BTEC National Award in Music (Performing)

BTEC National Award in Music (Performing)
This is a two-year vocational course that can be taken alongside other AS or A level subjects and is equivalent to one A level. It is a practical course based on popular music where you learn by completing assignments and projects which will include live performances both within the college and outside venues. Candidates will learn techniques appropriate to their instruments, including solo and ensemble playing, listening skills and music business. Students will also attend music theory classes.

What does the course consist of?
Six units:

• Solo performance
• Planning a music project
• Music project
• Session styles
• Ensemble performance
• Pop music in practice (a history of popular music)

What else do I need to know?
The School of Music is housed in a purpose-built suite of rooms. The main teaching room is also used for recitals and rehearsals. It is linked by sight and sound to the recording studio next door which has its own sound proof live room. There is a smaller teaching room which is also used for instrumental teaching and chamber music. Five practice rooms, an office and a room equipped with music computer technology complete the music facilities. The School of Music houses a large collection of books, scores and recorded sound. There is a considerable library of choral, instrumental, chamber and piano music. We have twenty two Apple Mac computers with Sibelius 5 for score writing and Logic Pro 8 for sequencing. Equipment includes a mixing desk, sampler, compressor, DAT machine, CD writers, two 4-track minidisc recorders and four 8-track recorders and the technology facilities are being continually developed. We also have six pianos and a harpsichord. The department's acoustic, electric and bass guitars and drum kits are popular with many students.
The BTEC National Award in Music (Performing) combines with other BTECs and A levels and can be a route to university courses.