GCSE Music & Music Technology
BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Music
Course content
The course consists of a number of core units including: Working in the Music Industry and Planning and Creating a Musical Product. There are also a number of optional units which will allow pupils to develop their own interests, whether in studio recording, live performance or creating music using computer systems.
- The course is entirely coursework based.
- A very broad range of practical and hands on approaches are used.
- Assignments are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction and students may re-submit work in order to improve their grade during the course.
- Visits and talks by professional musicians and technicians will form a key part of the course and pupils will have the opportunity to plan and manage a musical event; a concert, workshop or CD launch as part of their assessment.
- Assessment is varied, using video of performances, completed recordings, rehearsal diaries and other appropriate sources of evidence to demonstrate student achievement.
- The Diploma has the equivalence of four passes at GCSE A* to C.
This course is particularly well suited to those pupils with an interest in Music Technology or Popular Music and for whom the traditional GCSE is less appropriate. Pupils wishing to include performing as part of their BTEC work must be having lessons on the appropriate instrument. The course is demanding and rigorous and will be very rewarding for those students who have a real interest in and commitment to music.
