Free BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Classes run at Skinners' Kent Academy, full-time over two years. This Pearson Edexcel qualification focuses on music performance, covering musical skills development and professional practice alongside the broader creative sector. You'll need at least a grade 4 in GCSE Music (or equivalent performance ability), plus grades 9 to 4 in English, Maths, and three other GCSEs. The course supports progression to higher education or employment in music and the creative industries.
Who this course is for
The BTEC Music Performance Course is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the music sector or the creative sector as a whole.
Entry requirements
Minimum of GCSE grades 4 (G4) in English and Mathematics plus 3 other GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C). Plus G4 in GCSE Music (or good performance ability)
What you will learn
You'll develop your practical music performance skills to a professional standard.
You'll study musical skills and techniques relevant to your chosen instrument or voice.
You'll explore professional practice in the music and creative industries.
You'll build knowledge of how the music sector operates, from performance to production contexts.
You'll work on projects that reflect real performance and creative industry demands.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, with 360 guided learning hours across the two years. Assessment combines internally assessed units (coursework, projects, and performance portfolios) with externally assessed components set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. You'll complete practical performance tasks alongside written and project-based work. The qualification has a total qualification time of 495 hours.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skinners' Kent Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Music performer: work as a professional musician or session artist.
Music teacher or tutor: teach instruments or vocals in schools or privately.
Studio assistant: support recording sessions and music production.
Events and live music technician: manage sound and staging at live events.
Music promoter or artist manager: organise gigs and manage artists' careers.
Creative arts administrator: coordinate projects in arts organisations.
What you could study next
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Music Performance: a larger qualification if you want to study music more intensively before university.
BA (Hons) Music or Music Performance: a degree at a conservatoire or university, the natural next step after this Extended Certificate.
BA (Hons) Music Technology or Music Production: if your interest moves toward the technical and production side of the industry.
