BTEC Diploma in Music

Why Music – What Can I Do With It?

The BTEC Nationals are qualifications that are designed to provide specialist knowledge and skills which can either prepare for employment or further education. The BTEC courses are in a modular format and to a certain degree students can choose the modules to suit their strengths. The Diploma in Music is equivalent to 2 A Levels and consists of three core units plus nine specialist units. This can be upgraded to the Extended Diploma in Music by adding one further core unit and four extra specialist units. Please see below for the grid of UCAS points that are awarded.

What Entry Requirements Do I Need?

BTEC/GCSE Music at Grade C or above or equivalent potential.

A general interest in music in terms of performing, composing, listening and analysing.

How Does The BTEC Course Compare To AS & A2?

These are the overall UCAS points at present.

Overall Grade BTEC Diploma  A Level Equivalent       UCAS Points

Pass                                         EE                                80

Merit                                         CC                               160

Distinction                                 AA                                240

This is a brand new syllabus and has yet to be verified. However, there are likely to be very few changes to the information below.

What Will I Learn On This Course?

There are 20 units, 6 of which are mandatory

1 Ensemble Music performance

2 Practical Music Theory and Harmony

3 Professional Practice in the Music Industry

4 Music Skills Development

5 Music in Context

6 Creating a Music Product

The other 2 units can be chosen from the following list:

Critical Listening                       

Arranging Music

Composing Music

Music and Sound for the Moving Image

Contemporary Songwriting Techniques

Music Promotion

Live Music Events

Music Investigation

Vocal Development

Solo Performance

Improvising Music

Music Software Skills

How Will I Be Assessed?

This course is assessed through externally marked units similar to controlled assessment units and internally marked units which are externally moderated.

Peripatetic Music Lessons

This is an opportunity to continue or even begin instrumental lessons. A wide variety of lessons are offered through the North Lincolnshire Music Support staff and private teachers in the following areas are available to teach:

Upper Strings                Lower Strings                Woodwind                                 Brass

Percussion                    Voice                            Keyboard                                  Guitar

There are also plenty of opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities e.g. concert band, samba band, choir, lads choir, rock workshops, orchestra, string ensemble and taiko drumming to name but a few. The Sixth Form are encouraged to take an active part in lessons with key stage 3 and 4 students in order to pass on and develop their expertise with younger students as we feel this is beneficial to their learning experience and helps them to understand the different approaches to their subject area.

The Department is always open to new ideas and wishes to encourage music for pleasure as well as the demands of an examination syllabus. It should always be remembered that all extra-curricular music activities and work within the music department provides invaluable character reference material when completing UCAS forms for entry into Further Education.