Students must meet the minimum entry requirements for the Vocational or Combination study pathway. In addition, students must have GCSE Grade 4 in Music (or equivalent at BTEC Level 2). An audition may be required.

This cutting edge music course will provide students with an opportunity to gain skills necessary to prepare for a career in the music industry. The course has a strong grounding in teaching students how to develop as a performer and meet the demands of the industry. The music department at Bourne Academy is superbly well equipped with up-to-date industry standard equipment including three practice studios, a professional recording studio with a live sound room and 14 iMac workstations configured specifically for creating, composing and performing music.

Students will be provided with opportunities to develop their skills taking part in regular live events. As a vocational course students will also have the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals.

Course content

• Unit 23 – Music Performance Techniques
• Unit 25 – Music Production Techniques
• Unit 40 – Working and developing as a music ensemble
• Unit 30 – Pop music in practice
• Unit 7 – Composing Music
• Unit 39 – The Sound and Music Industry

Students will work to a brief and be given clear assessment criteria so they can be confident on what is expected to achieve a Distinction* / Distinction / Merit / Pass. Your final grade will be calculated from a culmination of the points collected across all units. Throughout the course, students will be well supported by teachers who will give feedback on progress against the key assessment criteria.

Across the course students will complete units that are assessed in a variety of ways. There are three different types of assessment: coursework (internally assessed), tasks and written examination (both externally assessed).

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) is a Level 3 qualification which is the equivalent to one A-level and widely recognised by universities and employers.

This course provides students with a qualification which will enable them access to study on a music degree at university or a music academy. High institutions value the practical aspects of the BTEC course. As students will be working with and learning about employers within the industry they will develop links and make contacts which will support them if they wish to move into employment. Examples of this could be performer, live sound technician, recording engineer, producer or music promotion.