At KS4 pupils can opt to take BTEC Tech Award: Music Practice. This qualification gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

• development of key skills that prove learners’ aptitude in music, such as responding to a musical brief using musical skills and techniques
• processes that underpin effective ways of working in the music sector, such as the development of musical ideas, and using skills and techniques for rehearsal, creation, production and performance to respond to a music brief
• attitudes that are considered most important in the music sector, including personal management and communication
• knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, processes and attitudes in the sector, such as musical skills and styles.

Component 1: – Exploring Music Products and Styles 30%

In this component, you will develop your understanding of different types of music products and the techniques used to create them. You will explore how musical elements, technology and other resources are used in the creation, production and performance of music. You will also practically explore the key features of different styles of music and music theory and apply your knowledge and understanding to developing your own creative work. You will be given an allocated assessment window to complete all coursework for this unit and is then externally moderated.

Component 2: – Music Skills Development 30%

In this component, you will participate in workshops and classes where you will develop technical, practical, personal and professional skills and specialise in at least two of the following areas: music performance, creating original music, music production. Throughout your development, you will review your progress and consider how to make improvements. This unit is also coursework based and will be externally moderated.

Component 3: – Responding to a Music brief worth 40 % (Exam)

This component will allow you to work to your strengths and interests and apply the skills that you have learned throughout your course in a practical way. You will focus on a particular area of the music sector that excites and appeals to you and respond to a music brief as a composer, performer or producer. This work is marked by an external examiner.