PERFORMING ARTS, MUSIC AND MEDIA BTEC For 16-19 Year Olds

BTEC Music Production (SINGLE)

COURSE oVERVIEW

Are you passionate about music production, recording, sound and music technology?

The BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Music (Production) is a highly practical, industry-focused course designed for students who want to develop their skills as music producers, recording engineers and live sound technicians.

You will gain hands-on experience of recording, mixing, music production, DAW-based composition, studio technology and live sound, while developing your understanding of how the professional music industry operates.

You will work on practical projects that allow you to develop your own creative identity, experiment with different production techniques and build a portfolio of music production work.

The course is designed to develop the technical, creative and professional skills needed for progression to higher education, further Level 3 study, apprenticeships or employment within the music industry. Pearson identifies the Foundation Diploma as a 1.5 A Level equivalent qualification and confirms that it carries UCAS points.

Typical careers linked to this course can include:

Music Producer
Recording Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Studio Technician
Live Sound Engineer
Sound Technician
Music Programmer
DAW Producer
Composer
Sound Designer
Session Recording Technician
Music Technology Technician

EXAMINATION BOARD: Pearson BTEC

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Standard college entry requirements plus GCSE Maths at grade 4. An interest in music production and technology is essential. You do not need to be an accomplished instrumentalist, but an enthusiasm for creating and working with music is important.

UCAS Points for BTEC Foundation Diploma Grades

Distinction* (D*): 84 points

Distinction (D): 72 points

Merit (M): 48 points

Pass (P): 24 points

Why study Music Production at Blackpool Sixth?

Develop your skills in professional music production, recording and live sound through practical projects and hands-on experience.

You will learn how to operate recording equipment, microphones, mixing consoles, audio interfaces and Digital Audio Workstations, while developing the creative and technical skills required to turn musical ideas into finished productions.

You will have opportunities to work on studio recordings, music production projects and live events, developing the confidence to work with artists and other musicians in realistic production environments.

You will also develop an understanding of the contemporary music industry, including career opportunities, freelance working, music publishing, streaming, live music and the changing role of technology within the industry.

The course combines technical development with creative freedom, allowing you to explore your own interests and develop a portfolio of work that reflects the type of producer or technician you want to become. The Pearson specification is specifically designed around practical vocational contexts and progression into higher education and entry-level industry roles.

How will I be taught?

You will learn through a combination of:

Practical studio sessions
Recording projects
DAW production workshops
Live sound projects
Music technology workshops
Individual and group projects
Listening and analysis activities
Independent research
Industry-focused projects
Collaborative work with musicians
Tutorials and feedback
Reflective and evaluative activities

The course is highly practical. Rather than simply learning about recording and production, you will learn by making, recording, mixing and producing music.

You will work through a series of projects that allow you to develop your skills progressively, moving from technical foundations towards increasingly independent production work.

Teacher expertise

All course tutors are vastly experienced musicians and teachers. They are working actively within the music industry and have developed many links to enable students to gain the best possible industry and employability experience, whilst gaining a high-level qualification. Specialisms include performance, music production and recording, composing, arranging, directing ensembles, music theory, analysis, and marketing/ promotion in the music industry. Students are also supported by a specialist team of technicians.

What skills will I develop?

You will develop a wide range of technical, creative and professional skills, including:

Studio recording

Microphone selection and placement
Recording equipment
Audio interfaces
Mixing consoles
Signal flow
Multi-track recording
Recording different instruments and voices
Overdubbing and layering
Monitoring and foldback
Studio troubleshooting

Mixing and production

Balancing and mixing
EQ
Compression and dynamics processing
Effects
Panning and stereo imaging
Automation
Editing
Exporting and preparing finished mixes

DAW production

Recording into a DAW
MIDI and software instruments
Audio editing
Sequencing
Arrangement
Sound creation
Mixing
Producing finished audio

Live sound and music technology

PA systems
Microphones
Mixing consoles
Monitors
Amplifiers
Speakers
EQ and effects
Stage plans
Soundchecks
Live mixing
Troubleshooting

How will I be assessed?

100

coursework

100% Coursework

You’ll be assessed through practical projects, coursework and the music you create. Assessment includes studio recording, music production, live sound and planning for a career in the music industry.

What will you study and other information about BTEC Music Production (SINGLE)

Where does it lead?

The Foundation Diploma can provide a pathway into higher education, further Level 3 study, apprenticeships or employment.

Potential employment areas include:

Recording studios
Live sound
Music production
Studio technology
Events
Music technology
Audio production
Media production
Freelance music production