2018/2019
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music
Performance (Production)
Why should I study this course?
You should choose to study music if you enjoy
learning about music with an interest in live
sound and practical performance. It is a practical
course with many opportunities for playing your
instrument that forms parts of your assessments.
You need a keen interest in music and the ability
to play a contemporary or classical instrument
such as a guitar, drums, violin etc, or have the
confidence to sing to a good standard. If you are
experienced in music already your skills will be
put to good use especially in the units that
require you to perform.
The course is mainly practical but you will need
to complete some written work. The Certificate
in Music Performance is equivalent to 1 AS. If
you progress to the second year you will obtain
the Subsidiary Diploma which is equivalent to 1
full A Level.
What will I study?
Year One Units
Unit 24 - Music project
Throughout this unit you will learn about the
music industry and how to form, plan and create
a music project. The commercial implications
such as marketing will be considered as you
work toward putting on a festival. You will
undertake meetings and finally perform in the
festival. Your assessment is split into 3
assignments focusing on work you will do in
class and the rehearsal studio. The assignments
are split into tasks with marks awarded for each
which may include reproducing particular
elements.
Unit 23 - Music performance techniques
Throughout this unit you will learn about how to
improve your performance and how to polish
your instrumental technique. This unit focuses
on the production of the tone, timing and
authority of a professional player. The
development of rhythmic control and solid timing
is fundamental. Your assessment is split into
assignments focusing on work you will do in
class. The assignments are split into tasks with
marks awarded for each which may include
reproducing performance technical elements.
Unit 30- Pop music in practice
Throughout this unit you will learn about the
different musical genres from the 1950’s to the
present day. After the history is discovered you
will then prepare and perform 4 songs from 4
different genres to establish the knowledge you
have uncovered. Your assessment is split into 2
assignments focusing on work you will do in
class.
Year Two Units
Unit 40 - Working and developing a musical
ensemble.
Throughout this unit you will learn about the
nature of ensemble work by allowing you to
become part of a musical ensemble
concentrating on the process of working together
to produce a musically and artistically satisfying
result.
Unit 18 - Modern Music in Practice
Throughout this unit you will learn about modern
music from 1900 to the present day looking at
not just the genre themselves, but how they
reflect important events of the day and
developing trends. You will go and see live
performances that will enable you to have a
more engaging relationship with the music,
before embarking on two solo and two ensemble
performances for a college audience. This unit
never fails to inspire and motivate.
Unit 21 – Music in the community
During this unit you will undertake a community
music project working with a chosen community
group. You will ultimately research the role of a
community musician, deliver workshops based
on particular themes, keep a working log, attend
meetings and write songs based on your
workshop findings.
What are the entry requirements?
4 A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent in 3 or
more subjects including a minimum grade
4/D in GCSE English Language.
You must be able to play an instrument or
sing confidently in front of others to a good
standard. You will be required to informally
audition in the first week of this course.
If you are interested in joining the College we will
arrange a meeting with an experienced subject
counsellor who will help you to choose courses
that best suit your ambitions and achievements.
All entry requirement details are correct at the
time of publication, September 2017, however,
the College may need to make some changes by
September 2018 in the light of student demand,
staff availability and external factors beyond the
College's control.
How is the course assessed?
The course is structured by assignments and every task you are asked to do will feature within one of the assignments. There are usually 3 assignments per unit per year. Most of the assignments include recordings, performances or written tasks that are assessed by your tutor.
What will this course prepare me for?
This is an ideal course to lead onto a degree course in Media Technology/Production. along with other Media based courses. It will prepare you to work independently, using a range of techniques and approaches to gathering information and presenting it. We have seen a number of students gain employment within the film and television industry.
Private Study
You will be given one homework task per week. These homework tasks will be something which requires you to think around the subject you are studying and will further your knowledge accordingly. Sometimes you may have to complete an assignment outside of lesson time which may involve writing or rehearsing practically.
What materials will I need to provide?
You will not need to buy anything apart from a pencil, paper and a pen although a pen drive would be handy to store some of your work.
Examination Board
BTEC
What skills do I need?
Enthusiasm
Commitment
Energy
Music skills – a good ability to play an instrument or sing/read music or guitar tabs
How will I be taught?
You will be taught multiple units per week by different teachers who have expert skills in the units they are teaching you. The lessons will be mostly practical inspired but some theoretical exploration will be needed depending on the topic being covered.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in
Music Performance is for you if:
You love music, enjoy performing, recording and are creative in your approach. If you enjoy practical work and learning new skills.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in
Music Performance is not for you if:
Are not prepared to try different music styles or perform. We will do our best to encourage and praise you and we are confident that you will make very quick progress with your performing confidence under our specialist guidance if you choose to undertake this course.
