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BTEC First Diploma in Music TechnologyBTEC First Diploma in Music Technology

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Welcome to The Course• We welcome you on to our BTEC First Diploma in Music

Technology programme and hope you have an enjoyable, rewarding and exciting time here at South Thames College.

• Your course will introduce you to many new skills,

people and the opportunity to try out and learn about new things. The more versatile you become the better. We will guide and help you to make decisions about entering Higher Education or professional work. Our expectations of you are high and we expect you to adopt a professional attitude whatever your age or experience.

The Music Technology Team2008-2009

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What are the aims of my course?

• To provide you with a good level of skills in music technology and sound production

• To give you a good understanding of the way the music industry works

• To enable you to develop a portfolio of work which you can show to potential employers, record companies, publishers, artists, or further/higher education institutions

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How is my course structured?

Your course lasts 1 year (36 weeks of study) and consists of 6 units (areas of study) which are delivered through a series of projects assessments. You will be in college on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but there may be opportunities for additional access to music studios and Mac suites on some evenings.

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Units• Exploring Computer Systems Used By Musicians – MIDI

computer systems, sequencing software, editing, storage and retrieval of music files

• Exploring The Music Profession – the function of different areas, professional roles, working patterns and marketing & publicity skills

• Producing A Musical Recording – supplementary equipment, the mixing console, microphones & producing a multitrack recording and a 2-track mixed master recording

• Developing as a Musical Performer – Performance style, Image, rehearsal, performance techniques.

• Exploring An Area of Music – research techniques, planning, reporting and presentation

• Planning And Creating A Music Product – preparing for a recording session, set-up procedures, the organisational process & financial records, produce a multitrack recording, mix-down, editing & produce a mastered finished product

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Assessment• Each unit has several grading criteria, all of which must be

passed in order to pass the unit. You must pass on all your units to achieve the full qualification

• Each grading criterion can be achieved at Pass, Merit or Distinction level and you will be assessed at least twice for each

• You are assessed through a series of assignments (tasks), and visual assessments overseen and witnessed by your tutors

• Exploring The Music Profession Example

Grading Criteria 3

• Pass - Identify sources of funding for a music project• Merit - Describe sources of funding for a music project• Distinction - Explain sources of funding for a music project

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Things you will need for your course

• A pen (at all times)• A diary (free from the college)• A4 writing paper (at all times)• Ring binder folder with

dividers• A pair of headphones• A headphone adapter so that

your headphones will fit either a ¼’’ jack socket or a mini-jack socket (as on a iPod)

• Recordable Blank CDs or DVD• Data stick/ USB key (optional)• DAT Tapes (optional)• College Bag

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How will my progress be checked?

• Based upon your GCSE/ previous qualifications a Personal working grade (PWG) is calculated for you. This is the grade you should get if you work to your predicted potential.

• Throughout the course, your progress, performance and achievement will be regularly checked and reassessed through progress reviews.

• The progress reviews enable both you and your tutor to look closely at your personal attainment, and where necessary, produce an action plan to ensure that you can maximise and fulfil your potential on the course.

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Induction assessment

• During Induction you will be assessed. You must pass induction in order to progress onto the full qualification

• Induction is completed by week 5 of your course and your tutor will then review your progress with you

• You will be graded 1 – 4 on induction assignments, behaviour and attitude, attendance and punctuality.

• Grading: 1 – excellent, 2 – very good, 3 – good, 4 – good/satisfactory,

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Who are my tutors?

Course Leader Uchan Uthuba-Hatari

Subject TutorsRichard SimpsonMalcolm LitsonDoug McAvoyCraig JamesDoreen CokeAtoosa Khorram

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How can I contact my tutors?• If you are trying to contact a member of staff, leave a message

with our administration assistant, on 02089187012, and they will arrange an appointment for you to see them or get your tutor to contact you.

• You can email staff concerning course work. The address will be the name of your tutor (with a full stop punctuation between first and surname) followed by @south-thames.ac.uk (e.g. uchan.uthuba-hatari@south-thames.ac.uk)

• If you would like to send a letter, the address is:South Thames CollegeWandsworth High StreetWandsworthSW18 2PPRoom T352

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Music Technology ContractFurther to the South Thames College code of conduct.

• I will inform the college whenever I am unable to attend by calling and leaving a message. The number to call at all times is 020 8918 7024.

• I will attend all lessons and arrive on time in order to maximise my potential learning and minimise the disruption to others.

• If I am late, for any session a formal warning may be issued. If there is a genuine reason for lateness, which can be evidenced in writing within 1 week, the formal warning will be withdrawn.

• I will not make appointments with doctors/dentists etc in College time.• I will switch off my mobile phone when I am in the music technology area.• I will not bring any food, drink or chewing gum into the studios or

classrooms• I will not cover my head with a hood whilst on College premises• When working with audio on a workstation I will use headphones at all

times• I will provide my own headphones, storage media and stationery for the

duration of my course.• I will respect members of staff and follow their instructions. • I will respect the views and tastes of all other students.• I will comply with the South Thames College policies (summaries of which

are contained in the student handbook)

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Student Contract

I have read, understand and accept the rules and ethos outlined in the course Handbook.

Printed Name:

Signed:

Course:

Date:

If you are under 18 your parent/guardian must read and sign The courseHandbook

Parent/Guardian:

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Student Discipline• There are two disciplinary procedures within the college - Academic

and Misconduct. ACADEMIC• Behaviour which is likely to lead to you being unable to produce

either the quantity, or quality, of work to successfully complete the course e.g.– Frequent lateness and poor attendance– Not finishing work and failure to attend assessments, tutorials, etc.

MISCONDUCT Level 1• This behaviour can lead to exclusion from the college e.g.

– Disruptive behaviour or abusive languageMISCONDUCT Level 2• This will lead to an immediate suspension, followed by a disciplinary

tribunal and the possibility of permanent exclusion from the college. E.g.– Sexual or racial harassment– Assault or threatening behaviour– Drunk & disorderly within college premises– Possession or selling of illegal drugs

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Useful reading• Modern Recording Techniques (fifth

edition)• Get Creative with Emagic Logic• 88 Song writing Wrongs and How To

Right Them• The Composers Guide To Music

Publishing• Everything You Need to Know About the

Music Business• Last Night a DJ Saved My Life• AB Guide to Music Theory• Confessions of A Record Producer• Good VibrationsA wide range of relevant videos and CDs

are also available

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Student ProgressionMany of our students progress on to higher level courses.

Here are a few examples:

BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology BTEC National Diploma in Music Performance