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BTEC Intermediate Certificate in Music Apply Now »
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 1
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This course is designed to teach you the skills needed to kick-start a career in music. Whether you are a performer, composer or interested in music technology, the course serves as an excellent introduction to this fast-growing and highly competitive industry and will prepare you for further study at Level 3.
Entry requirements
You need grades D/3 at GCSE, including English Language and Maths (or a standard of maths and English at Functional Skills Level 1).
If you play an instrument or sing, you will be required to take part in a short audition.
If you are a composer or music technologist, you will be required to demonstrate some experience in these areas. Ideally this should include some audio of songs that you have produced or written yourself.
Course Content
You will study various units and take part in projects that are designed to improve your skills in different areas. These will include:
- Sequencing: you'll learn how to use specialist software to record music
- Composition: you'll learn different techniques to help you compose your own music in response to different scenarios, such as pop songs and soundtracks to games or films
- Research skills: you'll take part in a research project all about a musical topic that interests you
- The music industry: you'll learn how the industry is structured and the different employment opportunities it offers
- Listening skills: you'll learn about different styles and genres of music from the 1950s to the present day and how to recognise different features of these styles through listening.
How will I be assessed?
Most of your assessment will be through coursework. This will entail a mixture of practical assessments, written assessments, presentation work and project work.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
If you are a guitarist or bassist, you will be required to bring your own instrument and jack lead.
Drummers will need to bring a pair of drum sticks. Some drummers choose to bring their own snare drums and cymbals, but we do provide these.
Some vocalists like to bring their own microphone, but we do provide these too.
What can I do after this course?
This course is designed to prepare you for study at Level 3. You can progress to Level 3 if you succesfully achieve your Level 2 music qualification and grade C/4 in English and Maths.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Jacob Holmes
Set to make some noise in the music industry
Music Technology learner Jacob Holmes chose his course after meeting Derby College tutors at an information evening. He says they were so passionate and enthusiastic about their subject, he was immediately inspired to enrol.
The decision turned out to be a sound one. He is now preparing for higher education at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, with a view to a career in the live sound and theatre industry. Jacob has also won applause for his exceptional commitment to his studies.
Keen to develop his skills and understanding, he undertook sound and lighting operations at extra-curricular gigs and performances – both in-house and at external venues – and proved to be an essential part of any technical team. His dedication earned him the Media, Music and Performing Arts prize, sponsored by the Derby Telegraph, at our 2014 Peak Awards.
The tutors at Derby College are so helpful. They really care about the learners and their progress, which pushes you to work harder.
