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Popular Music Practice BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

Course at a Glance

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  • Hours: 15 hours per week, 36 weeks
  • Next start date(s): September
  • Course Location: Lewisham Way Campus
  • Who's it for: School Leaver 16-18, Adult Learner 19+

Is this course for me?

This course suits instrumentalists or vocalists with some previous experience who want to develop performance and composing skills. The course is an excellent overview of the industry and is ideal for 16-19 year olds as well as mature students.

What will I study?

This course offers individual tuition on an instrument or voice and training to read and write music for a variety of performance situations. Band workshops help students develop individual and group compositions in a variety of different styles, including improvisation. You will develop keyboard skills, learn how to arrange music and will be trained in digital tape and MIDI (computer). Subjects covered include, keyboard skills, composition, music performance techniques, music theory, harmony and sound recording techniques.

Subjects:

  • Listening Skills for Musicians
  • Major Music Project
  • Music and Society
  • Planning a Music Project
  • Sound and Music Industry

These are optional subjects:

  • Arranging
  • Composing
  • Improvisation
  • Music Performance Session Styles
  • Sound recording techniques
  • The Functional Music Keyboard
  • Theory and Harmony
  • Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble

What can I do next?

This can lead to a music degree or HND course, or other further education such as multimedia courses. Employment opportunities can be found in record companies, music instrument retail, music composition, studio apprenticeship and music performance.

This can lead to employment in:

  • Record companies
  • Music instrument retail
  • Music composition
  • Studio apprenticeship
  • Music performance

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to have at least three GCSEs at grades A-C one of which should be English or Music and you will be invited to an interview and to sit a short written pre-entry assessment. Applicants also need to demonstrate instrumental or vocal ability and a sense of pitch and rhythm. Depending on experience there is some flexibility over entry requirements.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment takes the form of assignments, exams and observation of performance. Students also meet regularly with tutors to help plan studies and to discuss progress.

What will it cost?

If you are under 19 and a home student, in most circumstances, you don't pay any fees. However, you will need to find this out when you apply.

Course fee: £1370 Exam fee: £180 Registration fee: £30

Please note: For courses longer than one year, the fees stated apply to the first year only. These costs are for the academic year 2011-2012 only.