Course details

BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Music / Music Technology (PROVISIONAL)

Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Music / Music Technology (PROVISIONAL)

We are planning on introducing a new BTEC Music course for students who have an interest in Music Technology and the Music Industry. This course has been listed as PROVISIONAL as it is dependent on the installation of a new Music Technology lab. If this work is complete before the end of May, then the course will run. If the work is not likely to be complete in time, the course will not run this year.

You will find a separate section of the submission form to indicate if you are interested in this course. By ticking the box, you are registering your interest in this course. Should the course run, we will talk to everyone who has expressed an interest to discuss which other option you would like to drop instead. Only tick this box on the submission form if you are genuinely interested in this course.

The rationale for the BTEC First suite in Music is to:

inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the music industry, rather than to participate in music only recreationally
give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the music industry e.g. the live sound industry, solo or group professional performance, or music promotion and publishing
support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic music course or an apprenticeship
give learners the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles across the music industry, for example runner, roadie (backline technical support), stage crew, venue staff, music promotion, and retail and sales roles.

This qualification is the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award. It has been developed to provide an engaging and stimulating introduction to the world of music. It includes two core units that form the fundamental knowledge and understanding of music principles, followed by a selection of five optional specialist units from which a further two are chosen.

The core units recognise the importance of knowledge about music for anyone wanting to be successful in the industry. There is an increasing focus on the role of the individual, where there is a need for personal business and entrepreneurship skills, coupled with music skills and aptitudes. The core also provides opportunities for the development of music skills through the development of a music product.

Unit 1: The Music Industry – which provides an overview of the industry, particularly focusing on the shape of the modern industry and covering the emergence of the role of the self-employed producer, performer and promoter.

Unit 2: Managing a Music Product – which covers essential aspects for progression. This unit looks at the development a music product. As well as providing a vehicle for demonstrating skills and learning, it also introduces the role of planning and promotion in the management of a music product. Learners can base their work on a live concert, event, a CD or online product, providing opportunities for both music performers and technologists.

The optional specialist units offered within this qualification build on the core and provide learners with an opportunity to develop a wider understanding of the music industry.

Learners will be able to select their optional specialist units from:

Unit 3: Introducing Live Sound – which enables learners to set up, understand and operate the concert PA systems required for most of today’s music performances, thus developing a valuable vocational skill and potential employment opportunity.

Unit 4: Introducing Music Composition – which encourages learners to develop creativity in addressing specific needs and requirements when responding to client briefs – similar to the behaviour required in the professional world of music composition.

Unit 5: Introducing Music Performance – which enables learners to develop their skills as performers for progression to the next stage of their education or training, as well as developing their technique and reflective practice.

Unit 6: Introducing Music Recording – which encourages learners to become familiar with recording technology and techniques that will reinforce their musical practice as well as developing important skills for progression into the professional world.

Unit 7: Introducing Music Sequencing – which enables learners to use ICT for music making, giving them a valuable vocational skill as well as a grounding in a fundamental aspect of music making in the workplace.

How is the course assessed?

The Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award in Music includes an externally assessed unit in the core. This will assist learners as they progress either into higher levels of vocational learning, or to academic qualifications, by providing independent evidence of learning and progression alongside the portfolio-based assessment. This approach also assists learners in developing their transferable skills in analytical thinking and in applying their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.

The remaining units are internally assessed. Internal assessment enables learners to receive feedback on their progress throughout the course as they gather and provide evidence towards meeting the unit assessment criteria.

Delivery strategies will reflect the nature of work within the music industry by encouraging learners to research and carry out assessment in the workplace, or in simulated working conditions, wherever possible. It will be beneficial to learners to use local examples, wherever possible, and for your centre to engage with local employers for support and input.

Learners should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and achievement, taking account of the industry standards for behaviour and performance.