Level 3 Music Technology

The units you will study are likely to include:

Core Units:

• Principles of music performance and production
• Critical Listening and music composition
• Music Industry and professional practice
• Critical and contextual awareness for music performance and production
• Music Production in context
• Music performance in context
• Preparation for specialist study in music performance and production
• Collaborative performance project

Specialist Units:

• Developing Music performance and production skills
• Exploration of specialist study in music performance and production
• Preparing for progression in music performance
• Project proposal for extended project in music performance and production
• Extended project in music performance and production

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in gaining employment in music producing, live sound engineering, music technicians, song writing, music publishing or those who wish to progress to Higher Education and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in music technology.

There is continuous assessment throughout each stage of the course, through a combination of written assessments, practical demonstrations, individual and group projects, with your progress being monitored through tutorials.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. 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.

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.

If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

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.

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).

• 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.

You should supply your own headphones, portable hard drive - USB3. There may be visits to events as appropriate.

After successful completion of this course you can progress to:

• HNC/HND Music Production at Northampton College
• A Degree in Music Performance or Music Technology
• Employment
• Further specialist music training (e.g. sound engineering courses, digital composition, sound design)

4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English, or a Level 2 qualification plus GCSE English Grade 3. Complete the tasks you will be sent and attend an online/onsite Taster day during the Summer. 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.