This course is offered as a two year course and is equivalent to one A Level. The course aims to develop skills in performing as both an individual and within a group. You will also gain knowledge in the professional Music Industry.
Working to deadlines and developing skills in presentation, communication, teamwork and organisation will not only prepare you for a career in the Music Industry but also within marketing, retail and accountancy as some examples. The course can also lead onto higher education at University or College.
Most recently we have had students from the Music department receive unconditional offers to the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Sheffield.
You will have the chance to perform in school productions; concerts both internally and externally; attend performance masterclasses by leading professionals, go on visits to Performing Arts colleges, along with Rotherham Battle of the Bands, Candlelight concerts and Summer and Winter Showcases.
Other opportunities can also come from you. If you’ve got an idea for a performance event we can look at organising that with you.
5 GCSEs at 9 – 5.
GCSE Music is not a prerequisite for this course. You must be a confident performer either on voice, guitar, bass, drums or piano/keyboard and be very willing to perform. Entry onto the course will also require an informal audition.
- All modules involve coursework and are either assessed internally or externally.
- There is no traditional exam.
- Four units in total – three mandatory and one choice (total 360)
- Unit 1 – Practical Music Theory & Harmony (90)
Understanding chords, cadences and the impact on composition. Explore signs and symbols of music notation.
Portfolio Assessment – You will be given three different chord sequences, compose a melody to go with each one.
- Unit 2 – Professional Practice in the Music Industry (90)
Explore Music Industry roles, production, marketing, venues, TV & Film, record labels, networking, freelance working.
Project based assessment- Provide an original music soundtrack for the upcoming ‘At One With The World’ conference. You have a budget of £5000.
- Unit 3 – Ensemble Performance (120) The largest unit.
Digital Portfolio Assessment – Perform a set of three contrasting pieces from a given list that are different to the original. You will keep a log of progress, and record the pieces in the studio for submission.
- Unit 4 – Choice between solo performance and composing music. (60)
Demonstrate knowledge of own voice/instrument, understand how to make progress, how to rehearse and how to develop a programme for performance. For composing you will review other composers and highlight their impact. Provide a portfolio of completed compositions on Sibelius, GarageBand or live recordings for submission.
The Examination Board for this course is Pearson.
The full course title is BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance.
Students must be committed to taking part in the wide range of extra-curricular music activities offered. Students can enjoy working on MACs using the latest score writing software, GarageBand and Mixcraft and will have regular opportunities to record in our recording studio. There are numerous opportunities to take advantage of composing/performing workshops at no additional charge.
