Music
Music Vision Statement
Our vision for music is that every single student can achieve the same outcome regardless of prior knowledge or demographic background. We pride ourselves on giving opportunities for any student to excel in musical skills, performance skills, confidence and self identity. Our subject is important for many students as it gives them a chance to gain recognition and a sense of status within the school community. We want our students to feel part of the performing arts team and take pride in what they do as much as we take pride in our department.
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Examination Courses
Key Stage 4 - Edexcel BTEC Music Level 2
The BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Music Practice gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment.
Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles (30% - Internally assessed assignments)
Students will:
- Explore different styles and genres of music.
- Take part in practical workshops to understand stylistic features and characteristics.
- Learn about the different products the music industry.
- Develop techniques in realising musical products.
Component 2: Music Skills development (30% - Internally assessed assignments)
Students will:
- Reflect on their progress, and on areas for improvement.
- Choose a job role and explore the skills needed to fulfil it.
- Develop a range of skills.
- Apply skills and techniques in a music performance, creation or production.
Component 3 Responding to a Commercial Music Brief (40% - Externally assessed task)
Students will:
- Choose an area of the industry that excites them (composer, performer, or producer).
- Explore the brief and come up with possible responses and ideas.
- Use relevant resources, skills and techniques to develop and refine musical material.
- Present their final response (solo or in a group).
- Review and reflect their approach to the brief and their final outcome.
Key Stage 5 - Edexcel BTEC Music Performance Level 3
Key topics covered:
Unit 1 – Practical Music Theory and harmony - A theoretical underpinning to inform other units.
Unit 2 – Professional Practice in the Music Industry - A two-part assessment in the form of (A) a research and (B) written task.
Unit 3 - Ensemble Music Performance - Learners will choose 3 songs from a prescribed list and assessment will be an ensemble performance towards the end of the course.
Unit 5 - Music Performance Session Styles – Learners with study different genres in popular music in theory and practice whilst creating cover versions of songs in different genres.
This course is designed for students who strive to improve their performance and music theory skills whilst studying the music industry in relation to their own career interests. Students will get the opportunity to rehearse and perform on a chosen instrument/voice. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied 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.
Possible Higher Education Courses:
- BA (Hons) in Creative Musicianship
- BA (Hons) in Digital Music and Sound Arts
- BA (Hons) in Contemporary Music Performance
- BA (Hons) in Music
- BA (Hons) in Music Business
- BA (Hons) in Music for Media
- BA (Hons) in Music Performance
