Music

Music Curriculum Overview 

At Rye College, we believe that Music is not only a universal language but also a crucial ingredient of a broad and balanced education, whether this be a means of providing students with the tools required to develop self-learning skills, creativity, confidence, self-expression or joy. Consequently, our high-quality music education aims to engage and inspire our students to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.  

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Curriculum Statement: Values and Aims  

As well as enabling students to develop our students' instrumental abilities, we also believe that a well-designed Music curriculum is an important vehicle for students to develop their understanding of technology that is vital in the modern world. As a result, we are passionate about providing our students of all backgrounds with a music curriculum that supports them in being able to express their emotions, thoughts and opinions, and helping to positively shape their views through the studies of a range of different cultures and societies across the world. By so doing, we aim to provide all of our students with a curriculum that supports life transforming learning for all.  

We ensure that our curriculum meets the National curriculum by providing our students with opportunities to:  

• Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians  

• Learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence  

• Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations

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BTEC Music  

BTEC Music is an absorbing, interesting, highly challenging and stimulating course. It is essential that students reach a reasonable standard on their chosen instrument or be confident singers, before starting the course. If students are unsure, if they meet the requirements of this BTEC, they should discuss with Mr. Maxim before making their choices. Students interested in music technology and software are encouraged to enrol, as they can use computer software as a form of performance. Instrumental lessons are highly encouraged and are available in school, if requested. 

Course Outline: 

Component 1: Exploring Music Products and Styles 

In this component, you will develop your understanding of different types of music products and the techniques used to create them. You will explore how musical elements, technology and other resources are used in the creation, production and performance of music. You will also practically explore the key features of different styles of music and music theory and apply your knowledge and understanding to developing your own creative work. This component will help you to progress to Level 2 or 3 vocational or academic qualifications where a knowledge of musical styles and a grounding in the areas of performance, creation and music production is essential. 

Component 2: Making a Music Product 

In this component, you will participate in workshops and classes where you will develop technical, practical, personal and professional skills and specialise in at least two of the following areas: music performance, creating original music, music production. Throughout your development, you will review your progress and consider how to make improvements. You will learn how musicians share their work and collaborate with others, and will develop your skills as a musician in how to use blogs, YouTube™, Soundcloud™ and other platforms to share your work and skills development with others. 

Component 3: Responding to a Music Brief 

This component will allow you to work to your strengths and interests and apply the skills that you have learned throughout your course in a practical way. You will focus on a particular area of the music sector that excites and appeals to you and respond to a music brief as a composer, performer or producer. You will begin by exploring the brief and investigating possible responses and ideas to meet the demands of the brief. Using relevant resources, skills and techniques you will then develop and refine musical material before presenting your final response. You will develop and present an original creation based on a piece from a given list and a style from a choice of four. You will then present this as a solo or group performance, an audio recording or a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) project. You will also consider how your skills and interests make you suitable for the specific music sector opportunity 

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Progression Routes

BTEC Music could lead onto higher education music related courses that along with further training, could result in employment in the music industry such as a film composer, professional musician, and sound technician. It is a highly regarded qualification for entry to a wide range of courses at Universities and Colleges of Higher Education. The course will also provide students with transferrable skills such as self-management, communication and presentation.