Music at Key Stage 4
The BTEC First Diploma in music is a vocational qualification
intended for students aiming for a career in the Music Industry.
It offers a chance for students interested in understanding
music to develop their  music
skills and gain experience working with other like-minded
musicians. Students work on developing their knowledge and
skills in a number of areas including music theory, listening
and analysing. Through written and practical tasks they will
learn how to plan and create musical projects. Skills in composition
and music technology are also key areas of study. There are
many performance opportunities from small scale informal performances
in music rooms to performances outside school in a range of
venues. Students are encouraged to organise their own concerts
in addition to participating in formal assessments.
BTEC First Diploma in Music
Instrumental and vocal teaching is provided by a team of
peripatetic specialist teachers. Music students are expected
to have individual lessons either in school or outside.
The emphasis at KS4 is on developing skills. Much of the
work is undertaken in groups and students are encouraged
to form professional working relationships with their peers.
Continual assessment of written and practical tasks takes
place through varied termly projects designed to enable
the students to identify and develop their skills in a structured
but creative learning environment.
The BTEC First Diploma consists of 6 units of study.
Units covered typically include 6 from the following list:
Unit 1: Planning and Creating a Music Product (Yr11)
Unit 2: Exploring the Music Profession (Yr10 and Yr11)
(Units 1 and 2 are CORE Units. In addition, students take
four of the units listed below)
Unit 3: Solo Musical Performance
Unit 4: Exploring Musical Composition
Unit 5: Developing as a Musical Performer
Unit 6: Working as a Musical Ensemble
Unit 8: Rehearsal Techniques for Musicians
Unit 10: Understanding Music
Unit 11: Exploring Computer Systems used by Musicians
URL for BTEC First specification:
http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/BTEC%20Firsts/306182
BF01769 Music FCD L2 Iss 2.pdf
Units are chosen by the music tutors. All students undertake
all units selected by the tutors.
What we expect
All applicants must be able to perform either as a vocalist
or an instrumentalist (or both) and should have some live
performance experience in or with a group beyond those organised
by their school. We are keen to welcome students who have
formed bands or vocal groups on their own initiative. Applicants
invited to audition will be asked to perform a short prepared
piece of their own choice, sit a music theory/listening
test and respond to some aural tests. Active involvement
in all aspects of Year 9 musical activities at a student’s
current school are a good indication of their commitment
to the subject, as is their involvement in similar activities
outside of school.
Facilities
We have a number of rehearsal spaces in the brand new building
equipped with PA, amps, keyboards and drum kits and 2 smaller
teaching rooms. There is a large, fully-equipped theatre
and a smaller studio space, both of which are used for some
music shows. The music department has a state-of-the-art
digital recording studio (not available for use to pre-16
students) and a Mac-Pro Midi suite running various composition,
sequencing and recording software.
Questions to be answered in Section 7 of the application
form
a) Give evidence of your commitment to the STUDY of Music.
You should include examples from outside the school classroom
b) List your musical skills (instruments played, voice,
etc) in order of strength/ability. How long have you been
learning and what standard have you reached
c) Explain why you want to study for a BTEC First in Music
instead of Music G.C.S.E. Research one unit from those listed
and explain how it relates to your musical goals
d) Tell us about your experience of composition/songwriting.
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