BTEC Tech Awards Music Practice

Type of Qualification

Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Music Practice

Music Practice (2022) | BTEC Tech Awards | Pearson qualifications

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Music Practice is ideal for you if you are a pre-16 student working at level 1 or level 2 and would like to find out more about the music industry. This course offers a practical introduction to life and work in the music industry. The qualification, which is 120 GLH, is the same size and level as a GCSE. 

Course Content

This course will give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. You will develop key skills, ranging from rehearsing to experimenting with technology, equipment and instruments. You will also develop an understanding of the music industry. Everyone taking this qualification will study three components, covering the following content areas:

Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles Learners will explore the techniques used in the creation of different musical products and investigate the key features of different musical styles.

Component 2: Music Skills Development Learners will have the opportunity to develop two musical disciplines through engagement in practical tasks, while documenting their progress and planning for further improvement.

Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief Learners will be given the opportunity to develop and present music in response to a given music brief.

This qualification is for learners interested in taking a hands-on course alongside their GCSEs that will offer them an insight into what it is like to work in the Music sector – a vibrant, exciting and competitive industry that offers many different and exciting new work opportunities, whether in composing, performing, or producing music. This course allows learners to explore the sector, and to learn and try out new skills, techniques and styles, allowing them to make an informed decision about their future learning and career.

The course gives learners an opportunity to explore music in a practical setting and to develop understanding of the techniques used to create and realise music. They will explore a variety of musical styles and the musical theory and techniques that underpin them and develop technical and practical skills through workshops and classes. In addition, learners will develop transferable and employability skills such as responding to a brief, self-development, planning, time management and communication. 

How is the course assessed?

As a creative subject with a focus on music practice, there is no written exam. All components, including the externally assessed synoptic component, are assessed through engaging, open, and flexible set tasks, designed to give learners as much freedom as possible in how they respond, allowing them to work to their own strengths and interests, and to focus on the area of the music sector that most excites and appeals to them

Where will this course take me?

This Tech Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes by broadening experience and skills participation in different types of musical techniques for different musical styles. It is a great stepping-stone into further vocational or academic study in the music sector

Once you have completed the qualification, you will have developed valuable knowledge, practical skills and a wider understanding of the music industry. This qualification will allow you to develop your knowledge and skills through practical and creative application in a vocational context, and by responding creatively to a commercial brief. Since you will be developing skills across a number of disciplines – such as music creation, production and performance – you will have a better understanding of whether the music industry is for you and, if so, which part of it you might want to study further.

If you decide to go on to further study of music, the best option for you will depend on the grades you have achieved in this and the other qualifications you have taken, and what you enjoy doing. You could progress to a Level 2 Technical Certificate or to a Level 3 programme, such as A Levels, a T Level or a BTEC National, either on its own or in combination with A levels.