You are on page 1of 14

FACULTY OF CREATIVE & ACADEMIC STUDIES The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music

BTEC Level 3 Diploma In Music

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

A Course Guide
Contents Introduction Course Structure Unit Guidance Assessment Functional Skills College Policies Health and Safety for Music Students Gigs Equipment Equipment Usage Hints for a Good Result Suggested Listening Venue List Useful Publications Useful Websites Useful Contacts You and the Course 11 12 13 8 7 2 3 5 6

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Introduction This guide contains information to help both you and your guardians understand how this course is structured and assessed. It also contains other necessary guidelines and advice. Please read through the guide carefully. Remember, you can always speak to your tutor or get your guardians to email him if you need advice/clarification on any of the issues raised. Once you have read through the guide, you will be asked to sign the back page which is an agreement made between you, your parents/guardian and your lecturer guaranteeing that you will display exemplary behaviour for the duration of the course. Anything completed in the name of Fareham College, should it be written assessments or live gigs, not only represents you, but also your lecturers, your guardians and the institution itself. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music is a continually assessed course, much of which is carried out in groups, involving some theoretical, but mostly practical work. During the course you will be required to develop the following: Independence. Self Motivation. Creativity. Commitment. Teamwork. Respect for the talents and opinions of others, regardless of their social, ethnic or cultural background.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

By working at the qualities listed above, you will not only be able to enjoy the course a lot better, but will learn vital skills that are transferable to other courses/employment and that will help you throughout life. Enjoy music. Never forget the reason why you started playing music or singing be open minded, but true to yourself, work hard and you will never fail. Unfortunately, very few people are going to knock on your door and offer you a job in music. It is your job to be disciplined, to practice hard, to think about how you are going to sell yourself to the world. In the words of Noel Gallagher, songwriter of Brit-pop band, Oasis, Youve got to make it happen

Course Structure The course is built up out of a variety of units that students must cover over the duration of two years. There are two types of units mandatory units and specialist units. The course consists of 5 mandatory units (the Major Music Project is a double unit which effectively makes it up to six) and 12 specialist units. The mandatory units are: Unit 4: Aural Perception Skills Unit 16: Major Music Project (Double Unit) Unit 19: Music and Society Unit 23: Music Performance Techniques Unit 39: The Sound and Music Industry

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

The specialist units are: Unit 3: Arranging Music Unit 7: Composing Music Unit 8: Concert Production and Staging Unit 9: Pop Music in Practice Unit 12: Improvising Music

Unit 13: Improvising Music in a Jazz Style


Unit 17: Marketing and Promotion in the Music Industry Unit 22: Music Performance Session Styles Unit 27: Music Theory and Harmony Unit 37: The Functional Music Keyboard Unit 38: The Music Freelance World Unit 41: Working with Music Notation Packages In addition to this, you will complete an induction unit which will give you a greater awareness of how to stay safe when using computers and software packages and a B/TEC Level 3 Certificate in Music Technology. Occasionally, optional units are replaced by alternatives as a result of the constant review, development and improvement of the course by the course leader. BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Music Technology (Production) Unit 32: Unit 14: Sequencing Systems and Techniques Listening Skills for Music Technologists

Unit 25:

Music Production Techniques


Assignment Guidance

An assignment is a collection of tasks your lecturer will provide you with,(these can also be accessed via the college website/virtual learning environment), which will cover the required criteria to succeed in all of the units mentioned. You should read each task carefully, along with the grading criteria that accompany it, as this will tell you exactly what you need to do to achieve to a high level. The lecturer will make every effort to explain things to you in simple terms, but if you do not understand it is your responsibility to ask! You are responsible for completing the work on time. The more you put in, the better your qualifications and time at college will be. Work hard and try to complete as many of the assignments as you can during class time, as your lecturers will be on hand to help.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Assessment With each task set, the assignment brief will accurately explain how to obtain a PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION grade for each grading criteria. Each criteria of each unit is awarded a grade. The lowest of these grades will give the overall grade for the unit. It is up to you to take responsibility for maintaining the highest possible standard in the work you are assessed on. Failure to meet deadlines for assessed work will result in disciplinary action. If you are unavoidably absent, you should ring 01329 815200 and e-mail your tutor with the completed tasks contained within the assignment being addressed. Your tutor will be Chris Osman. His email address is: chris.osman@fareham.ac.uk Equally, if you have been absent, it is up to you to speak to the lecturer when you return and catch up with missed work. The lecturer(s) who set the tasks will mark any work attached to an assignment it and return it to you within three weeks, giving you a grade for each of the criteria that you cover and written comments which will indicate ways in which you can improve your work in future. If the work does not reach the required standard or is incomplete, it will not be passed and you will be advised as to what you need to do in order to re-submit the work successfully. If work has to be resubmitted you will agree a new deadline with the assessor. You will always be provided with an opportunity to comment on a task and the way it is assessed. ASSESSMENT APPEALS PROCEDURE If you have concerns about the outcome of an assessment, you should discuss the matter fully with the assessor. If you continue to have concerns then you can follow the Appeals Procedure, details of which can be found on the college website/virtual learning environment under Assessment Policy. All units are assessed internally and externally and verified. This means that we mark the task in question, get our colleagues to look over the marked work and then give you the final grades. An External Verifier visits the college to inspect this process and check that we are marking to national standards. He, or she, can alter the grades if we have been judged to be too generous or too harsh. All the marks we give you are for guidance only, until all of the tasks for a unit are completed. Only then, will an overall unit grade be given, based on all the grades gained for each criteria of the unit. You must pass all the grading criteria of each of the units to gain the overall qualification. All grades are carefully recorded and tracked. One of the things you will do in your tutorials is discuss how your work is going and by setting SMART targets for its improvement, you can address any concerns you, or your lecturers, have with your work. In this way, you will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in your studies. You will store any evidence regarding the tasks you complete in a portfolio that will be kept at College. Once the qualification has been achieved, you will be able to take this away for personal reference.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

The BTEC Level 3 in Music has been developed to provide education and training for musicians to achieve a nationally recognized vocationally specific qualification and to give full-time learners the opportunity to enter employment in the music industry. Alternatively, they may wish to progress into higher education. The BTEC Level 3 is made up of the Certificate, Subsidiary and Extended Diploma. The Edexcel B/TEC Level 3 Certificate in Music focuses on particular aspects of employment within the music industry and is broadly equivalent to one GCE AS Level. The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music extends the specialist work-related focus and offers greater flexibility and an engaging programme for those who are clear about developing existing skills in performing, composing or music technology. The Extended Diploma deepens the specialist work-related focus from the Subsidiary Diploma. It is suitable for those who have decided that they clearly wish to enter a particular specialist area of work and results in the overall qualification, the BTEC National in Music. The BTEC National is ultimately a 180-credit and 1080-guided-learning hour (GLH) qualification which is the equivalent of three GCE A-levels. Remember, the music industry offers many opportunities for employment and this is not limited to those who are able to play an instrument. The choice of units within these qualifications reflects this. Unit grades are collated into an overall set of grades, depending on the marks given. Pass 7 points Merit 8 points Distinction 9 points
Points range above pass grade 230 249 points 250 - 259 points 260 and above BTEC Level 3 Certificate Merit Distinction Distinction* Grade M D D*

Points range above pass grade 460 499 points 500 - 519 points 520 and above

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Merit Distinction Distinction*

Grade M D D*

Points range above pass grade 1300 1339 points 1340 - 1379 points 1380 - 1419 points 1420 1459 points 1460 - 1499 points 1500 - 1529 points 1560 1589 points 1590 and above 260 and above

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Merit Pass Pass Merit Merit Pass Merit Merit Merit Distinction Merit Merit Distinction Distinction Merit Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction* Distinction Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* Distinction*

Grade MPP MMP MMM DMM DDM DDD DDD* DD*D* D*D*D*

NB The exam board (Edexcel) may vary the above grading bands.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Remember, the study of music requires you to be able in English and Mathematics, both of which are highly desirable to prospective employers and is a pre-requisite in gaining entry to university courses. College Policies Fareham College has strict policies on the following: dress code, alcohol and substance misuse, equality and diversity, plagiarism, health and safety, attendance and punctuality that exist to provide a fair and safe college experience. You can access these through the college moodle site. Never use your mobile phone in class without permission. Should you need to take an urgent message or record a performance, explain the situation to the lecturer first. You must be aware of these policies and adhere to them at all times. Failure to do so will result in severe disciplinary action that may lead to dismissal. You will also be provided with information on assessment appeals and complaints procedures. Health and Safety for Music Students (To be read in conjunction with College Policies) Food is not permitted within the Music Department. Drinks are allowed, but only in re-sealable vessels. A littered rehearsal studio or music department will encourage ants and will allow unhealthy bacterias to multiply. A spilt drink can cause electrocution. Students are warned not to interfere with electrical equipment, or its cabling. Students must work within the set parameters of the computers provided and are forbidden to use the internet in order to access material which could be deemed as inappropriate. Students are forbidden to smoke in areas which are clearly marked as prohibited. Failure to do so will lead to disciplinary action. Avoid obstructing free passage around teaching rooms, or the music department as a whole, with instruments, bags or coats. Once you have finished using a rehearsal studio, make sure that all the equipment you have been using is either put away tidily or returned to the technician. All breakages must be reported immediately. Avoid or secure trailing leads, like kettle leads and microphone cables. Always save your work to the corp\home (H) drive of your computer and back it up on your USB stick. This will prevent your hard work from being lost. Work saved to other destinations will be deleted.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Avoid damage to ears/speakers by listening and playing at sensible volumes. Never connect sound sources with the gain or volume turned up. If you have to use loud sound sources, wear ear defenders. Remember - as a musician, your ears are your most important tools! Serious hearing problems and painful tinnitus can be caused by playing and listening to loud music. It is recommended that students carry some form of deodorant, to be used after each workshop session/ performance, in order that rooms can be kept fresh for the next teaching session. All college equipment is inspected and PAT tested for electrical safety prior to use. If you wish to use any of your own equipment, your appliances must be clearly marked with this in mind. If in doubt, always ask your lecturer before plugging in any electrical equipment. Gigs During the course of the year, you will take part in many performances both in and outside of college. Your safety at these is of utmost importance to us and all the potential risks will be assessed for you. Initially, the performance spaces will be booked for you, but others (and the legal paperwork they entail) will be your own responsibility. When you are at any venue, you are representing Fareham College even if you are only setting up equipment or waiting to perform. We want to help you perform as well as possible and enjoy putting these shows together, so it is vitally important that you are aware of the following points in addition to the college policies. 1. Make sure you are aware of correct manual handling techniques before lifting heavy or awkward objects as it is very easy to strain either a muscle or your back. 2. Be aware of high noise levels and use ear protection if you are advised to, or if you feel it necessary. 3. Tape down loose or trailing cables. 4. Ensure that exit pathways are clear at all times. 5. Ensure that there is enough light to do what you need to do and if youre worried about it, ask for additional lighting. 6. Fareham College reserves the right to refuse rehearsal/performance time to students who have not met deadlines with their written work or who behave in an intoxicated or disorderly manner either on the college premises or at college organised gigs. Staff will not hesitate to involve the estates team, legal guardians or the police should students break the law or refuse to co-operate. Both staff and over 18s are forbidden alcoholic drinks prior to and during performances staged in the name of Fareham College. Anybody suspected of having done so will be removed from the venue and will receive strict disciplinary action.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Equipment You are required to supply the following, on a daily basis, in order to complete your studies. A pen/pencil with a rubber A USB memory stick Instruments and leads (in good working order) A tuner, picks and replacement strings (if guitarist) headphones (with stereo jacks) drum sticks, hot rods or brushes (if drummer)

Because of the large amount of expensive and fragile equipment supplied by the College for this course, students will be expected to care for and monitor the whereabouts and condition of equipment to assist security and maintenance. Booking systems are in place for students to use equipment and rehearsal spaces, even outside college hours. Students booking rooms and/or equipment will be responsible for their security and condition. Students are advised to contact the College music technician. Students may also have to meet expenses due to transportation, the need for subsistence, ticketing of events, college trips and blank CDs/DVDs for their recorded work. If any student experiences hardship in meeting these expenses they should contact their tutor who will put them in contact with the necessary College authorities.

Equipment Usage If you break something by accident, as long as you inform your lecturer, all will be forgiven. Breaking something through evidenced poor handling and misuse means you will be charged for a replacement. Please be careful! We are aware that eventually things wear out, but encourage you to look after the College equipment as though it were your own. This equipment has been purchased and set up solely for the use of performing arts students. Always tell a lecturer if something is broken or malfunctioning. Hints for Good Results Always follow the correct studio procedure. Be prepared and motivated to study alone, outside college hours if you need to. Try to broaden your musical taste and experience. When listening to music, take time to consider how and when it was recorded (e.g. what effects are used, what types of instruments are playing, what is the message in the lyric?) Try to consider how the music you listen to is both arranged and structured. Research into the history of popular music. Read gig and album reviews. How did your favourite musicians learn about different styles of music? How has this helped them to develop their music? If you have any problems or queries always see your lecturer or an LSA as soon as possible. They are approachable people and need to know what is going on so that they can support you. 10

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Suggested Listening Try to be open minded. Listen to everything! Certain performers/ bands have had a major influence on the industry as they have created the foundations of the music you hear/play today. Here are just a few of the many: Elvis Presley Hank Williams Senior Chuck Berry James Brown Bob Dylan The Beatles The Beach Boys The Rolling Stones Bob Marley and the Wailers The Sex Pistols Aretha Franklin Nirvana Red Hot Chili Peppers Blur Oasis

Try to become as familiar and open to as many musical styles as possible, here are just a few examples: Blues Jazz Country Gospel Reggae Rock and Roll World Music Funk Soul Metal Venue List Fareham College Music Department has contacts with: Ashcroft Arts Centre Osborn Road, Fareham, Hampshire. PO16 7DX box office: 01329 310600 admin: 01329 235161 fax: 01329 825661 www.ashcroft@hants.gov.uk Havant Arts Centre East Street, Havant, Hampshire. PO9 1BS Enquiries: 02392 472700 Box Office: 02392 472700 www.havantartsactive.co.uk

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

11

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

The Hobbit 134 Bevois Valley Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0JZ 023 80232591 http://www.thehobbitpub.co.uk The Wedgewood Rooms 147b Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. PO4 0JW Enquiries: 023 9286 3911 Box Office: 023 9286 3911 www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk The Brook The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Southampton. SO17 3AN 02380 555366 www.the-brook.com The Talking Heads 320 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton. SO17 2TD 023 80678446 www.thetalkingheads.net Useful Publications Available for Reference in the College Library All Music Guide to Rock Erlewine, M. Guinness Rockopedia The Ultimate A-Z of Rock and Pop Modern Recording Techniques Huber, D. M and Runstein, R. E. Musical Instruments of the World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia Musicians Union National Directory of Members Pop Music: The Text Book Winterson, J. Popular Music. The Key Concepts Shuker, R. Available for Loan from the College Library AB Guide to Music Theory (parts 1 and 2) ABRSM Music Theory Workbooks (1-5) American Popular Music Espie, S. Aural Matters Bowman, D. and Terry, P. Basics of Singing Schmidt, J. Bob Marley Beggs, K. Changing Sounds. New Directions and Configurations in Popular Music Mitchell, T and Doyle, P Composers Handbook Cole, B. Cultures of Popular Music Bennett, A David Bowie Wilson, Mike Exploring Music. The Science and Technology of Tones and Tune Facing the Music: Essays on Rock and Pop Culture Frith, S. Fascinating Rhythm. The Collaboration of George and Ira Gershwin Rosenberg, D. How to Improvise Crook, H. Is That It Geldof, B. Measured Tones. The Interplay of Physics and Music - Johnston Paul McCartney Hamilton, A. Percussion Instruments and Their History Blades, James Police Wilson, Mike Popular Music Studies Hesmond, D. and Negus, K. Popular Music and Communication Lull, J.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

12

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

Pro Tools for Music Production Collins, Mike Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll Gillett, C. Tina Turner Preston, K. U2 Benyon, P. Urban Rhythms: Pop Music and Popular Culture Chambers, I. Also Available in the College Library Serious Mixing: The Art of the DJ (DVD) and many other titles! Useful Websites www.harmony-central.com - Music resource website and instrument/equipment reviews www.soundonsound.com - Official Sound on sound magazine website www.futuremusic.co.uk - Official Future Music magazine website www.bandregister.com - Register your band name here. (Or check if its already being used) www.musiciansunion.org.uk - Official website for the Musicians Union based in the UK. www.musictheory.net Good interactive theory tutor. AV Magazine 33-39 Bowling Green Lane London EC1R 0DA 02075058190 Useful Contacts British Phonographic Industry 25 Saville Road London W1X 1AA www.bpi..co.uk 02072874422 Community Radio Association. The Media Centre 15 Paternoster Row Sheffield S1 2BX 01142795219 Channel 5 Broadcasting 22 Long Acre London WC2E 9LY www.c5.co.uk 02075505555 Musicians Union 60-64 Clapham Rd London SW8 0JJ 02075825566 www.musiciansunion.org.uk Performing Rights Society 29-33 Berners Road London W1P 4AA www.prs.co.uk 02075805544 Satellite & Cable Broadcasters Group 64 West End Northworld Thetford IP26 5LG British Sky Broadcasting 6 Cantaurs Business Park Grant Way Isleworth TW7 5QD 02077043000 Channel Four Television 124 Horseferry Rd London SW1P 2TX www.channel4.com 02073964444 ITV Network Centre 200 Grams Inn Road London WC1X 8HF 02078438000 MTV Europe 180 Oxford St London W7N 0DS www.mtveurope.com 02072786000 Radio Joint Audience Research Ltd Collier House 163-169 Brompton Rd London SW3 1PN 02075843003 Student Radio Association The Radio Academy 5 Market Place London W1N 7AH

BBC Broadcasting House London W1A 4AA www.bbc.co.uk Hospital Broadcasting Ass. PO BOX 2481 London W2 1JR 01324611996 Music Publishers Association 3rd Floor Strandgate 18-20 York Buildings London WC2N 6JU 02078397779 Independent Association Of Radio Producers Essel House 29 Foley St London W1P 7LB 02073232770 The Copyright Licensing Agency 90 Tottenham Court Rd London W1P OLP

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

13

Faculty of Creative & Academic Studies

01366728795 You and the Course Remember, its up to you. If you want that all important job in the arts, you have to chase it up. Its not enough to write an e-mail. Ring people, write to people, trawl the internet and read. Find out whos recruiting and sell your skills. A personal letter is always good, or a covering letter and a C.V should it be for a specific job. If you are brave enough, work for yourself. Get out there! Do it now rather than later, as youre not the only person who wants to get experience in this area or this kind of job. Good Luck and remember us when youre successful. If you keep up with good attendance and completing the course work you ought not to fail in your time at college. As we stated earlier, poor attendance and punctuality will not be tolerated as it not only affects you, your coursework but any musical activity that you are involved with. If you do experience ill health or difficulty at any time, make sure your tutor knows through the appropriate channels. In the first instance, call the College Reception on (01329) 815200. If you feel unwell whilst at college, or need to be absent for any other reason you must call into Student Services in C114 and speak with Karen French or Charlton Daughtery. Please join your lecturers and legal guardians in signing, printing your name and dating this document in order to show that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of learning stated within the B/TEC National course guide. This will be kept in your official student folder for the duration of the course. Should you fail to comply with any of the agreed terms, you will be subject to the disciplinary procedure/dismissal. Remember, you are agreeing to Arriving at all lessons on time, fully prepared for independent study. This means presenting with all the correct equipment/materials, adhering to all college policy and meeting deadlines set by the department lecturers

We wish you well with your endeavours. Signed: Student: Student (Print): . Tutor: Tutor (Print): . Parent: . Parent (Print): .. Date: .. Date: .. Date: ..

BTEC Level 3 Diploma Handbook

14

You might also like