The BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Music is a practical and academic musical course that requires a two year commitment from students. It is the equivalent of 1 ½ A Levels. It is a very intensive course for practical musicians. You should be skilled in playing at least one instrument and you need to have a very keen interest in popular music.

The ability to play a musical instrument and/or sing is a requirement of the course. Candidates do not need to have studied GCSE music for this course.

The BTEC Foundation Diploma in Music has the equivalence of 1 ½ A Levels, and it is possible for you to progress further into Higher Education. Universities, Music Colleges and other centres of Higher Education welcome it as an entrance qualification for a wide range of courses. In addition, it is likely that you will have acquired transferable skills such as teamwork, collaboration, planning, time management, communication, self-motivation, decision making, self¬-awareness and interpersonal skills, which are highly valued by employers.

You will study a broad range of music performance skills and techniques that explore a range of genres and practitioners, gaining valuable skills such as:

• creative development: development of music skills

• management: planning and overseeing projects

• analytical skills: self-analysis and reflection

• teamwork: appreciation of the music industry and your future role in it

• presentation: the ability to present yourself and your achievements effectively.

Students will develop some of the skills required by a contemporary musician. They will be encouraged to perform as much as possible, and will develop the skills required to study music at undergraduate level.

The overall qualification grading for the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Music is P to D*. This is in line with the rest of the BTEC National suite. There are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing:

Employability skills:

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology

• interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation

• intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

Transferable skills that universities value include:

• the ability to learn independently

• the ability to research actively and methodically

• being able to give presentations and being active group members.

Over the period of the course, you will be given assignments to do by your teachers. These assignments are one way in which you can provide evidence that you have studied and understood a topic. At the end of the course you will be given a grade for your work. For BTEC courses, the highest grade is Distinction*, the next highest is Distinction, followed by a Merit, then a Pass or Not Yet Achieved. Your lowest grade for a unit will be your final grade for that particular unit. If for example you were awarded a Pass and three Distinctions for a unit, your final grade will be Pass.

Whilst you will get a chance to practice the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete a unit, you will only be able to be formally assessed on the Assessment Criteria in a unit ONCE. When you have started a formal assignment for a unit, your teacher will not be able to give you any specific Assessment Criteria guidance: they will only be able to provide general guidance.

You will complete 4 units of work over the two years, including:

• Performing as a Musical Ensemble

• Creating Music material

• Using Musical Styles

• Planning a career in the industry

A musical instrument, manuscript paper, leads, plectrums, drums sticks and a tuner. Drum kits, pianos, keyboards amps and microphones are available at the college. However, we recommend that singers provide their own microphone if possible.