Level 2 Music (Performance and Technology Pathways)

The units you will study include:

Core Units:

• Introduction to Music Performance
• Introduction to Music Production
• Listening Skills for Music Performance and Production
• Exploring Music Composition
• Contextual Research for Music Performance and production
• Music Performance skills and Practice
• Music Production Skills and Practice
• Music Performance and Production Project

This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in either entering employment in the music industry or progressing to a Level 3 qualification in Music Practice or Music Technology and wish to gain a Level 2 qualification in music.

All units are continuously assessed throughout the year through a range of assignments and time constrained tests. These are assessed internally and externally, here at the college. The assignments will be a mixture of written work, exams, presentations, computer-based composition and live musical performances.

In the first term written work will mostly be completed using workbooks in class and time constrained testing. In the second term students will create their own written work using their own formats. In the third term some assessment will be via 1-1 interviews (Q & A).

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

• The professional music industry, learning fundamental production and performance theories including history and context and The development of music theory

• A range of music-based activities and competences through in-depth study, enabling the development of professionally planning and releasing music

• Subject specific context; for example warrens of equality and diversity in music, health and safety in a variety of professional music spaces, roles, responsibilities, characteristics and attributes needed in music.

• Explore creative development through practical and research-based study including composing, arranging, performing and producing music in different genres and styles

• Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including critical listening, communicating ideas, enhancing your musicianship, individually and collaboratively

• Understand and utilise music technology and music equipment and problem solving through application of theoretical and technical learning to a range of settings and vocational scenarios.

• Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to music and transferable to a wider range of employability skills; such as time keeping, organisation, respect and communication skills

• Taking responsibility in the management of an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline, utilising independent study skills and collaborative working/learning/study

• Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network; including taking initiative, developing resilience, communicating effectively and taking responsibility for self-motivated organisation.

This course will give you the necessary qualifications to apply for a Level 3 qualification such as an Extended Diploma (including UAL Extended Diploma in Music: Performance or Technology pathways). Alternatively, you could seek:

• Employment in the music industry
• Skills to work as a freelance practitioner
• After L3 study progression to HN Music at Northampton College
• or University Music Courses

4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or a Level 1 qualification, including English & maths at GCSE grade 1-3 and attend a Taster Day (onsite/online). You may be offered a place on another level to your original application.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.

These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.

Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.