Welcome to BTEC Music performance

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through practical 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 hands on experience covering both performance and the music industry. It is designed to be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications.

You will learn content through a variety of practical technique classes, practical workshops and performance workshops. You will develop skills and techniques in ensemble (group) music performance. You will develop an understanding of professional practice in the music industry and you will develop further understanding of music harmony. You will also participate and contribute in workshops that develop your understanding of solo performance, improvisation and composing music. All these areas have been developed in consultation with academics and employers and professional bodies to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for employment in the music sector.

You will be assessed through controlled assessments, two of which are externally assessed and two are assessed internally.

In addition to the music sector-specific content outlined above, this qualification gives learners transferable and higher-order skills that are valued by higher education providers and employers, for example performance techniques, communication skills, team working. The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. It will support entry to higher education courses in a wide range of disciplines. Learners can study an aspect of music in higher education, opportunities include: • BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, BA (Hons) in Music Industry Management, BA (Hons) in Music Business and Arts Management. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.

Learners should have music experience. This could be practice on an instrument, or completion of a GCSE or Level 2 BTEC in Music.