level 2 course guide 12-13

7/28/2019 Level 2 Course Guide 12-13

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FACULTY OF CREATIVE ANDACADEMIC STUDIES

The BTEC First inMusic

A Course Guide

B/TEC FIRST HANDBOOK


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Faculty of Sixth Form Studies

Contents

Introduction 2

Course Structure 3

Unit Guidance 4Assessment

6Functional SkillsCollege Policies

Health and Safety for Music Students

Gigs 7

Equipment 8Equipment Usage

Hints for a Good ResultSuggested Listening 9

Venue List

Useful Publications 10

Useful Websites 11Useful Contacts

You and the Course 13

B/TEC First Handbook 16/04/132


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Introduction

This guide contains information to help both you and your guardians understand how this course is

structured and assessed. It also contains other necessary guidelines and advice.

Please read through the guide carefully. Remember, you can always speak to your tutor or getyour guardians to email him if you need advice/clarification on any of the issues raised. Once youhave read through the guide, you will be asked to sign the back page which is an agreementmade between you, your parents/guardian and your lecturer guaranteeing that you will displayexemplary behaviour for the duration of the course.

Anything completed in the name of Fareham College, should it be written assessments orlive gigs, not only represents you, but also your lecturers, your guardians and theinstitution itself.

The BTEC First in Music is a continually assessed course, much of which is focused onvocationally relevant carried out in groups, involving some theoretical, but mostly practical work.During the course you will be required to develop some theoretical knowledge which will enhancethe following:

- Independence.

- Self Motivation.

- Creativity.

-Commitment.

- Teamwork.

- Respect for the talents and opinions of others, regardless of their social, ethnic orcultural background.

By working at the qualities listed above, you will not only be able to enjoy the course a lot better,but will learn vital skills that are transferable to other courses/employment and that will help youthroughout life.

Enjoy music. Never forget the reason why you started playing music or singing be open minded,but true to yourself, work hard and you will never fail. Unfortunately, very few people are going toknock on your door and offer you a job in music. It is your job to be disciplined, to practice hard, tothink about how you are going to sell yourself to the world.

In the words of Noel Gallagher, songwriter of Brit-pop band, Oasis,

Youve got to make it happen



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Course Structure

The course is built up out of a variety of units that students must cover over the duration of a year.

There are two types of units core units and specialist units. The course consists of 3 core unitsand 3 specialist units.

The core units are:

Unit 1 Working in the Music IndustryUnit 2 Professional Development in the Music IndustryUnit 3 Planning and Creating a Music Product

The specialist units are:

Unit 10 DJ Technology and Performance

Unit 5 Developing as a Musical Performer Unit 9 Producing a Musical Recording

Unit 8 Rehearsal Techniques for Musicians

In addition to this, are a couple of units that will be quick to complete and which will give you agreater awareness of how you can apply your music business knowledge and generate an income.These are the NCFE Level 1 Award in Music Technology (DJ Skills) and the NCFE Level 2 Award inCreative Craft (Songwriting).

Occasionally, option units are replaced by alternatives as a result of the constant review,development and improvement of the course by the course leader and these remain correct at thetime of publication.



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Assignment Guidance

An assignment is a collection of tasks your lecturer will provide you with,(these can also beaccessed via the college website/virtual learning environment), which will cover therequired criteria to succeed in all of the units mentioned. You should read each task

carefully, along with the grading criteria that accompanies it, as this will tell you exactlywhat you need to do to achieve to a high level.

The lecturer will make every effort to explain things to you in simple terms, but if you do notunderstand it is your responsibility toask! You are responsible for completing the work on time.The more you put in, the better your qualifications and time at college will be. Work hard and try tocomplete as many of the assignments as you can during class time, as your lecturers will be onhand to help.

Assessment

With each task set, the assignment briefwill accurately explain how to obtain a PASS, MERIT orDISTINCTION grade for each grading criteria. Each criteria of each unit is awarded a grade. Thelowest of these grades will give the overall grade for the unit. It is up to you to take responsibility formaintaining the highest possible standard in the work you are assessed on.

Failure to meet deadlines for assessed work will result in disciplinary action.

If you are unavoidably absent, you should ring 01329 815200 and e-mail your tutor with thecompleted tasks contained within the assignment being addressed.

Your tutor will be Jason Kaye. His email address is: [email protected]

Equally, if you have been absent, it is up to you to speak to the lecturer when you returnand catch up with missed work.

The lecturer(s) who set the tasks will mark any work attached to an assignment it and return it toyou within three weeks, giving you a grade for each of the criteria that you cover and writtencomments which will indicate ways in which you can improve your work in future. If the work doesnot reach the required standard or is incomplete, it will not be passed and you will be advisedas to what you need to do in order to re-submit the work successfully. If work has to be resubmittedyou will agree a new deadline with the assessor.

You will always be provided with an opportunity to comment on a task and the way it is assessed.

ASSESSMENT APPEALS PROCEDURE

If you have concerns about the outcome of an assessment, you should discuss the matter fully withthe assessor. If you continue to have concerns then you can follow the Appeals Procedure,details of which can be found on the college website/virtual learning environment underAssessment Policy.

All units are assessed internally and externally and verified. This means that we mark the task inquestion, get our colleagues to look over the marked work and then give you the final grades.



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An External Verifier visits the college to inspect this process and check that we are marking tonational standards. He, or she, can alter the grades if we have been judged to be too generous ortoo harsh.

All the marks we give you are for guidance only, until all of the tasks for a unit are completed. Only

then, will an overall unit grade be given, based on all the grades gained for each criteria of the unit.

You must pass all the grading criteria of each of the units to gain the overall qualification.

All grades are carefully recorded and tracked. One of the things you will do in your tutorials isdiscuss how your work is going and by setting SMART targets for its improvement, you canaddress any concerns you, or your lecturers, have with your work. In this way, you will be able toidentify the strengths and weaknesses in your studies.

You will store any evidence regarding the tasks you complete in a portfolio that will be kept atCollege. Once the qualification has been achieved, you will be able to take this away for personal

reference.

The BTEC First is made up of the Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma. The Certificate isa short qualification which lasts until the Christmas break. It gives learners an overview ofemployment opportunities within the music industry and initial development of skills in performing,composing and music technology.

The Extended Certificate focuses on aspects of employment within the music industry and offersan insight into how musicians rehearse a product for the recording studio or the stage.This is an extended period of study which results, should the student stay on, in the overallqualification, the BTEC First Diploma in Music.

The music industry offers many opportunities for employment and is not limited to those who areable to play an instrument. Aspects of theCertificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma offer lotsof opportunity for learners to explore other areas of the industry be they costume, management orgraphic design. The choice of units within these qualifications reflects this.The BTEC First is ultimately a 360 guided-learning-hour (GLH) qualification that provides for acombined total of 60 credits. The course is the equivalent of four GCSEs grades A* - C.

Each unit will be graded as follows:

Pass 5 pointsMerit 6 points

Distinction 7 points

The unit grades are then collated into an overall set of grades, depending on the marks given.

BTEC grade boundaries BTEC First Diploma grade GCSE grade equivalence

300 339 points Pass C C B B

340 - 379 points Merit B B A A

380 - 399 points Distinction A A A* A*

400 and above points Distinction * (See note below)

NB The exam board (Edexcel) may vary the above grading bands. At the time of publication, thenumber of points attained for a BTEC Distinction * grade is still to be confirmed on the DfES School

and College Achievement and Attainment Tables.



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Functional Skills

You will be required to study and be examined in the following Functional Skills alongside yourmusic studies should your GCSE grades in numeracy and literacy be below a D grading or in the

case that a BKSB entry diagnostic proves to be low.

English

Maths

These will be integrated into many of your tasks and a separate class will be held in each teachingweek in order to support you through this process. Being able in all of the above is a pre-requisite

in modern life and will gain you paid employment or entry onto university courses.

College Policies

Fareham College has strict policies on the following: dress code, alcohol and substance mis-use, bullying,equality and diversity, plagiarism, health and safety, attendance andpunctuality thatexist to provide a fair and safe college experience. You must familiarize yourselfwith the terms and conditions of these policies through the college website/virtual learningenvironment.

You must be aware of these policies and adhere to them at all times.

Failure to do so will result in severe disciplinary action that may lead to dismissal.

Neveruse your mobile phone in class without permission. You will be asked to place it on a tray atthe beginning of a lesson. Should you need to take an urgent message or record alecture/rehearsal/performance, explain the situation to the lecturer first.

Further information on assessment appeals and complaints procedures will be provided should it

be necessary.

Health and Safety for Music Students(To be read in conjunction with College Policies)

Food is not permitted within the Music Department. Drinks are allowed, but only in re-sealablebottles. Cans are not acceptable as they can spill and their sugary liquids can cause electricalhazards and ant infestation throughout the block. A littered rehearsal studio or music departmentwill allow unhealthy bacterias to multiply.

Students are warned not to interfere with electrical equipment, or its cabling.



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Students must work within the set parameters of the computers provided and are forbidden to usethe internet in order to access material which could be deemed as inappropriate. Every computeris constantly monitored for this very reason.

Students are forbidden to smoke in areas which are clearly marked as prohibited. Failure to do so

will lead to disciplinary action.

Free passage throughout teaching/rehearsal rooms, or the music department as a whole, shouldnot be obstructed with instruments, bags or coats.

Once you have finished using a rehearsal studio, it is your responsibility to make sure that allthe equipment you have been using is either put away tidily or returned to the technician.Borrowed equipment will need to be booked out and signed back in, once a rehearsalsession has concluded.

All breakages must be reported immediately.

Avoid or secure trailing leads, like kettle leads and microphone cables.

Always save computer work to your named space, in other words, the corp\home (H) drive of yourcomputer. This will prevent your hard work from being lost. Work saved to other destinations will bedeleted.You might find it useful to own a pen stick to save work on. This will enable you toimprove it at home.

Avoid damage to ears/speakers by listening to and playing music at sensible volumes. Eardefenders will always be available to you so use them!

Remember,never connect to sound sources with the gain or volume turned up. You could

damage the speakers. As a musician, your ears are your most important tools! Serioushearing problems and painful tinnitus can be caused by playing and listening to loud music.

It is recommended that students carry some form of deodorant in order that it can be used after anenergetic workshop session or performance. This will help keep the rooms fresh for the nextteaching session.

All college equipment is inspected and PAT tested annually. This is to ensure electrical safety priorto use. If you wish to use any of your own equipment, your appliances must be clearly marked withthis in mind. If in doubt, always ask your lecturer before plugging in any electrical equipmentof your own.

Gigs

During the course of the year, you will take part in many performances both in and outside ofcollege. Your safety at these is of utmost importance to us and all the potential risks will beassessed for you. Initially, the performance spaces will be booked for you, but others (and the legalpaperwork they entail) will be your own responsibility. When you are at any venue, you arerepresenting Fareham College even if you are only setting up equipment or waiting to perform. Wewant to help you perform as well as possible and enjoy putting these shows together, so it is vitallyimportant that you are aware of the following points in addition to the college policies.

1. Make sure you are aware of correct manual handling techniques before lifting heavy orawkward objects as it is very easy to strain either a muscle or your back.



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2. Be aware of high noise levels and use earprotection if you are advised to, or if you feel itnecessary.

3. Tape down loose or trailing cables.

4. Ensure that exit pathways are clear at all times.

5. Ensure that there is enough light to do whatyou need to do and if youre worried about it, askfor additional lighting.

6. Fareham College reserves the right torefuse rehearsal/performance time to studentswho have not met deadlines with their writtenwork or who behave in an intoxicated or

disorderly manner either on the collegepremises or at college organised gigs. Staffwill not hesitate to involve the estates team,legal guardians or the police should studentsbreak the law or refuse to co-operate.Bothstaff and over 18s are forbidden alcoholicdrinks prior to and during performances

staged in the name of Fareham College. Anybody suspected of having done so will beremoved from the venue and will receive strict disciplinary action.

You are required to supply the following, on a daily basis, in order to complete your studies.

A pen/pencil with a rubber

A USB memory/pen stick

Because of the large amount of expensive and fragile equipment supplied by the College for thiscourse, students will be expected to care for and monitor the whereabouts and condition ofequipment to assist security and maintenance.

Only Fareham College students will be able to use the rehearsal studios and/or equipment outsidecollege hours. They will also be held responsible for their security and condition. Students areadvised to contact the College music technician should they be interested in using the collegefacilities in this way.

Students may also have to meet expenses due to transportation, the need for subsistence,ticketing of events, college trips and blank CDs/DVDs for their recorded work. If any studentexperiences hardship in meeting these expenses they should contact their tutor who will put them

in contact with the necessary College authorities.


Instruments and leads (in good working order)

A tuner, picks and replacement strings (if guitarist)

headphones (with stereo jacks)

drum sticks, hot rods or brushes (if drummer)


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Equipment Usage

If you break something by accident, as long as you inform your lecturer, all will be forgiven.Breaking something evidenced through poor handling and misuse means you will becharged for a replacement.

Please be careful! We are aware that eventually things wear out, but encourage you to look afterthe College equipment as though it were your own. This equipment has been purchased and setup solely for the use of music/ media and performing arts students.

Always tell a lecturer if something is broken or malfunctioning.

Hints and Tips for Good Results in Your Studies

Always follow the correct studio procedure.

Be prepared and motivated to study alone, outside college hours if you need to.

Try to broaden your musical taste and experience.

When listening to music, take time to consider how and when it was recorded (e.g. what

effects are used, what types of instruments are playing, what is the message in thelyric?)

Try to consider how the music you listen to is both arranged and structured.

Research into the history of popular music. Read gig and album reviews. How did your

favourite musicians learn about different styles of music? How has this helped them todevelop their music?

If you have any problems or queries regarding your studies always see your lecturer oran LSA as soon as possible. They are approachable people and need to know what isgoing on so that they can support you.

Suggested Listening

Try to be open minded. Listen to and sing/play along with everything! Certain performers/ bandshave had a major influence on the industry as they have created the foundations of the music youhear/play today. Here are just a few of the many:

Elvis Presley

Hank Williams Senior Chuck Berry

James Brown

Bob Dylan

The Beatles

The Beach Boys

The Rolling Stones

Bob Marley and the Wailers

The Sex Pistols

Aretha Franklin

Nirvana

Red Hot Chili Peppers



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Blur

Oasis

Try to become as familiar and open to as many musical styles as possible, here are just a few

examples:

Blues

Jazz

Country

Gospel

Reggae

Rock and Roll

World Music

Funk

Soul

Metal

Venue ListFareham College Music Department has contacts with:

Ashcroft Arts CentreOsborn Road, Fareham, Hampshire. PO16 7DXbox office: 01329 310600admin: 01329 235161fax: 01329 [email protected]

HavantArtsCentreEast Street, Havant, Hampshire. PO9 1BSEnquiries: 02392 472700Box Office: 02392 472700www.havantarts active.co.uk

The Hobbit134 Bevois Valley Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0JZ023 80232591http://www.thehobbitpub.co.uk

The Wedgewood Rooms147b Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. PO4 0JWEnquiries: 023 9286 3911Box Office: 023 9286 3911www.wedgewood -rooms .co.uk

The BrookThe Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Southampton. SO17 3AN02380 555366 www.the- brook .com

The Talking Heads

320 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton. SO17 2TD023 80678446

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.thehobbitpub.co.uk/http://www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk/http://www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk/http://www.the-brook.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.thehobbitpub.co.uk/http://www.wedgewood-rooms.co.uk/http://www.the-brook.com/


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www.the talkingheads .net

and many, many, more!

Useful Publications

Available for Reference in the College LibraryAll Music Guide to Rock Erlewine, M.Guinness Rockopedia The Ultimate A-Z of Rock and PopModern Recording Techniques Huber, D. M and Runstein, R. E.Musical Instruments of the World: An Illustrated EncyclopediaMusicians Union National Directory of MembersPop Music: The Text Book Winterson, J.Popular Music. The Key Concepts Shuker, R.

Available for Loan from the College LibraryAB Guide to Music Theory (parts 1 and 2)ABRSM Music Theory Workbooks (1-5)American Popular Music Espie, S.Aural Matters Bowman, D. and Terry, P.Basics of Singing Schmidt, J.Bob Marley Beggs, K.Changing Sounds. New Directions and Configurations in Popular Music Mitchell, T and Doyle, PComposers Handbook Cole, B.Cultures of Popular Music Bennett, A

David Bowie Wilson, MikeExploring Music. The Science and Technology of Tones and TuneFacing the Music: Essays on Rock and Pop Culture Frith, S.Fascinating Rhythm. The Collaboration of George and Ira Gershwin Rosenberg, D.How to Improvise Crook, H.Is That It Geldof, B.Measured Tones. The Interplay of Physics and Music - JohnstonPaul McCartney Hamilton, A.Percussion Instruments and Their History Blades, JamesPolice Wilson, MikePopular Music Studies Hesmond, D. and Negus, K.Popular Music and Communication Lull, J.

Pro Tools for Music Production Collins, MikeSound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll Gillett, C.Tina Turner Preston, K.U2 Benyon, P.Urban Rhythms: Pop Music and Popular Culture Chambers, I.

Also Available in the College LibrarySerious Mixing: The Art of the DJ (DVD) and many other titles!

Useful Websites

www.harmony-central.com - Music resource website and instrument/equipment reviewswww.soundonsound.com - Official Sound on sound magazine website

http://www.thetalkingheads.net/http://www.thetalkingheads.net/http://www.harmony-central.com/http://www.soundonsound.com/http://www.thetalkingheads.net/http://www.harmony-central.com/http://www.soundonsound.com/


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www.futuremusic.co.uk - Official Future Music magazine websitewww.bandregister.com - Register your band name here. (Or check if its already being used)www.musiciansunion .org.uk - Official website for the Musicians Union based in the UK.www.musictheory.net Good interactive theory tutor.

Useful Contacts

Remember, its up to you. If you want that all important job in the arts, you have to chase itup. Its not enough to write an e-mail. Ring these people. Find out whos recruiting and sellyour skills. A personal letter is always good, or a covering letter and a C.V should it be for a

specific job. Do it now rather than later, as youre not the only person who wants to getexperience in this area or this kind of job.

Good Luck.

AV Magazine33-39 Bowling Green LaneLondon EC1R 0DA02075058190

British PhonographicIndustry25 Saville RoadLondon W1X 1AAwww.bpi..co.uk02072874422

British Sky Broadcasting6 Cantaurs Business ParkGrant WayIsleworth TW7 5QD02077043000

BBCBroadcasting HouseLondon W1A 4AAwww.bbc.co.uk

Community Radio Association.The Media Centre15 Paternoster RowSheffield S1 2BX01142795219

Channel Four Television124 Horseferry RdLondonSW1P 2TXwww.channel4.com02073964444

Hospital Broadcasting Ass.PO BOX 2481London W2 1JR01324611996

Channel 5 Broadcasting22 Long AcreLondonWC2E 9LYwww.c5.co.uk02075505555

ITV Network Centre200 Grams Inn RoadLondon WC1X 8HF02078438000

Music Publishers Association3rd Floor Strandgate18-20 York BuildingsLondon WC2N 6JU

02078397779

Musicians Union60-64 Clapham RdLondon SW8 0JJ02075825566

www.musiciansunion.org.uk

MTV Europe180 Oxford StLondon W7N 0DSwww.mtveurope.com

02072786000

Independent AssociationOf Radio ProducersEssel House29 Foley StLondon W1P 7LB02073232770

Performing Rights Society29-33 Berners RoadLondon W1P 4AAwww.prs.co.uk02075805544

Radio Joint AudienceResearch LtdCollier House163-169 Brompton RdLondon SW3 1PN02075843003

The Copyright LicensingAgency90 Tottenham Court RdLondon W1P OLP

Satellite & CableBroadcasters Group64 West EndNorthworld

Thetford IP26 5LG01366728795

Student Radio AssociationThe Radio Academy5 Market PlaceLondon W1N 7AH

http://www.futuremusic.co.uk/http://www.bandregister.com/http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/http://www.musictheory.net/http://www.bbc.co.uk/http://www.channel4.com/http://www.c5.co.uk/http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/http://www.mtveurope.com/http://www.prs.co.uk/http://www.futuremusic.co.uk/http://www.bandregister.com/http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/http://www.musictheory.net/http://www.bbc.co.uk/http://www.channel4.com/http://www.c5.co.uk/http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/http://www.mtveurope.com/http://www.prs.co.uk/


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You and the Course

If you keep up with good attendance and completing the course work you ought not to fail.

As stated in the College Policies, poor attendance and punctuality will not be tolerated as itnot only affects you, your coursework but any musical activity that you are involved with.

If you do experience ill health or difficulty at any time, make sure your tutor knows through theappropriate channels.

In the first instance, call the College Reception on (01329) 815200. If you feel unwell whilst atcollege, or need to be absent for any other reason you must call into Student Services in C114

and speak with Karen French orCharlton Daughtery.

Please join your lecturers and legal guardians in signing, printing your name and dating thisdocument in order to show that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of learningstated within the B/TEC First course guide. This will be kept in your official student folder for theduration of the course. Should you fail to comply with any of the agreed terms, you will besubject to the disciplinary procedure/dismissal.

Remember, you are agreeing to

Arriving at all lessons on time, fully prepared for independent study. This means presenting with

all the correct equipment/materials, adhering to all college policy and meeting deadlines set by thedepartment lecturers

We wish you well with your endeavours.

Signed:

Student: Student (Print): . Date: ..

Tutor: Tutor (Print): . Date: ..

Parent: . Parent (Print): .. Date: ..(If student is under 18)


level 2 course guide 12-13

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