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Music Performance Level 3 Certificate
This course is designed for singers, guitarists, drummers, keyboard players and bass players with a passion for performing popular genres such as pop, rock, funk, country and jazz. You'll develop your technical ability, stage presence and collaborative musicianship through regular rehearsals and live performances. Ideal if you already have experience performing a range of musical styles, this course will strengthen your practical skills and deepen your understanding of music performance and the music industry. It's the perfect preparation for higher education or a career in the creative industries.
What will I study in Music Performance Level 3 Certificate?
Throughout the BTEC Music Performance course, you’ll be immersed in a broad and exciting range of musical studies designed to sharpen your performance skills and deepen your musical understanding.
You will perform regularly both as a soloist and as part of a band, learning how to prepare, rehearse, and deliver confident live performances across a variety of genres. Alongside this practical work, you’ll explore essential musical concepts such as music theory and harmony, rhythm studies, and reading musical score – all vital tools for becoming a well-rounded musician.
You’ll also have the opportunity to study a wide range of musical styles, analysing the work of different artists and exploring how different genres shape musical expression. Through a combination of practical activities and written assignments, you’ll be encouraged to develop your own creative ideas, experiment with new techniques, and produce performances.
This course is designed to inspire you to think critically and creatively about music, while building the technical and academic skills needed for further study or a future in the music industry.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English. In addition, you will need to pass an audition. If you have grade 4 or more in an instrument you will not be required to complete an audition.
How will I learn?
How will I learn?
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Ensemble Rehearsals: You’ll work closely in bands to prepare polished live performances, developing rehearsal discipline, stage presence, and collaborative dynamics.
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Musical Workshops: Guided sessions on genres like pop, rock, funk, country, and jazz introduce new techniques and performance styles.
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Directed Theory Sessions: Interactive lessons in music theory, harmony, rhythm, and aural skills to strengthen your musical foundation knowledege.
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Creative Projects: You’ll explore techniques and materials creatively, adapting original compositions and performances using genres traits.
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Reflective Journals & Portfolios: At times you will be required to maintain diaries and produce videos that reflect on your learning process, performance outcomes, and growth in skills.
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Industry Insight: Through guest talks, case studies, and mock promotional activities, you’ll gain an understanding of the music industry’s demands and practices.
Skills You’ll Develop
- Musical Literacy: Enhance understanding of notation, transposition, rhythmic dictation, and chord progressions.
- Collaboration & Communication: Learn to rehearse, plan, and perform with others professionally, including constructive feedback and ensemble leadership.
- Critical Thinking & Reflection: Build analytical capabilities by evaluating your own progress and contextualising your performance choices.
- Industry Readiness: Gain skills in music promotion, career planning, event organisation, and self-presentation informed by real-world practices.
- Technical Performance: Improve instrumental or vocal technique, timing, tone, and dynamic control in both solo and ensemble settings.
How will I be assessed?
You will be partly assessed through internally assessed assignments (coursework). And part external assessments based on the music industry and group perfprmance. There are several timed, written tasks and video submissions.
Any trips?
You will perform gigs outside of college alongside many college performances. We also visit music departments at local universities, to help imofrm your next step
Are there any costs involved?
Only to own and maintain your own instrument.
If you are seeking instrumental/vocal lessons outside of college, that may be an additional cost also.
Device Requirements
COURSE_DEVICE
If you already own a device that meets the technical requirements of your course, you are welcome to bring it with you to college.
If not, more information on a convenient rental and help-to-buy scheme designed specifically for Cirencester College students is linked below.
FAQs
Do I get one to one instrumental/vocal lessons?
No. Unfortunately, the college can't accomadate this. However, we do recommend students seek their own private lessons.
Do I need to know how to read music?
Yes. A basic knowledge is essential (at least grade 1 standard), prior to starting the course. We teach theory and harmony as part of the specification.
What practical level do i need to be at time of audition?
You need to be at a grade four level or above.
Awarding Body
EDEXCEL
Available As
Extended Certificate
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
Extended Certificate
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
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What the students say
”The course goes through a range of different genres from the 50s onwards chronologically, and has helped me to explore new genres and learn instrumental styles and techniques I wouldn’t have tried otherwise.
Aurelia
