Music Composing BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Programme

Every learner at Central Sussex College who is under 19 will undertake a personal Study Programme designed to develop them academically, practically and personally. Study Programmes contain 3 essential elements:

Subject Course – Vocational or chosen Academic subjects, usually studied for 12 – 16 hours a week.

English and Maths – Every learner will work towards Level 2 English and Maths (C grade equivalent). Learners who have achieved a Grade C will extend their English and Maths.

3E – Our own brand of specific entrepreneurship, enterprise and employability training.

You will have specific time in your timetable for each of the three elements above and you will be expected to attend all elements throughout the year. Study programmes are designed to help you meet your maximum potential and progress to the next level of study of into work.

The BTEC Music (Composing) course allows you to develop composing and technology skills towards the levels required for a career in the music industry and will also prepare you for higher education music studies. Ideal for students looking to compose music and get creative with technology!

You will study six units over a two year period.

*Units of study:

1st Year

• Composing Music
• Functional Music Keyboard
• Contemporary Songwriting Techniques

2nd Year

• Music and Society
• Music and Sound for the Moving Image
• Arranging Music

*Units are subject to change

We will provide you with opportunities to:

• Create music for a variety of scenarios
• Build a composition portfolio
• Develop music technology skills
• Evaluate modern music practices and develop an understanding of the relationship between music and society
• Use Apple Computers running Logic, Sibelius and other industry standard software

Applicants should ideally have some knowledge of music sequencing and specialise in Vocals, or instrumental playing. Applicants who do not specialise in a main instrument or are wholly dependent on sequencing software are welcome to audition however they should ideally also possess some instrumental/ vocal ability.
The course covers essential skills such as composing, MIDI and Audio sequencing and songwriter studies in the first year through to detailed study of Music and Society, sync work and notation study in the second year of the course.

This course can be combined with BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performing). Students successfully completing both courses will be awarded the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music (equivalent to 2 A Levels).

Central Sussex College is committed to providing you with guidance and support to help you make the most of your potential and achieve your goals! We offer an exciting range of academic qualifications, vocational subjects and apprenticeships – based at excellent facilities in Crawley, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead and Horsham. We have something for everyone – so whether you are just leaving school and looking to study for a BTEC or A Levels, are looking to retrain and gain new skills or take your studies further with professional qualification or higher level training at our University Centre, Central Sussex College can cater for you.