Music

What is this course about:
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance is intended to be an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the music sector or the creative sector as a whole. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to provide a coherent course of study covering both performance and the music industry. It is designed to be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications.

What you will study:
Learners taking this qualification will study three mandatory units:

  • Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony.
  • Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry.
  • Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance.

Learners choose one optional unit. These have been designed to support progression to more specialist music courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas, such as:

  • Composing music.
  • Improvising music.
  • Solo performance.

Subject entry requirements:
GCSE grade 4 in English.
Learners are expected to achieve a merit in music and be able to competently play a musical instrument or be able to sing.

How you will be assessed:
Equivalent in size to one A Level. Four units, of which three are mandatory and two are external. Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%).

  • Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry.
    A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions in a two-week period timetabled by Pearson. The supervised assessment period is five hours. Written Submission. 70 Marks.
  • Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance.
    A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions in a period timetabled by Pearson. The supervised assessment period is two hours for the written activity. In addition, there is performance evidence that totals between approximately half an hour and three-quarters of an hour. Written submission and video evidence. 80 Marks.

Designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels. The programme gives a broad overview of the music sector, with a focus on performance, including musical skills development and professional practice.

What will it prepare you for:
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses, if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, and it combines well with a large number of subjects. It will support entry to higher education courses in a wide range of disciplines, depending on the subjects taken alongside it. For learners who wish to study an aspect of music in higher education, opportunities include:
BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, if taken alongside an A Level in English Literature.
BA (Hons) in Music Industry Management, if taken alongside a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business.
BA (Hons) in Music Business and Arts Management, if taken alongside a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business and an A Level in Art.