Popular Music Practice BTEC National Diploma Level 3

Is this course for me?
This course suits instrumentalists or vocalists with some
previous experience who want to develop performance and composing
skills. The course is an excellent overview of the industry and is
ideal for 16-19 year olds as well as mature students.
What will I study?
This course offers individual tuition on an instrument or voice
and training to read and write music for a variety of performance
situations. Band workshops help students develop individual and
group compositions in a variety of different styles, including
improvisation. You will develop keyboard skills, learn how to
arrange music and will be trained in digital tape and MIDI
(computer). Subjects covered include, keyboard skills, composition,
music performance techniques, music theory, harmony and sound
recording techniques.
Subjects:

• Listening Skills for Musicians
• Major Music Project
• Music and Society
• Planning a Music Project
• Sound and Music Industry

These are optional subjects:

• Arranging
• Composing
• Improvisation
• Music Performance Session Styles
• Sound recording techniques
• The Functional Music Keyboard
• Theory and Harmony
• Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble

What can I do next?
This can lead to a music degree or HND course, or other further
education such as multimedia courses. Employment opportunities can
be found in record companies, music instrument retail, music
composition, studio apprenticeship and music performance.
This can lead to employment in:

• Record companies
• Music instrument retail
• Music composition
• Studio apprenticeship
• Music performance

What are the entry requirements?
You will need to have at least three GCSEs at grades A-C one of
which should be English or Music and you will be invited to an
interview and to sit a short written pre-entry assessment.
Applicants also need to demonstrate instrumental or vocal ability
and a sense of pitch and rhythm. Depending on experience there is
some flexibility over entry requirements.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes the form of assignments, exams and observation
of performance. Students also meet regularly with tutors to help
plan studies and to discuss progress.
What will it cost?
If you are under 19 and a home student, in most circumstances,
you don't pay any fees. However, you will need to find this out
when you apply.
Course fee:
£1350Exam fee:
£175
Please note: For courses of more than one year, the fees
stated apply to the first year of the 2009/2010 academic year
only.