Music Performance
Subject Leader: Miss Pappin - spappin@tqacademy.co.uk
AIMS OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
- To improve vocal and/or instrumental technique with accuracy, fluency, and expressiveness.
- To enhance creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork through musical activities.
- To build confidence and self-esteem through musical expression.
- To foster a lifelong love of music in all its forms.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM
As a Musical Futures Champion School, our Key Stage 3 curriculum is firmly grounded in the Musical Futures pedagogy. This innovative approach prioritises student choice in musical exploration and hands-on music making, a stark contrast to traditional theory-heavy programs. Students delve into music genres they're passionate about, collaborate with peers, and develop core musical skills through playing a variety of instruments and creating their own music. By the end of Key Stage 3, all students will have gained a foundational ability to play a variety of instruments, fostering a lifelong love of music in a relevant and engaging way.
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM
Course Title: BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice
Examining Body: Pearson
Course Lead: Miss Pappin
What will I study?
The BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice is a vocational qualification designed to give you a hands-on introduction to music and the music industry. Here's what you can expect to cover:
- Develop your musical skills: You'll learn and improve your ability to play an instrument, perform music, and potentially compose your own pieces.
- Explore music theory: This will involve studying music notation, understanding different musical genres, and being able to analyse music.
- Gain industry knowledge: You'll learn about different areas of the music industry and how it works.
- Develop transferable skills: The course will help you develop important skills like communication, teamwork, project management, and meeting deadlines.
Overall, the BTEC award is a good option if you're interested in a career in music but want to focus on the practical side of things. It will give you a strong foundation in musical skills and knowledge, as well as prepare you for further study or work in the music industry.
How and when will I be assessed?
The BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Music Practice comprises three assessed components:
Further study
If you enjoy this course then there are a number of options available to you in Sixth Form that you may wish to consider. These include:
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performance)
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music - 2 A levels
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology (Production)
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM
Course Title: BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Diploma in Music (Performance)
Examining Body: Pearson
Course Lead: Miss Pappin
Course description
This course is designed to be as practical and hands-on as possible. You will have a wealth of performance opportunities both in our brand new, state-of-the-art theatre and publicly in the community. You will have access to industry-standard, professional equipment and the opportunity to work alongside professional practising artists.
You should choose Music Performance if you are passionate about performing in front of an audience and the wider benefits that come as a result. Our students are provided with many performance opportunities over their two years both in school and in the wider community.
There is an option to study either single music performance, double music performance and/or music technology. Many students study music full time by selecting double music performance and music technology.
What will I learn?
On this Level 3 music performance course, you'll delve deeper into the technical and artistic aspects of your chosen instrument. You'll explore advanced performance techniques, music theory, and music history. You'll also have opportunities to participate in solo and ensemble performances, refine your auditioning skills, and potentially collaborate with professional musicians.
Course structure
The assessment of the course is entirely coursework which is internally assessed and externally verified. On the single music performance (subsidiary diploma) course you will study a total of 6 units across the two year duration of the course including topics such as: Session Styles, Developing Ensemble Playing, Community Music Making, Music Performance Techniques. On the double course (diploma) you will study a total of 12 units across the 2 years.
Where could it lead?
At Torquay Academy, we have established links to Higher Education Music institutions across the country, with a long - standing history of Music students graduating to study related courses.
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TO UNIVERSITY
Top 5 UK universities to study Music Performance:
- Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)
- London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM)
- British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM)
- Leeds College of Music
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
CAREERS INFORMATION
If you enjoy Music Performance you should explore the following careers:
Session Musician: Similar to studio musicians, session musicians record music for various projects like albums, films, and video games. They can specialise in specific instruments or be multi-instrumentalists. Average Salary Range: £27,299 - £80,298
Touring Musician: Travelling with a band or artist to perform live shows across the UK and potentially internationally. This role requires flexibility, stamina, and the ability to connect with audiences during energetic performances.
Salary Range: £21,000 - £45,000
Music Teacher: Inspire and educate students of all ages on the fundamentals of music. They develop lesson plans, teach students to play instruments or sing, and nurture their musical skills and appreciation.
Salary Range: £32,000 - £42,000
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
There are many music extra curricular opportunities available to you:
- 121 instrumental and vocal lessons
- Junior Music Academy
- Senior Music Academy
- Choir
- Live Music Lunches
- Christmas Concert
- TA SummerFest (whole school music festival)
- Practice rooms available at break times and afterschool.
The Music Department in action
