BTEC Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma in Music Composing and Songwriting (level 3)

· Recording compositions and song ideas

· Analysing the work of other composers and songwriters

· Using Notation Software (Sibelius) to develop your composing ideas

· Workshops on Lyric writing

· Developing your keyboard skills/developing music theory skills

Is it for me?

This course is for you if you are seriously interested in developing your skills as a composer and/or songwriter. The course is taken over 1 year and is equivalent to 1 AS level as a Certificate - and 2 years as a Subsidiary Diploma equivalent to 1 A level - and is all coursework based. Your assessment will be through assignments in class and practical/performance projects.

This qualification is part of a suite of music based courses at level 3. These can be studied together in a combination that suits you. The range includes Certificates/Subsidiary Diplomas in: Music Performance, Music Events Support, Music Technology and Music Composing and Song Writing as well as AS/A2 level Music.

What’s involved?

To achieve a Certificate in Music Composing and Songwriting you will complete three units:

Composing Music

Through practical exercises and independent composing work you will develop the skills and underpinning knowledge required to compose music in a variety of styles.

Contemporary Songwriting

You will study the way great songwriters have created their work. You will develop a set of songs of your own, which can be presented as recordings or as music scores.

Live Performance Workshop

You will work in a group to create original music in response to a given stimulus. For example you might be asked to compose music for a theatre or dance show.

Or

The Functional Music Keyboard

If you do not yet have skills on keyboard or guitar it will help you to compose effectively if you take this unit. You will develop some keyboard skills and then use these skills to help in your composing using MIDI keyboards.

To achieve a Subsidiary Diploma in Music Composing and Song writing you will study a further three units:

Music Theory and Harmony

You will develop your skills and knowledge of music theory so that you can use these skills effectively in your composing.

Working with Notation Software Packages

You will develop your ability to use software to create professional standard music and scores for others to play.

Either Pop Music in Practice or Studying Music from around the World

Both of these units involve the study of a variety of musical styles, either from the pop and rock traditions, or from other ‘world music’ genres, followed by composing your own music in the styles you have studied.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades A* to C including English Language (grade C or above preferred) and preferably GCSE Music (grade C or above) but not essential; students can be accepted on musical ability alone.

Or

· Level 2 Music qualification and English Language GCSE (grade C or above preferred).

For all students there will be an assessment of practical skills as an instrumentalist or vocalist at a taster session.

If you do not have a grade C or above in English Language or Maths, you will study these subjects as an essential part of your programme of study.

Which courses go well with this?

This course can be combined with a range of other programmes – further Certificates and Subsidiary Diplomas in Performance or Music. Alternatively it can be combined with a range of other options at level 3 - both AS Levels and BTECs.

Progression:

This course could help you gain access to Higher Education/Specialist Institutions, and will also prepare you well for working in the music industry. Students may want to combine this course with other level 3 Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma courses or A Level Music in order to gain a comprehensive set of skills to help you to either progress to university or employment in the industry.