Free BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Bristol. Classes run at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, full-time during the day. This is a highly practical course, built around music performance, music theory, and music industry knowledge. You'll study units including ensemble performance, practical music theory and harmony, session styles across genres, and professional practice in the music industry. Instrumental or vocal lessons are also part of the programme. The course runs over one year and carries UCAS points equivalent to one A-level.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed primarily at students who are interested in developing practical musical skills together with music theory and industry knowledge. It is a highly practical course and is centred on performing relevant music theory and industry practice. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A-level. The course covers the core aspects of practical music skills and relevant industry knowledge. Students studying on this programme will have a keen interest in developing their knowledge and skills and may be intending to pursue a career in the industry. This course attracts UCAS points in the same way as an A-level. Students are required to study a range of units over two years. Assessment is a mixture of internal and external. As performing to a high standard and demonstrating and monitoring technical improvement are such important aspects of the course it is compulsory that all students take regular instrumental/voice lessons. Lessons are available in College and students should sign up with a peripatetic teacher at the start of the year or continue with their own lessons outside of college. The college operates a bursary system that offers financial support for lessons to some students. If the cost of lessons is prohibitive it may also be possible to have them less frequently e.g. once a fortnight rather than once a week. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate provides a sound basis for students wishing to proceed to HE courses in Popular/ Commercial Music. It can lead to careers in performing teaching and composition as well as related areas in publishing and media. It combines well with most other subjects but compliments in particular Music Technology Performing Arts and Media Studies. All students will be required to attend an audition in the summer term prior to starting the course. Candidates will be expected to prepare a solo piece on the instrument they intend to use (or voice) during the course. Candidates will receive an invi
Entry requirements
Instrumental / vocal skills at grade 3/4 The minimum entry requirement is five GCSE?s at Grade 4 or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including English Language GCSE Music at grade 4 or a BTEC First qualification in Music at Merit or above is desirable but not essential. Students must be prepared to take regular voice / instrumental lessons.
What you will learn
You'll develop ensemble performance skills through rehearsal, practical exercises, and live performance.
You'll study practical music theory and harmony through exercises applied directly to your playing or singing.
You'll learn to perform in a range of styles including Jazz, Punk, Reggae, and Soul.
You'll research the origins and musical influences behind different genres.
You'll build knowledge of the music industry through case studies and individual research.
You'll take regular instrumental or vocal lessons to develop your technical standard.
You'll evaluate your own rehearsal and performance practice.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom-based and highly practical, combining performances, workshops, discussions, and written exercises. Assessment is a mixture of internal and external. Some units, including Ensemble Music Performance and Practical Music Theory and Harmony, are externally assessed. Others, including Session Styles and Professional Practice in the Music Industry, are internally assessed through coursework, research, and practical work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. St Brendan's Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to be prepared to take regular instrumental or vocal lessons, and should have instrumental or vocal skills at around grade 3 or 4.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Session musician: performing in studios or live settings across genres.
Music teacher or tutor: teaching instruments or music theory privately or in schools.
Live sound technician: managing audio for live performances and events.
Music producer: creating and recording music in a studio environment.
Band or artist manager: supporting musicians with bookings and industry work.
Music journalist or blogger: writing about artists, albums, and the industry.
Events coordinator (music): organising concerts, festivals, or live shows.
What you could study next
Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Music: a larger qualification that deepens your performance and industry knowledge, and strengthens university applications.
BA (Hons) in Music or Music Performance: a degree at a conservatoire or university, building on the UCAS points this qualification earns.
BA (Hons) in Music Technology or Music Production: for those drawn toward the technical and production side of the industry.
