choosing your subjects
Why Study Music Practice BTEC?
It is almost completely impossible to avoid music in the modern world – it is everywhere from live performances to Spotify to TV and film to radio to podcasts to buskers on the street! As an art form, music is so universal and enjoyed by so many people that studying it and understanding it are powerful tools for connecting with the world around us. Music offers everyone an opportunity to create, express themselves, and communicate; as well as giving learners the chance to develop confidence, resilience, and self-management skills that are essential for all walks of life.
Music is a source of joy, comfort, excitement, and happiness for so many people, and the ability to play a musical instrument or sing and contribute to musical performances is a hugely valued and valuable skill and one that offers learners a lifetime of enjoyment.
In 2024, the Music industry’s contribution to the UK economy hit a record £8 billion, and UK music exports revenue in 2024 reached a new high of £4.8 billion! Total UK music industry employment in 2024 hit a record 220,000 (full-time equivalent posts). Music is one of the UK’s most successful fields, and whilst studying Music offers us all something – whether we want to have a career in the arts or not – business is booming for UK musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions Music Practice BTEC
What will I learn?
We follow the Pearson BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Music Practice, which is split into three components.
The first component is called “Exploring Music Products and Styles”, and in this component pupils will study different types of music products and the techniques used to create them, exploring how musical elements, technology, and other resources are used in the creation, production, and performance of music.
The second component is called “Music Skills Development”, which encourages pupils to independently improve their skills in performance, composition, and production. Pupils will review their own progress, reflect on how they can make further improvements to their creative output, and work collaboratively with others. This unit is integral to understanding how musicians develop over time, and how a musical project is refined over several practices or production sessions.
The final component is called “Responding to a Music Brief” and allows pupils to focus on a specific area of the music sector that they find exciting. Pupils start by exploring the brief and investigating possible responses. Then, using relevant resources, skills, and techniques they develop and refine musical material before presenting your final response and present this as a solo or group performance, an audio recording, or a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) project. Pupils will finally consider how your skills and interests make you suitable for the specific music sector opportunity.
how will i be assessed?
Assessment for the first two components (“Exploring Music Products and Styles” and “Music Skills Development”) happens throughout Years 10 and 11. The assessments are marked by your teacher, and then those grades are checked by the exam board. The assessments you will take in this way are:
- A portfolio of evidence demonstrating understanding of four different styles of music
- Three 30-60 second examples of pieces of music relating to a theme
- Create and plan two musical outcomes in response to a theme that is designed to develop professional and musical skills
Assessment for the final component (“Responding to a Music Brief”) will be completed in class time but will be assessed by the exam board.
Which Course Will I Follow?
Students will follow the BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Music Practice course offered by Pearson Edexcel.
What equipment will I need?
You will need to ensure that you have your instrument with you, and that you are practicing regularly. You will be provided with specialist software on your laptop to complete composition tasks. The Academy may recommend a study guide or workbook to support students’ learning.
Where can this subject take me?
As well as opening doors to musical and creative career choices, studying music opens up many options for pupils because of the way that learning an instrument and working creatively improves cognitive function. Pupils who study Music go on to have careers as:
- Composing and songwriting
- Performing
- Talent management and artist management
- Audio and recording engineering
- Digital content production
- Choreography, dance, and music direction
- DJing and music production
- Public relations management, programme management, and tour production
- Military Music (the military is the largest employer of musicians in the UK!)
- Marketing management
- News reporting, photography, journalism, radio, and TV
- Events management, live sound / lighting technician, and stage management
How Can I Support My Child at Home?
The most important way to support your child with their Music studies is to help them to practice their instrument regularly. Studies have shown us that quick bursts of focussed practice are much more effective than hours. 15 minutes practice, five times a week, with a clear goal in mind, is vital for a good practice routine that prepares pupils for success in KS4 Music.
