Term dates for the College and University Centre academic year 2024/2025 are now available online.
BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Music
This course is perfect for students who are passionate about music and interested in developing and improving their performing, writing, and producing skills, with the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating world of popular music and progress to a higher level in the future.
Why Choose This Course?
This fast paced one-year programme will provide you with plenty of practical, hands-on learning which will ensure a strong foundation for your future progression, whether you want to continue into performance, music technology or even live events production. The course is designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and skills required for future employment within the creative sector, whilst at the same time giving you the opportunity to practice and improve your skills in a range of music related areas, from performance to composition. The music industry is evolving and changing at an incredible rate, and there are many opportunities for musicians to forge an exciting career for themselves through different pathways.
You will use our fantastic rehearsal facilities to improve and develop the practical skills required for performing in bands and collaborating with other musicians, and you will develop the techniques needed for playing in a range of styles and genres. You will take part in performances and gigs, you will learn about the history of popular music, the music industry, and you will develop employability skills to prepare you for a career in the industry. You will develop music sequencing and composition skills and you will be given many opportunities to review your progress.
Apply for this course
Start date: 09/09/2024
Top Course Highlights
Outstanding Facilities
Expert Lecturers
Progression Focussed
Performance Opportunities
Learn from industry experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience in a range of fields from within the music industry.
Progression focused
The course is designed with progression in mind, giving you the skills to progress onto one of our Level 3 Extended Diploma courses.
Top Quality Facilities
Work in state-of-the-art facilities including fully kitted out practice rooms, professional recording studios and computer suites using the latest industry-standard software.
What Will I Learn?
Performance:
Early on in the course you will form a band, and undertake a rigorous rehearsal schedule, exploring a wide range of musical material and you will work towards building a set of songs to perform live at a gig. Performance is at the heart of your course and so you will have lots of opportunities to try new ideas, work with different musicians and develop your rehearsal, communication, and performance skills on a weekly basis.
Creative Music Technology
During Music Technology sessions you will explore MIDI sequencing, sound editing, digital multitrack recording and mixing. You will have access to dedicated sequencing rooms, digital mixdown suites and our state-of-the-art 24-track digital recording studio.
Managing a Music Product
You will explore how the music industry works and how it is evolving, including the job opportunities available. Practical advice and support will help you to develop a broad range of skills to enhance your progression within the industry. You will also have the opportunity to develop planning and promotions skills in areas such as events management and marketing, which will support you in the creation of a music product such as a live performance or an online product.
Music and Production Analysis
You will develop a foundation of music theory and listening skills, as these are key to anyone wishing to be successful in the industry. We will look at how these skills can be practically applied, and you will sharpen your ability to identify musical genres, features of musical styles, and perform an analysis of production techniques.
The Development of Music
This element will allow you to look at popular music history, how world events have shaped musical development and how the wider world affects the music that is written and performed. You will look at the impact that society, culture, and technology has had in the evolution of popular music, and you will develop the skills required to be able to identify key aspects of musical styles such as instrumentation, structure, harmony, and melody.
Where Will It Take Me?
Successful completers of the Level 2 Certificate in Music, coupled with a GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths or English, most often progress onto one of our Level 3 Extended Diploma courses in Music Performance, Music Technology or Live Events Production. These courses lead onto a range of careers within the industry.
Some career pathways include jobs as Session Musicians, Music Promoters and Events managers, Producers and Engineers, Film Composers, Record Label roles including A&R and Management, Journalists and Product Designers.
Assessment Arrangements
You are assessed in a variety of ways to suit you, including practical tasks, written work, verbal presentations, logbooks and technology-based projects. There are two controlled assessments where exam arrangements will be taken into consideration where required.
Entry Requirements
Three GCSEs at Grade 3 including English Language (or English Literature) and/or Maths. Though no formal music education is required, you should be able to display an enthusiasm and passion for the subject and have some previous experience in performance or production.
Information & Support
Working within the Student Services area, the Student Support team will see you on a one-to-one basis as needed and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal, and emotional issues. A professional team of staff work together with your personal tutor to support you so that you can successfully complete your course and recognise pathways to progression after leaving College.
Students will always need a set of ear or headphones, a notebook and a pen. Microphones, drum kits, keyboards and amplifiers are provided for use at College, so musicians just need to bring their instrument/jack leads/drum sticks etc.
Awarding Body: Pearson BTEC
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£50,364
Entry Level Salary
£14,159
Average Salary
£27,733
Annual openings in Cornwall
4
Potential Salary
£50,364
Entry Level Salary
£14,159
Average Salary
£27,733
Annual openings in Cornwall
1
Potential Salary
£50,364
Entry Level Salary
£14,159
Average Salary
£27,733
Annual openings in Cornwall
