Music Technology

Introduction to your course for 2013/2014

Your Course
You are enrolled on the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology. This is a one year course consisting of 12 units and is equivalent to two A Levels. Successful completion of this course can lead onto the Extended Diploma, which demands the completion of another 6 units, and also offers you the chance to improve upon the 12 grades achieved this year. This is completed in your second year and is broadly equivalent to three A Levels.

BTECs in Music Technology

Give education and training to those
working in the industry, and opportunity to achieve vocationallyspecific qualification.

Give full-time learners the

opportunity to enter employment in the Music Tech industries, or progress onto higher education. develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

Give learners the opportunity to

Units
You must complete 12 units to be awarded
the Diploma.

There are four Mandatory units you must

complete: Unit 9 Delivering a Music Product; Unit 14 Listening Skills for Music Technologists; Unit 25 Music Production Techniques; Unit 39 The Sound and Music Industry.

Although the other 8 units are planned out

in the projects we set, there is opportunity to undertake other optional units should you show specific skills in these areas.

Units
The 8 units covered alongside your mandatory
units are: Unit1 Acoustics for Musicians; Unit 7 Composing Music; Unit 19 Music and Society; Unit 20 Music and Sound for the Moving Image; Unit 32 Sequencing Systems and Techniques; Unit 37 The Functional Music Keyboard; Unit 40 Working and Developing as a Musical Ensemble; Unit 43 Special Subject Investigation. Engineering Principles; Unit 8 Concert Production and Staging; Unit 10 DJ Performance Techniques; Unit 29 Live Sound Techniques. in the Extended course, so ensure that if you opt for for one of these you can still attain 18 units over the two years.

Optional units could include: Unit 2 Audio

Some of the optional units may appear in projects set

Grading
Each Unit consists of
(usually four). a number of criteria

Each criterion asks if

you have worked at pass level, merit level, or distinction level. Naturally you must meet the requirements of pass before you can attain a merit, and of both before distinction.

The overall grade for the unit is your lowest

criterion grade. So: GC1(grading criteria 1) Pass, GC2 Merit, GC3 Distinction, GC4 Merit or PMDM, equals overall grade for this unit: PASS.

Assessment and grading criteria

In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria for a pass grade describe the level of achievement required to pass this unit. Assessment and grading criteria To achieve a pass grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to: To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to:
M1 set up a computer and peripheral MIDI hardware safely and competently with total independence M2 realise musical ideas using MIDI sequencing skills competently M3 realise musical ideas using audio sequencing skills competently M4 illustrate the terminology associated with music sequencing techniques.

To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to:
D1 set up a computer and peripheral MIDI hardware safely and competently demonstrating mastery of the processes involved realise musical ideas using MIDI sequencing skills with confidence and flair realise musical ideas using audio sequencing skills with confidence and flair analyse the terminology associated with music sequencing techniques.

P1

set up a computer and peripheral MIDI hardware safely and competently with limited tutor support [IE, CT, SM] realise musical ideas using MIDI sequencing skills [CT, RL, SM, EP] realise musical ideas using audio sequencing skills [CT, RL, SM, EP] explain the terminology associated with music sequencing techniques. [IE, RL, SM]

P2

D2

P3

D3

P4

D4

PLTS: This summary references where applicable, in the square brackets, the elements of the personal, learning and thinking skills applicable in the pass criteria. It identifies opportunities for learners to demonstrate effective application of the referenced elements of the skills.

Key

IE independent enquirers CT creative thinkers

RL reflective learners TW team workers

SM self-managers EP effective participators

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Music and Music Technology Issue 1 January 2010 Edexcel Limited 2009

Your Project Brief

Consists of: - An Assignment Cover Sheet (units covered, lecturer in charge, deadlines etc) - The Brief in Detail - The Tasks/Evidence required - Grading Criteria Sheet

Feedback
All marks will be assigned to you with
feedback that will enable you to improve upon your marks. process to achieve your mark, or how you have fallen short.

You will be told what you have done in the Many units are revisited throughout the

year, however those that are not will be given a special window for resubmissions. each main project which will help you track your progress.

You will be given an overview sheet after