BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music
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.
Pop Music in Practice/Classical Music in Practice
In this unit you will develop a knowledge of the different periods and styles of music, and will learn about these in an historical and social context. You will also perform music from periods/styles you have studied.
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.
Aural Perception Skills
In this unit, you will improve your sense of pitch, rhythm and harmonic awareness.
Listening 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 also includes developing solo performance skills and repertoire.
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.
Composing and Arranging Music
In this unit, you will be able to develop and apply skills in composition and arrangement. 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 or ensemble.
Options
Students choose two 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
This 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 and some sight reading. You will also sit a short theory paper.
All students who apply before 31 January are guaranteed an audition, if they meet the entry requirements.
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.
