What will I study? The qualification is a BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice. This course will allow students to delve deeper into musical knowledge, composition and performance. The qualification is for students who are interested in a career as a musician or the music industry.
How will I be assessed? There are three Components which are provided over year 10 &11:
Component 1: Exploring Musical Products and Styles (Internal, externally moderated)
Each year, the music industry produces a wide range of products such as recordings, compositions, live performances, music for film, TV and computer games. Have you ever wondered how these products are created? In this component, you will develop your understanding of different types of music products and the techniques used to create them. You will explore how musical elements, technology and other resources are used in the creation, production and performance of music. You will also practically explore the key features of different styles of music and music theory and apply your knowledge and understanding to developing your own creative work.
Component 2: Music Skills Development (Internal, externally moderated)
As a performer, producer or creator in the music industry, you need to continually develop your skills and techniques in order to be successful and secure a regular flow of gigs and commissions. In this component, you will participate in workshops and classes where you will develop technical, practical, personal and professional skills and specialise in at least two of the following areas: music performance, creating original music, music production. Throughout your development, you will review your progress and consider how to make improvements. You will learn how musicians share their work and collaborate with others and will develop your skills as a musician in how to use blogs, YouTube, Soundcloud and other platforms to share your work and skills development with others.
Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief (Externally Assessed)
This component will allow you to work to your strengths and interests and apply the skills that you have learned throughout your course in a practical way. You will focus on a particular area of the music sector that excites and appeals to you and respond to a music brief as a composer, performer or producer. You will begin by exploring the brief and investigating possible responses and ideas to meet the demands of the brief. Using relevant resources, skills and techniques you will then develop and refine musical material before presenting your final response. You will develop and present an original creation based on a piece from a given list and a style from a choice of four. You will present this as a solo or group performance and you will consider how your skills and interests make you suitable for a specific music sector.
What skills will I need? You must, above all, have a real interest in Music and performance. The requirements for this course is that you already know how to play an instrument or that you have started to learn how to play an instrument (Vocals is an instrument).
What happens in lessons? In lessons you will develop skills in Music Theory, Performance and rehearsal techniques and Music Production. You will undergo the research and rehearsal process necessary for performance and enhance your understanding of Music Genres, and Music careers. (The lessons will not teach you how to play an instrument so students will be advised to access additional lessons or to use Self learning Apps)
Progression to Post 16
The Faculty offers progression in the RSL Performing Arts courses at Level 3 called Music Practitioners.