Music

This course allows you to learn about various music products, develop valuable skills and develop techniques in music composition, performance and production whilst exploring potential careers in the industry.

What the course involves 

As the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice is a practical introduction to life and work in the industry, you will explore how to develop skills, including teamwork, leadership and communication through performance, composition and technical skills. You will develop and present music to a brief and analyse and evaluate different styles of music.

Assessment

The course has two internally assessed components, and one that is externally assessed: these components build on each other to develop musical practice and growth in confidence: 

• Component 1: ‘Exploring Music Styles’ (30% Internal). During Component 1 you will explore different styles and genres of music from game music to EDM, samba, film and reggae. You will take part in practical workshops to understand stylistic features and characteristics. You will learn about the different products the music industry has and develop techniques in realising these.
• Component 2: ’Music Skills Development’ (30% Internal). This component is about developing Music Skills, knowledge and techniques and applying them to a product. You will reflect on your progress, and on areas for improvement. You will choose a job role and explore the skills needed to fulfil it and apply skills and techniques in a music performance, composition or production.
• Component 3: ‘Responding to a commercial brief’ (40% External). You will choose an area of the industry that excites you (composer, performer, or producer). You will explore the brief and come up with possible responses and ideas and then use relevant resources, skills and techniques to develop and refine musical material. Finally, you will present your response  in a solo, group or as a production and then review and reflect your approach to the brief and the final outcome.

Requirements

You do not need to have access to your chosen instrument at home however it would be beneficial. Taking part in an extra-curricular music activity will push you to achieve more. 

Where can it lead?

Career opportunities

With a BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice, you can explore, challenge and realise your potential. During the course, you can see whether the music industry is one you want to be in, and gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your next steps.

Post-16 opportunities 

After completing the course, you can continue to further vocational and academic study at level 2 and level 3, as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. What’s more, the transferable skills you master during your studies such as self-reflection, communication, teamwork and problem solving will also support your academic progress.