Music
The Foundation Diploma, equivalent in size to 1.5 A Levels, is for learners wishing to take it alongside another area of contrasting or complementary study, as part of a two-year, full-time study programme. If taken as part of a programme of study that includes other BTEC Nationals or A Levels, it supports progression to higher education. It also supports progression to an Apprenticeship in the performing arts sector or to a further year of study at Level 3.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Level 2 BTEC: Merit
- GCSE Music: Grade 4 Audition
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice should learners choose to enter employment directly in the music sector.
The qualification provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that will prepare learners for further study or training.
Learners taking this qualification will study two mandatory learning and teaching modules:
- Music Skills Development or Music Production Skills Development (internally assessed)
- The Music Industry (internally assessed).
The mandatory content allows learners to concentrate on either the development of their musical performance or production skills and creation techniques and relate them to the music industry.
UNITS STUDIED
A - Music Skills Development – 450 GLH
- A1 Performing as an Ensemble
- A2 Creating Musical Material
- A3 Using Musical Styles
C - The Music Industry – 90 GLH
- C7 Planning a Career in the Industry
HOW IT’S ASSESSED
There are two learning and teaching modules assessed through four assessment units, with each assessment unit attracting a grade. Learners must complete all mandatory assessment units and achieve at Pass grade or above in at least three assessment units.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
In BTEC National qualifications in Music learning and teaching modules and assessment units, there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practise in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referenced in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:
- cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, using systems and technology
- interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
- intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development. There are also specific requirements in some assessment units for assessment of these skills where relevant, for example where learners are required to undertake real or simulated activities.
PROGRESSION
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements for many relevant music courses. When combined with other qualifications in a two-year study programme, such as A Levels or another BTEC National Foundation Diploma, learners can progress to higher education degree programmes, such as:
- BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts
- BA (Hons) in Music Industry Management, if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business
- BA (Hons) in Music Business, if taken alongside, for example, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business or A Levels in mathematics and business.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?
This qualification offers learners the opportunity to develop their musical and technical skills through a process of self-evaluation, practice and review which supports them as they start to build their personal audio portfolio in preparation for entry to higher education.
In addition to the music sector-specific content outlined above, the requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers, for example communication skills, team working, personal practice and reflection.