Free BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Poole. Classes run at St Edwards Comprehensive School, full-time over two years. You'll need Grade 5 in Music or a BTEC Merit to join. This level 3 BTEC music qualification focuses on practical music-making rather than music history. You'll develop skills in performance, music production, and composition. The course builds the kind of musical experience and transferable skills that universities and employers recognise.
Who this course is for
The course is ideal if you love practical music but are less interested in the analytical and theoretical study of music history. This course is for you if you are seriously interested in developing your skills as a musician. A BTEC qualification gives you a wealth of musical experience and transferable skills, preparing you to continue to undergraduate study or the workplace. If you enjoy listening to music, performing music, and music production then this course is definitely for you.
Entry requirements
Grade 5 in Music or BTEC Merit
What you will learn
You'll develop your skills as a performing musician across a range of styles and contexts.
You'll work on music production, learning how to record, edit, and produce tracks.
You'll compose original music and develop your own creative voice.
You'll build transferable skills in project planning, collaboration, and meeting creative briefs.
You'll explore how music works in professional and industry settings.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based and practical. You'll be assessed through coursework, performance tasks, and projects rather than traditional written exams. Each unit is assessed against set criteria, and your work is marked by your tutors and moderated by Pearson Edexcel. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. St Edwards Comprehensive School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Music producer: create and produce tracks in a studio setting.
Session musician: perform on recordings and live projects for other artists.
Music teacher or tutor: teach instrument or music theory to students.
Sound technician: manage live or studio audio for events and productions.
Music journalist or blogger: write about music for publications and online platforms.
Events and tour coordinator: organise live music events and artist logistics.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Music or Music Production: the BTEC National Extended Certificate is widely accepted as a university entry qualification. Many conservatoires and universities accept it for music-related degrees.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music: a larger qualification if you want to study more units before applying to university.
BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Music: a Level 4 qualification for those moving into higher education without a full degree programme.
