Music

This course has been developed in the creative and cultural skills sector to:

• Provide education and training for musicians
• Give opportunities for musicians to achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 vocationally specific qualification
• Give full time learners the opportunity to enter employment in the the music industry or to progress to vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Diplomas in Music and Music Technology which are run at Gower College Swansea.
• Give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

The units that make up this course are:

Working in the Music Industry
The aim of this unit is to give learners a broad knowledge of employment opportunities in the Music Industry and the jobs undertaken by those who work in it. Written assignments and student presentations form the basis of assessment. As with all units a great deal of teacher support will be given to ensure successful completion.

Professional Development in the Music Industry
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to explore a range of career opportunities with a view to their own professional development within the music industry. Written assignments and student presentations form the basis of assessment. Individual skills will be assessed and developed through one-to-one sessions with each student. As with all units a great deal of teacher support will be given to ensure successful completion.

Planning and Creating a Music Product
The aim of this unit is to allow learners to apply all the skills developed throughout the course and develop a music performance. Which includes the planning and production of a major performance. Assessment for this unit will be written assignments, as well as, the individual contribution to the planning and team work for this event.

Solo Music Performance
This unit focuses on enabling the learner to develop some skills required by musicians. Students will have one-to-one tuition on all instruments and all levels from beginner to  a competent standard. Performances and student evaluations form the main part of assessment for this unit, as with all units a great deal of teacher support will be given to ensure successful completion.

Working as a Musical Ensemble
Developing ensemble skills is a key part of the course and every musician's life. Working and developing music with other musicians is a key part of music and the work carried out in this unit feeds the final performance for this class. Performances and student evaluations form the main part of assessment for this unit, as with all units a great deal of teacher support will be given to ensure successful completion.

Exploring Computer Music Systems used by Musicians
Developing an understanding of computer music systems gives students an opportunity to explore their own personal musical ideas. The ability to create music using computers allows students to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of music and compositional ideas. Students will also gain an understanding of the components of a computer music system and learn how to improve the performance of a computer and upgrade components, learning about the key features of a computer music system is vital in today's music environment. Students will complete a number of compositions and arrangements building a portfolio of recordings onto CD. Students will complete self assessment on the methods used and will listen and analyse their compositions with assistance from a member of staff.

Developing Music Theory
This unit helps students understand how music works. Learning about note values/ rhythms and basic harmony feeds into their solo and ensemble work and greatly assists with their compositional work. Assessment usually requires students to work closely with their lecturer in semi formal assessments carried out as part of class activities. A great deal of teacher assistance is given in this unit and is a fundamental area of developing as a musician.

Julian Clarke 01792 284021