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BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Derby – Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre

Cost£2,882.00
Duration37 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre, full-time over 37 weeks.

The course runs across two pathways: Performance and Production. On the Performance Pathway, you focus on playing or singing, music theory, and industry skills. On the Production Pathway, you focus on music technology and production, alongside the same theoretical and professional grounding. Both pathways build a broad skills base for further study or work in music.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Music.

Who this course is for

On the Performance Pathway, the main focus is music performance, underpinned by associated theoretical and technical skills alongside professional development in relation to the music industry.On the Production Pathway, the main focus is music production, underpinned by associated theoretical and technical skills alongside professional development in relation to the music industry.The course is suited to students who have an interest in studying music following GCSE or independent music lessons. If you do not have GCSE Maths or English at grade 4 or higher, you will also develop your skills in maths or English.  This will support your main programme of study, help your future progression and enhance your life skills.

Entry requirements

You will need four GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including English Language and preferably Maths. Alternatively, you may have a BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit or Distinction level along with GCSE English Language at grade 4.

For Music Performance, you must also be able to play an instrument or sing to grade 4 standard, and you will need to attend an audition where your practical skills and music theory knowledge will be assessed.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical performance or production skills depending on your chosen pathway.
  • You'll study music theory and apply it to your specialism.
  • You'll learn about the professional music industry and how it works.
  • You'll build technical skills in music software if you take the Production Pathway.
  • You'll strengthen your Maths or English skills if you don't already hold GCSE grade 4 in those subjects.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and practical work in your chosen pathway. Assessment is through coursework, practical performance or production projects, and portfolio evidence. The Performance Pathway includes an audition at entry to assess your practical skills and music theory knowledge.

What you will need to bring

For the Performance Pathway, you'll need to be able to play an instrument or sing to grade 4 standard. For the Production Pathway, you'll need to show evidence of experience with music technology, such as a project made using music software. Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre will confirm what else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Musician, performs live or records as a session or solo artist.
  • Music Producer, creates and records tracks in a studio setting, though most roles benefit from further study or experience.
  • Sound Engineer, works in live or studio audio, often requiring additional technical training.
  • Music Teacher, typically requires a degree and teaching qualification on top of this course.
  • Events or Tour Crew, supports live music productions in a technical or logistical role.

What you could study next

  • BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music (Level 3), the natural next step from this Foundation Diploma, broadening your qualification for higher education entry.
  • Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Music (Level 4 or Level 5), for those moving into higher education after completing a full Level 3 programme.
  • A degree in Music, Music Production, or Sound Engineering (Level 6), for roles in performance, production, or teaching at a professional level.
Apply on derby-college.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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