BTEC National Diploma in Music & Music Technology

BTEC National Diploma in Music & Music Technology

About the Course
Subject
Music
Subject 2
Performing Arts
Study Mode
Full-time
Equivalent To
3 A Levels

Introduction 2 years full-time
Are you interested in a career in music and do you want to increase your skills in playing, composing, recording and music technology? Do you want to study in a stimulating performing arts environment with a variety of professionals and practitioners, then the BTEC National Diploma in Music or the BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology could be for you. Both courses offer a comprehensive music education for the practical contemporary musician.
BTEC National Diploma in Music
This course is for students who want to develop their playing/band skills, and to take part in performance projects. It does include some training in the use of Logic software and studio techniques, but the primary focus is on band work, improvisation skills etc. It also includes composition, as well as standard musicianship units relevant to all music careers and to both music courses - music history, aural perception, music theory, music business etc. In other words, a bit of everything.
BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology
This course is for students who already play, but are more interested in studio work 'on the other side of the desk'. You will get to use your playing skills, but in studio projects rather than gigs and shows. You will focus on composing using Logic and other software, and on completing a range of studio-based recording projects. You will also learn about operating live sound for performances, and explore the use of technology within performance. As with the other course, you will study standard musicianship units relevant to all music careers - music history, aural perception, music theory, music business etc.
Across both courses, you will develop important musicianship skills through working in groups, individual research and composition, and working in studio and live music environments. In addition to the BTEC itself, there are opportunities to complete related music qualifications (e.g. ABRSM Music Theory).
Facilities include:

· Rehearsal rooms equipped for band work
· Purpose-built studios running industry-standard recording software
· In-college performance spaces
· Access to off-site performance opportunities

Course Units BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN MUSIC This course is for students who want to develop their playing/band skills and take part in performance projects. It does include some training in the use of Logic software and studio techniques but the primary focus is on band work, improvisation skills, etc. It also includes composition, as well as standard musicianship units relevant to all music careers and to both music courses - music history, aural perception, music theory, music business, etc. In other words a bit of everything! BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY The course is for students who already play but are more interested in studio work 'on the other side of the desk'. You will get to use your playing skills but in studio projects rather than in gigs and shows. You will focus on composing using Logic and other software and on completing a range of studio based recording projects. You will also learn about operating live sound for performances and explore the use of technology within performance. As with the BTEC National Diploma in Music you will study standard musicianship units relevant to all music careers, music history, aural perception, music theory, music business, etc. Across both courses you will develop important musicianship skills through working in groups, individual research and composition, and working in studio and live music environments. In addition to the BTEC itself there are opportunities to complete related music qualifications (e.g. ABRSM Music Theory).

Assessment A National Diploma is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments based on situations and demands relevant to working as a musician. By completing projects, you will gain grades for the various units, and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded at the end of two years. The qualification is the equivalent of three A levels, so there is a considerable academic/written element to the coursework.

Further Opportunities
· Progression to degrees or Higher National Diploma courses in subjects including: Performance, Production, Music and Media Applications, Sound Engineering, Music Business/Management, Teaching, Arts Administ-ration, etc. Career opportunities are greatly improved by taking this route
· Enter employment as a performer or find work in music retail

Successful applicants who have Maths at grade D will be expected to re-take the qualification in their first year. If a student has a grade lower than D they will be entered for the Key Skills Application of Number qualification at Level 2.

Entry Requirements
· A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, which must include English Language and preferably Music and Maths
· A First Diploma in Music (or other relevant subject) with an overall merit profile, plus GCSE English at grade C or above
· A proven musical background. Prior to enrolling you will be required to demonstrate your musical ability and your commitment to studying music, via an audition

Successful applicants who have Mathematics at grade D will be expected to re-take the qualification in their first year. If a student has a grade lower than D, they will be entered for the Functional Skills Application of Number qualification at Level 2. For the BTEC First Diploma and National Diploma Music courses, a certain level of musical ability is required in order for you to be able to meet the requirements of the course Mature students without formal qualifications who show commitment to the subject area may join the course following a successful interview.