Free BTEC Level 3 Music Course in Farnborough. Classes run full-time at The Sixth Form College Farnborough. This is a two-year level 3 btec music course covering live performance, songwriting, music technology, and the music business. You'll work in dedicated music technology rooms and a recording studio with industry-standard equipment. Entry requires grade 4 or above on your instrument, at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language, and a successful live audition. The course is free for learners eligible for ESFA funding (16 to 18 years old).
Who this course is for
16 - 19 ESFA funded learners
Entry requirements
To access vocational courses, students would generally achieve grade 4s (or higher) in their GCSES.
You should have a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of your chosen instrument and be at grade 4 or above performance standard.
Acceptance on this course will be dependent on passing a live audition, which will assess your musical ability.
You should have at least a grade 4 in GCSE English language.
There is no specific GCSE maths requirement to study this course.
What you will learn
You'll develop live performance techniques, including ensemble and group performance.
You'll practise songwriting and composition skills.
You'll use music production software, including Logic Pro X, for sequencing and recording.
You'll work in a professional recording studio with industry-standard microphones and instruments.
You'll build knowledge of the music business and how the contemporary music industry operates.
You'll respond to performance briefs and put on shows as part of a group.
You'll study music theory and contextual understanding alongside practical work.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of practical, hands-on work and written assignments. One unit is externally assessed: the ensemble music performance brief, where you respond to a set scenario and perform as part of a group. Other units are assessed through coursework and practical projects. Teaching takes place in music technology suites and a recording studio, with classroom-based sessions covering theory and context.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Sixth Form College Farnborough will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Music performer or session musician, working live or in the studio
Music producer or recording engineer, creating and producing tracks
Songwriter or composer, writing for artists, film, or TV
Music technology technician, supporting live events or studio sessions
Live sound engineer, managing audio at concerts and venues
Music teacher or tutor, teaching instrument or theory to others
Artist manager or music industry assistant, working behind the scenes
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Music or Music Performance. A natural next step at university, building on the practical and theoretical grounding from this btec music qualification.
BA (Hons) in Music Technology or Music Production. For those who want to focus on the production and recording side of the industry.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music. A larger qualification if you want to study a broader range of music units before applying to university.
Conservatoire audition programmes. For those pursuing a performance-focused route into higher education.
