Music
Exam Board:
Eduqas/WJEC
What will I study on the course:
You will gain a practical introduction to music technology principles, creative processes, and real-world applications in the music industry. Key components include:
- Exploring the Music Technology Industry – Understanding different roles (e.g., producer, sound engineer, DJ, remixer), the development of music technology, how music is created, recorded, and distributed, and factors like marketing and promotion in the modern music business.
- Using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) – Hands-on practical skills in recording, editing, mixing, and producing music using industry-standard software (such as Logic Pro, Ableton, or similar), including working with audio and MIDI tracks, applying effects (e.g., EQ, reverb, compression), and creating sequences and beats.
- Producing Music – Applying creative and technical knowledge to complete music production tasks, such as composing beats, recording vocals/instruments, mixing tracks, and exporting final products.
The course combines theory with substantial practical work in a dedicated music technology suite or studio, developing skills in digital production, sound manipulation, creativity, and collaboration while emphasising safe working practices, copyright awareness, and current industry technologies.
How is the course assessed:
A mix of internal and external assessment (graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* at Level 2, or Level 1 equivalents; no traditional GCSE tiers):
- Component 1: Exploring the Music Technology Industry – Internally assessed (coursework/portfolio/research), typically around 30-40% – Research into the industry, roles, and technologies.
- Component 2: Practical Production Tasks – Internally assessed (NEA/non-exam assessment), around 30-60% – Hands-on creation of music tracks, edits, and mixes.
- Component 3: Examined Assessment – Externally set and marked (written/online exam or synoptic assignment), around 40% – Questions on music technology knowledge, processes, and problem-solving.
Total guided learning hours: approximately 120. The qualification is linear, with external assessment under supervised conditions (often including a written exam and/or practical submission window).
Post-16 courses:
Level 3 BTEC National in Music Technology, Music Production, or Music Performance (equivalent to A Levels), T Levels in Creative and Design (with music focus), apprenticeships (e.g., sound engineering, music production assistant), or A Levels in Music, Music Technology, or Media. A good grade supports progression to college, sixth form, or higher education in music, sound engineering, or creative media fields.
Careers:
Music producer, sound engineer, recording technician, live sound engineer, DJ, remixer, audio editor for film/games, studio manager, music business roles (e.g., A&R, label assistant), podcast/audio content creator, or roles in the creative industries, events, broadcasting, and gaming. The music and creative tech sector offers exciting opportunities, including apprenticeships and freelance work, with strong demand for skilled producers in the UK.
Specific advantages:
This vocational course is highly practical, providing extensive hands-on experience in a modern music studio environment, which many students prefer over more theory-based options. It builds real employable skills early (e.g., using professional DAWs, recording techniques, creative production), suits those who enjoy making beats, recording, mixing, or experimenting with sound, and offers a clear route into the creative industries. At Discovery Academy (or similar Stoke-on-Trent secondary settings), the focus on industry-standard facilities and benchmarking vocational qualifications makes it engaging, fun, and directly relevant to future careers in music and tech.
How useful it is in the real world:
Extremely useful – music technology underpins the entire modern music industry, from streaming and production to live events, film soundtracks, gaming, and content creation. The UK has a world-leading music sector (contributing billions to the economy) with ongoing demand for skilled talent in production, engineering, and digital audio. The course equips you with practical, transferable skills like creativity, technical precision, digital literacy, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are directly applicable to apprenticeships, employment, or further training. It promotes understanding of the digital music landscape, copyright, and innovation, fosters artistic expression alongside technical ability, and opens doors to rewarding careers in a vibrant, fast-growing industry essential for entertainment, media, and cultural life.
BTEC Music
Exam Board:
Pearson
What will I study on the course:
You will study three main components, designed to develop your practical musicianship, creativity, and understanding of the wider performing arts industry. The course is highly practical and allows you to grow as a performer while building essential professional skills.
Component 1: Developing Musical Skills and Techniques 30%
You will focus on building the core musical and performance skills needed to become a confident and expressive musician. This includes instrumental or vocal technique, rehearsal discipline, applying music theory to practice, and developing stylistic awareness. Through workshops and practical rehearsals, you will refine your abilities and document your progress as a developing performer.
Component 2: Ensemble Music Performance 30%
This component strengthens your ability to work collaboratively. You will prepare ensemble pieces, rehearse effectively as part of a group, explore musical interpretation, and present a polished live performance. You will learn to take on roles within a group (such as musical director, lead performer, or supporting musician) and respond creatively to performance briefs—mirroring real professional expectations.
Component 3: Music in the Creative and Performing Arts Industry 40%
You will investigate how the music and performing arts sectors operate. This includes exploring career pathways, job roles (such as performer, producer, composer, technician), planning and managing performance projects, and understanding what makes a successful industry professional. This component supports your readiness for further study or employment, helping you understand the demands of the creative industries.
How is the course assessed:
BTEC Performing Arts Level 2 (Tech Award) is assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework and an external assessment.
Component 1 (30% of final grade) – internally assessed
Component 2 (30% of final grade) – internally assessed
Component 3 (40% of final grade) – externally assessed
Post-16 courses:
After completing the Music BTEC, students commonly progress to:
- BTEC Level 3 National Certificate / Extended Certificate in Music Performance
- A Level Music or A Level Music Technology
- Level 3 Performing Arts pathways (Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre)
- Specialist music colleges, conservatoires, or sixth form music programmes
- Creative apprenticeships (e.g., music production, live events, arts administration)
This course provides the perfect foundation for higher-level study in performance, music technology, composition, or broader creative arts programmes.
Careers:
The skills gained on this course open pathways to many roles in the creative sector, including:
- Professional musician (solo, ensemble, session)
- Composer / songwriter
- Music producer or sound engineer
- Music therapist
- Performing arts practitioner (musical theatre, live performance)
- Media, TV, film, and gaming music work
- Live events, stage management, and arts administration
- Teaching, tutoring, or community arts roles
The performing arts industry is large, diverse, and continually growing—offering a wide range of future opportunities.
Specific advantages:
The course is practical and engaging, giving students the chance to express themselves creatively while developing strong musical and performance skills. It builds confidence, teamwork, and communication — essential qualities for success both in the creative industries and in wider professional life. Students gain valuable experience working collaboratively, responding to briefs, and refining their musicianship through real-world performance tasks.
Music BTEC also supports personal growth by encouraging resilience, self-discipline, and reflective practice. With no formal written exam, it is accessible to learners of all abilities and ideal for those who thrive in a coursework-based environment. The course nurtures creativity and problem-solving and promotes commitment and collaboration — key values that help students succeed beyond the classroom.
How useful it is in the real world:
The course develops highly transferable skills that prepare students for a wide range of future pathways. Through regular performance work and creative projects, students build confidence, communication, and adaptability — qualities valued in both the creative industries and many other professional fields. They learn to work effectively with others, manage deadlines, and respond positively to feedback, all of which support success in further education, employment, and everyday life.
Music BTEC also promotes cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving, helping students navigate an increasingly diverse and fast-changing world. Its focus on creativity and resilience equips learners to make thoughtful decisions, contribute to collaborative environments, and engage confidently with real-world challenges. These skills enhance personal development, strengthen employability, and support a well-rounded, future-ready outlook.
