BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music

Places are now extremely limited on the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music course for students with an interest in the Popular Music genre. Applications for this genre may be added to a waiting list. 

Applications for the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music are still welcome from students with an interest in the Classical Music or Jazz genres.


2 Years: Equivalent to 3 A-Levels
This qualification gives students the opportunity to study music within a broad musical curriculum. Students will develop  musical skills for both the workplace and higher education.

Specialisation is possible through genre specific ensembles and history classes - therefore when applying you will be asked  which of the following musical genres you perform in: Pop, Classical or Jazz

Units studied may include:

The Sound and Music Industry
This unit takes 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. It will also help you develop your career aspirations and understand the working  conditions within  different areas of the music industry as well as copyright law and royalty collection agencies.

The Music Freelance World
This unit has been written to give learners an understanding of the freelance way of life within the performing arts industry. You  will cover areas such as financial management, entrepreneurial skills and self development.

Music in Society/Pop Music in Practice/Classical Music in Practice
Delivered together over two years, you will develop a knowledge of the different periods and styles of  music, and will  learn  about these in an historical and social context.

Music Theory and Harmony
This unit is designed to give students theoretical knowledge to apply in practical situations such as rehearsals and  performances.  In addition, the unit gives students the necessary language for copying, transcribing, composing and arranging  music.

Listening Skills
In this unit, you will improve your sense of pitch, rhythm and harmonic awareness.

Aural Perception Skills
Studying this unit involves listening to many different kinds of music and recognising the sounds, instrumentation, melody,  chords  and students of various musical styles, forms and orchestration and will be able to relate
them to their own area of interest.

Music Performance Techniques
This unit is delivered through structured ensemble performance with ensembles related to your specific musical genre in terms  of Pop, Classical or Jazz.  The unit is delivered over both years of the programme.

Working & Developing as a Musical Ensemble
This practical unit explores the nature of ensemble work by allowing students
to become part of a musical ensemble concentrating on the process of a team working together to produce a musically and  artistically satisfying result.  These ensembles are specific to your chosen genre: Pop, Classical or Jazz.

Special Subject Investigation
This unit provides the opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation into a personally selected aspect of music. Project  management skills and academic writing skills are developed in this unit, helping you to prepare for both HE and the  workplace.

Composing and Arranging Music
In this unit, you will be able to develop and apply skills in composition. It involves writing and recording music for acoustic  and/or  electronic instruments. You will also develop skills in using music notation software.

Major Music Project (Double Unit)
In a group, students will create and promote a substantial live music event. The group will face the same issues and demands  as  any commercially successful band.

Options
Students may be able to choose one of the following options in the second year:

Sequencing Systems and Techniques
In this unit students will concentrate on the creation of a portfolio of music using the tools available within major sequencing  software packages. Students will work with.

MIDI and audio based sequencing, each of which has a vast range of techniques that can be utilised in the production of  modern  music.

Music Production Techniques
This unit will take learners through the process of sound recording; the ‘recording chain’ as it has been called. Starting with the  capture of sounds into the recorder, learners will then balance and mix sounds before finally producing the stereo master  recording.

Improvising Music
These units will enable you to acquire and develop effective improvisation skills and understanding of musical forms.

Contemporary Songwriting Techniques
This unit will allow students to learn and explore the techniques of popular music songwriting

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.

In terms of ability on your instrument and your music theory knowledge you should be around the following level depending on  which genre you wish to work in through the ensemble classes:

Classical:           Grade V Practical & Music Theory

Pop:                   Grade V Practical & Grade III Music Theory

Jazz:                   Grade V Practical & Grade IV Music Theory

Audition
At your audition you will be asked to play two contrasting pieces on your principal instrument in the genre you wish to play in  ensembles, plus some scales and arpeggios.  You will also sit a short theory paper.

All students who apply before 31 January are guaranteed an audition.

If English is not your first language you must have a British Council English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5.

Functional Skills
Where appropriate students will also undertake Functional Skills qualifications.