BTEC Music Performance Level 3
BTEC Music Performance Level 3 covers a broad basis of study with a focus on performance, personal instrumental technique and development, music theory and professional practice. The course is designed to support progression to higher education and/or a career in the music industry when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTECs or A Levels.
Over the two year qualification, you will study a total of four units; each unit will focus on a particular area of study, such as performance, music theory and industry practice. Each of the four units has several assignments, which you will need to complete within a given timeframe to meet the assignment hand in date.
You will have the opportunity to perform, both as a solo performer and as part of an ensemble, and improve your skills on your instrument. The assignments you complete throughout the qualification will be a mixture of performance tasks, rehearsals and written essays.
Curriculum Intent
Across The Windsor Academy Trust, we encourage learners to be creative and to broaden their musical horizons and understanding with areas of study that inspire and challenge. We enable learners to explore performance and composition with a focus on their own instrument and genre choices and offer opportunities to explore new instrumental skills.
What you will study
You will study four units.
Unit 1 - Practical Theory and Harmony
You will learn about music theory, both traditional notation and alternative forms of notation, and all the signs and symbols associated with music notation. You will be asked to write a report explaining these signs and symbols in detail. You will also learn about melody and harmony; you will be given a range of assessed tasks such as composing a chord sequence to a given melody and vice versa. You will also be asked to arrange a piece of music for a range of instruments in a range of different musical keys.
Unit 2 - Professional Practice in the Music Industry
You will produce a proposal for a given scenario within the Music Industry in exam conditions. You will draw upon your learning of all areas of the Music Industry to produce a professional, realistic and detailed proposal that meets the needs of the scenario.
Unit 3 - Ensemble Music Performance
You will need to perform a number of songs as part of an ensemble. You will be assessed on your ability to plan, lead and take part in rehearsals as well as the quality of your final performance.
Unit 6 - Solo Music Performance
You will look at the skills required to be a proficient and competent solo performer. You will be asked to produce a written report detailing these skills and giving examples of how they are used by industry professionals. There is also a practical element to this unit where you will be assessed on your ability to rehearse, improve your technical skills on your instrument and give a performance as a solo performer.
How the course is assessed
Units 1 and 6 are internally assessed and units 2 and 3 are externally assessed. You will complete a number of assignments for each unit. These assignments will be marked and assessed by teaching staff and moderated by the exam board.
Entry requirements
- Five subjects at grade 4 or above including English and maths
- While it may help to have a GCSE in Music (Grade 5 or above) it is not a prerequisite. You should, however, be able to play an instrument (or be able to sing) to a good standard
- Whilst you do not need an official instrument grade, you should be able to play to at least a grade 5 standard.
Why study BTEC Music Performance Level 3 at Windsor Sixth Form?
- Expert teachers - The Music Department is staffed by enthusiastic individuals, all of whom have expertise in a range of musical instruments and working knowledge of aspects of the music industry. The staff work collaboratively to give you a wide range of experiences. They are knowledgeable, creative and dedicated professionals.
- Small class sizes - We have small cohorts enabling increased support and guidance as well as a dedicated space for rehearsal and study opportunities beyond the timetabled sessions.
- Excellent results - Staff are committed to supporting students to reach their full potential - in 2021,100% of students achieved grades Distinction* - Merit, and 88% of students have achieved grades Distinction* - Merit since 2019.
Other courses that go well with Music Performance Level 3
Due to the broad basis covered by this qualification, such as performance skills and music industry practice, it blends well with a number of other subjects including drama, dance, business studies and media.
What you can do after the course
Further study
you may wish to continue your studies further at university and gain a degree in music. There are several degrees available in music, such as popular music, classical music, music technology and music industry practices. Universities also offer mixed degrees, such as popular music and music technology.
Careers
You may wish to pursue a career in the music industry. This may include one (or more) of the following:
- Songwriter
- Producer
- Sound engineer
- Music management
- Performer
- Technician
- Teaching
Where do our students progress to after the course?
Many students who study Music often continue their studies at University.
Student success stories
We have a number of students who are continuing their study of music at universities such as the BIMM Institute - a specialist University for students who wish to pursue a career in the music industry. Recently, one of our students has enlisted to become a musician with The Royal Navy.