Music Technology BTEC National

Music Technology BTEC National

Qualification: BTEC National Diploma - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
Students should have at least one of the following:

• a BTEC First in a related subject
• an Intermediate GNVQ in a related subject
• at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English or Mathematics

Head of Department: Mr John Brindle

Course assessment:
Assessment is through a mixture of coursework (portfolio), live performance, presentation and theoretical written work. There are no formal, final examinations although short practial tests may be used to assess your knowledge.

What can this course offer me?
This two year, hands-on course will arm you with all of the skills you will need to persue a career in the Music Industry. From recording and producing work through to engineering and Marketing, you will develop a wide range of skills geared towards current industry trends and practice.

What will I learn?
The College has two fully equipped recording studios for recording and mixing your work. Using the latest version of Pro Tools and Cubase you will be expected to produce work to a near professional standard. The units covered by this course are:

• Creating and Marketing a Music Product (2 units)
• Sound Recording Techniques
• The Functional Music Keyboard
• Audio Engineering
• The Sound and Music Industry
• Music Sequencing
• Sound Creation and Manipulation
• Music Technology in Performance
• The Music Freelance World
• Composing Music
• Planning a Music Recording
• Computer Music Systems
• Introduction to Acoustics
• Listening Skills for Musicians
• Pop Music in Practice
• Operating Live Sound
• Special Subject Investigation

What Makes a good Music Technology student?
As well as meeting the College's standard entry requirements for a BTEC National course (5 C's at GCSE including English Language or Maths) you must have a genuine interest in making Music, and be able to play and read standard musical notation.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
AS Music, Performing Arts or Media are all closely related to the creative sound and music industry.

Physics or maths are useful for students wishing to persue a engineering based career.

Future Opportunities
There is a wide range of university courses available to those who complete this course successfully, both at HND and Degree levels; these include courses in Music Technology, Media, Multi Media, Business (Music), Performing Arts and other related subjects. As an alternative to Higher Education there are many opportunities for Employment and Self Employment in the Music Industry: employment can be found in studios, music sales and promotions, and PA companies, while there are freelance openings for sound engineers, musicians, DJs etc.

Is there anything else I need to know?
Each year we have visits from professional musicians, engineers and composers who spend a day talking about the music industry and developing your techniques.

The BTEC National in Music Technology is an exciting course, be prepared to work hard but have fun at the same time!