Music (BTEC)

Orchestral Course. A week of intensive advanced level rehearsals culminating in a concert finale

Why choose Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Music Performance?

Music Performance at BTEC is an exciting, varied and practical course that combines and further develops the skills of Ensemble Performing, Composing, Music Theory and understanding of the music industry.

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What will I learn in Year 12 Music and how will it be assessed?

Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony

Learners develop knowledge and understanding of music theory and harmony, and apply their understanding in practical scenarios.

Internally assessed

Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry

Learners explore what it is that makes someone a professional in the music industry and how to put forward a bid for work.

Externally assessed

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What will I learn in Year 13 Music and how will it be assessed?

Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance

Learners work as part of a musical ensemble and develop their skills and techniques in rehearsal and performance.

Externally assessed

Unit 4: Composing Music

Learners explore composing music from the initial stages to the final product, developing skills for composition in a variety of styles.

Internally assessed

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How will I learn?

You will learn through opportunities to:

• Work independently as part of a team to prepare a range of performances for a public audience
• Develop your performance, arranging and theory skills through lessons and workshops
• Perform high quality practical work to live audiences
• Gain in depth understanding of the music industry through research and practice.
• Work in a vocational context using high quality facilities and resources

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Related Degrees

A number of McAuley students have progressed to universities or conservatoires to study Music related degrees or degrees which place an emphasis on performance/ presentation skills or require creative/analytical skills.

Any degree course which requires well-developed teamwork, communication, creativity, independence.

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Related Careers

A variety of career paths relating to the above degrees as well as music teaching, music/artistic events management etc.

Any career which requires organisational, communication or creative skills would be a good progression route.

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Further Course Information

A wide range of further curricular opportunities will enhance and develop studies including one specifically Sixth Form group. There will be numerous opportunities to perform as part of concerts. Composing is supported by the latest music specific software. All students receive a range of resources including priority access to rehearsal spaces. A significant number of students from other schools choose to come to McAuley to study post-16 music.

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Extra Curricular Opportunities in Music

Free weekly instrumental / singing lesson and ensemble rehearsals.

Weekly ensemble rehearsals include:

• Orchestra
• Strings
• Chamber Choir
• McAuley Chorus
• Jazz Ensemble
• Sax Group

There is also the opportunity to lead and mentor one of our junior ensembles.

Summer Course

Every July we hold a week-long orchestra course culminating in a weekend concert which includes over 30 of our alumni musicians. The week includes a trip to see a show plus evenings of bowling and laser tag.

Trips

BTEC musicians attend at least one live concert a year relating to the course content.

Show

We run a full musical once every two years, our last being Sister Act in spring 2024. There are opportunities to perform on stage or in the pit orchestra.

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