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The Norwood School

Music

Name of subject: Music

Examination board: Edexcel

Qualification – BTEC National Diploma (equivalent to x2 A-Levels)

Entry requirements: Successful completion of BTEC First Award to at least Merit level, or an audition if the subject is not being studied in KS4.

Description of the course (Overview): 

Students study a range of performance, composition and music technology units making use of our brand new recording studio and rehearsal facilities. 

What topics will students cover? – Year 12 & Year 13

Students will be prepared for a career in the Music industry as they develop music production, composition and performance skills through a mixture of workshops and performance projects. Students will take part in a number of performances during the course, as well as creating their own EPs. Students will get to take advantage of our new facilities that include a professional recording studio, music technology room and extensive practise facilities. 

In Year 12 students will undertake the following units:

Sequencing Systems: Develops MIDI and audio editing techniques using Logic

Contemporary Song writing Techniques: Explores the song writing techniques of others’ and students compose their own tracks.

Music Project: Students put on a performance at an outside venue managing marketing, budgeting, rehearsals and the performance itself.

In Year 13 students will continue to develop their live musicianship and music production skills.  They will complete units in:

Music Production: Advanced editing and recording techniques exploring a variety of software and hardware used by professional producers.  Producers will build a production portfolio to take with them to audition for Music Colleges and university.

Music and Sound for Film: Students will develop composition skills for use within film.

Music Performance: Students will develop solo and ensemble performance skills leading to individual and group showcase performances.  This unit will develop audition skills for students opting for performance based courses at Music College or university.  They will also investigate the career opportunities within the Music Industry

What skills will they particularly develop?  

You will learn how to work in a variety of musical roles.  As a producer working with live musicians to create your EP, as a songwriter and as a performer.  You will develop valuable lifelong skills on this course:  how to be a team player, how to present/perform your ideas in public, how to stick to deadlines, how to work independently, how to negotiate, how to communicate effectively to others.  This course aims to improve your confidence whilst you develop these essential life skills.

Careers – progression. Where does this programme of study lead e.g. examples of the types of careers that students can progress into?

The natural progression from these Level 3 courses will be a continued study of Musical Performance, Production or Song writing either at Music College or University.  You will be fully supported in writing applications and preparing for auditions.

If successful there are a wide variety of prospective careers that you can explore, for example: musician, performer, producer or songwriter.

Progression to other areas of the Music Industry is also a possibility, and these can include: Composition, Arts Administration, Music Teaching, Music Publishing or careers within Record Companies.

Depending on other courses that are being taken alongside this course, students could also consider working in Music Therapy, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing or a Music Lawyer

We have already had students’ progress on to Music courses to study song writing.

Enrichment activities – identify the variety of places/exhibitions/museums/trips/workshops etc. that students will participate in.

You will be given the opportunity to attend performances both as an audience member and as an observer behind the scenes.