BTEC Music performance (Level 3 National Extended Certificate)

Applications Open: Now

Applications Close: 27 February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSE's 4 or above including English and Maths

How to Apply

Internal students - Please apply via Applicaa using this link - https://skinnerskentacademy.applicaa.com/year12

External students - Please apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

The BTEC Music Performance Course is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the music sector or the creative sector as a whole. The qualification is equivalent in size to 1 A level and provides a coherent course of study covering both performance and the music industry. It is designed to be taken alongside other level 3 qualifications.

Learners taking this qualification will study three mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony: Learners develop knowledge and understanding of music theory and harmony, and apply their understanding in practical scenarios.

• Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry: Learners explore what it is that makes someone a professional in the music industry and how to put forward a bid for work

• Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance: Learner’s work as part of a musical ensemble and develop their skills and techniques in rehearsal and performance

Learners choose one optional unit.

•Unit 6: solo performance: Learners explore the preparation and performance of music as a soloist before performing in front of an audience.

BTEC Nationals are assessed using a combination of internal assessments, which are set and

marked by teachers, and external assessments which are set and marked by Pearson:

• mandatory units have a combination of internal and external assessments

• all optional units are internally assessed.

Grade 4 in GCSE Music or students with a good performance ability/audition piece must be provided.

There is the opportunity of progression to higher education and ultimately employment in the music sector or in the creative sectors as a whole. The UK music industry helps to drive economic growth by creating jobs and opportunities for young people. The 2015 UK music survey ‘Measuring Music’ identified that the music industry supported more than 117,000 full-time jobs in the UK, of which 69,300 were professional musicians. The music industry contributed £4.1 billion to the UK economy, outpacing the overall growth of the economy by 2.5 per cent. In 2016, live music alone created £3.7 billion in direct and indirect income for the UK.