BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre, full-time during the day. You choose between two pathways: Music Performance or Music Production. The Performance Pathway centres on playing or singing, supported by music theory and industry knowledge. The Production Pathway focuses on music technology and production skills, again with industry context alongside. The course runs over 37 weeks. If you don't have GCSE Maths at grade 4 or higher, you'll also work on maths as part of your programme.
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.If you do not have GCSE Maths at grade 4 or higher, you will also develop your skills in maths. 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. 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.For Music Production, you will also need to provide evidence of some experience in music techn
What you will learn
You'll develop music performance techniques or music production skills, depending on your chosen pathway.
You'll study the sound and music industry, including how it operates professionally.
You'll build aural perception skills and music theory and harmony knowledge.
You'll practise arranging music and explore music and society.
You'll learn sequencing systems and techniques used in music production.
You'll study session styles and how to perform across different musical contexts.
You'll develop skills on the functional music keyboard.
You'll build professional development knowledge relevant to working in the music industry.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the Joseph Wright Centre, covering both practical and theoretical work. Assessment is unit-based, as is standard for Pearson BTEC National qualifications. This means your work is assessed through assignments, projects, and practical tasks rather than a single final exam. For the Performance Pathway, an audition forms part of the entry process and practical performance is central throughout. For the Production Pathway, evidence of music technology experience is required at entry.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start. If you're applying for the Performance Pathway, you'll need to be able to play an instrument or sing to grade 4 standard and attend an audition. For the Production Pathway, you'll need to show some prior experience with music technology.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Session musician. Perform across recording and live settings.
Music producer. Create and record tracks in studio environments.
Sound technician. Operate audio equipment for live or recorded work.
Music teacher or tutor. Teach instrument or theory at local level.
Studio assistant. Support recording sessions and production work.
Live events technician. Handle sound and production at venues.
Music journalist or content creator. Write or create content about music.
What you could study next
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music or Music Production. A natural step if you want to go deeper into performance or production before entering work or higher education.
BA (Hons) in Music, Music Production, or Music Technology at university. The Extended Diploma is widely accepted by universities as an entry qualification for degree-level music study.
BTEC Level 3 in Music Technology or Sound Engineering. If you want to specialise further in the technical side of music.
