Additional Qualifications
Music Exams
All students will study London College of Music Popular Music Theory at the appropriate grade. In addition students may work towards graded practical exams.
Skills for Life
Students will take an appropriate Skills for Life qualification in IT, Literacy and Numeracy dependent on their qualifications on entry.
