Music - BTEC Level 2

Exam Body

Pearson (BTEC level 2)

Head of Department

Mrs. Jennifer Appleton

jappleton@stdavidscollege.co.uk

This is a practically based course for pupils keen on continuing their musical studies, and leads on to the BTEC level 3 qualifications in Music.

The successful candidate will achieve the BTEC Level 2 First Award in Music, which is equivalent to 1 GCSE, grades A*-C. This is essentially a practical course, and pupils will make extensive use of the Recording Studio and will be required to perform in front of others. Pupils must be able to play an instrument or sing and be prepared to take lessons.

Areas of study

The Music Industry

How many organisations are involved in getting the music from the musician to the audience? Learners will gain a good understanding of the scope of the music industry with a view to getting work and using the organisations that exist. This unit is marked by 1 hour External Exam set by Pearson.

Managing a Music Product

This unit will enable learners to manage the planning, delivery, and promotion of a live concert, such as Band Night.

Pupils also have to undertake two further units from those listed:

Introducing Musical Recording

The ability to create audio recordings is essential for anyone with a desire to work in the music industry in a technical role. In this unit, you will use the Recording Studio to plan a recording session and create and mix down multi-track recordings.

Introducing Musical Performance

Having a career as a performer requires high levels of technical ability on an instrument or voice. In this unit you will develop your performance skills, and use these skills within rehearsal and performance.

Introducing Live Sound

The sound engineer’s role is key to its success and is a rewarding and challenging career path. This unit offers pupils the opportunity to learn about live sound and carry out the role of a live sound engineer.

Introducing Music Composition

Pupils will be introduced to ways to extend, develop and shape music that suits different situations. Briefs will be used to present pupils with real-life compositional challenges that may require the composition of a very short piece, e.g. for a 20 second TV advert, or a more extended composition, e.g. for a film scene.

Introducing Music Sequencing

The ability to create audio recordings is essential for anyone with a desire to work in the music industry in a technical role. In this unit, pupils will use music technology to create multi-track recordings.