Music (Digital Production)
Back to Key InformationPearson Edexcel
This BTEC Level 3 course offers students an opportunity to study a choice of two music pathways.
Students have the opportunity to elect for their own specialism, either music performance or music technology.
Both pathways generate an opportunity to go to university and have industry standard training, with further opportunities for professional networking and work experience within the industry.
Performance students will be accessing individual instrumental lessons and grade examinations in addition to the level 3 course. They will be required to represent Greig City Academy as musical ambassadors in public performance and shows.
Technical students will be accessing studio time and be required to record artists and produce public shows, with PA, management and production skills.
Course content
Digital Music Production
Similar to other BTEC courses, a digital music programme is the equivalent of a single a level, where the student must complete 5 units.
Unit 3 – Music & Sound for Media - This unit develops skills required to work in film, TV, or any social media platform that requires specialist audio sound and music.
Unit 6 – DAW Production - This unit simultaneously develops creative and technical production skills, in line with professional producers within the film, TV and music industry.
Unit 8 – Creative Synthesis & Sampling - This unit is an in depth look into synthesis and sampling technology. It also has a significant creative element where you will be required to create music to support your understanding of how you would use these digital instruments.
Unit 10 – Remix & Rework - This unit is specifically designed for the music industry and teaches the student how to remix existing music using advanced production techniques.
Unit 16 – Commercial Music Production - This unit is what is described as a synoptic unit and pulls together all the skills of the other unit. The student will be required to write and record a commercial song.
Course Structure and Assessment
Assessment
Unit 3 – Externally assessed Pearsons - Coursework
Unit 6 – Externally assessed Pearsons – Examination (scheduled over 15 hours)
Unit 8 – Internally assessed, externally verified
Unit 10 – Internally assessed, externally verified
Unit 16 – Internally assessed, externally verified
Entry Requirements
Performance students must be able to:
- Play to grade 5 standard (or equivalent skills) on their first instrument
- Have basic keyboard skills
- Have some experience of ensemble or band work
- Be able to work in teams and contribute to public performances
Technical students must:
- Have experience of professional music sequencing and recording software
- Have basic keyboard skills and a rudimentary understand of chords and sequencing rhythm
- Have a broad repertoire of musical taste to encompass in their study of music and musical elements
- Be able to contribute to the management and technical running of public performances
