MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Course Duration
2 Years

Entry Criteria
Grade 4 or above in English (Language or Literature),
Grade 4 or above in Music (or equivalent if BTEC)
Ability to play an instrument / sing

Home » Welcome to our Sixth Form » Curriculum Subjects » Vocational (L3) Music Performance

Why study Level 3 Music Performance?

At Strood Academy, we ignite the creative spark within every student, empowering them to become confident, collaborative communicators equipped to thrive in any future they choose.

To develop students’ communication, collaboration, confidence, and creativity through engaging musical experiences, preparing them for successful lives and careers in a diverse and ever-changing world. We aim to encourage students to be risk takers, developing confidence and resilience. Our curriculum gives students the opportunity to fuel their creativity, improve knowledge and musicality, and broaden their understanding of the world we live in.

What will I study during the course duration?

This course builds on the GCSE where pupils explored: composition, performance, listening and appraising skills while building knowledge of contrasting genres, styles, theory and traditions of music.

Learners completing their BTEC Nationals in Music Performance will be aiming to go on to employment, often via the stepping stone of higher education. The course consists of three mandatory units: Practical Music Theory and Harmony, Professional Practice in the Music Industry and Ensemble Music Performance, with an optional unit, to be confirmed when the cohort is known. This unit will play to the skills of the cohort. The optional units are: Composing Music, Music Performance Session Styles, Solo Performance or Improvising Music

how will I be assessed?

Internal Assessment

Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony

Learning aim A: Examine the signs and symbols used in musical notation
Learning aim B: Explore the application of melodic composition based on musical elements
Learning aim C: Explore the application of chords and cadences for composition or arrangement
Learning aim D: Produce correct musical notation for performance

Optional unit to be confirmed and internally assessed

External Assessment

Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry

A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions in a two-week period timetabled by Pearson.
The supervised assessment period is five hours.
Written submission: 70 marks.

Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance

A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions in a period timetabled by Pearson.
The supervised assessment period is two hours for the written activity. In addition, there is performance evidence that totals between approximately half an hour and three-quarters of an hour.
Written submission and video evidence: 80 marks.