BTEC Level ½ in MUSIC PRACTICE

MUSIC AT KS4

BTEC Technical Award in Music Practice  

Purpose Statement: A practical introduction to life and work within the Music industry. This qualification is the same size and level as a GCSE. 

As a creative subject, with a focus on music practice, there is no written exam. 

This course will give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. You will develop key skills, ranging from rehearsing to experimenting with technology, equipment and instruments. You will also develop an understanding of the Music Industry. 

This Tech award is a great stepping stone into further vocational or academic study in the Music sector. 

Component 1 – Exploring Music Products and Styles 

Task1: Styles portfolio - Compile a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your understanding of four different styles of music. You can select a maximum of two styles from popular music. 

Task 2: Explore techniques used to create music products - Create a portfolio of short musical extracts to demonstrate your exploration of musical techniques. You will need to create three 30–60-second examples of ideas for music products using a range of realisation techniques. 

Component 2– Music Skills Development 

Plan and create two musical outcomes that will develop your music skills using professional and commercial skills to develop your musical outcomes, including: planning and management of development processes, management of equipment and resources, strategy and management of skills development.  You must show how your musical outcomes have evolved through your development of skills in two of the following areas: 

  • music performance

  • creating original music

  • music production 

Component 3 – Responding to a music brief 

Learners will be given the opportunity to develop and present music in response to a given music brief.  This component will allow learners to work to their strengths and interests and apply the skills that they have learned throughout the course in a practical way. They will focus on a particular area of the music sector that excites and appeals to them and respond to a music brief as a composer, performer or producer. 

Timetabling 

KS4 - 1 double lesson (1 hour and 40 minutes) and 2 single lesson (50 minutes) per week 

Extra-curricular opportunities 

Singing Club – GarageBand Club – Battle of the Bands. Practice Rooms are available for pupils to book to rehearse at lunch time throughout the week 

Musical Instrument Lessons at The cedars academy 

We have visiting instrumental teachers for Piano, Percussion (including Drum Kit), Strings and Guitar/Bass. 

For further information, please contact Ms Wright: [email protected]

Career pathways in Music 

Once you have completed this Qualification, you will have developed valuable knowledge, practical skills and a wider understanding of the Music Industry. 

Since you will be developing skills across a number of disciplines, such as music creation, production and performance- you will have a better understanding of whether the music industry is for you, and if so, which part of it you might want to study further. 

You could Progress to a Level 2 Technical Certificate or to a Level 3 Programme, such as A Levels, a T Level or a BTEC National, either on its own or in a combination of other A Levels. 

Further info about careers in Music: