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Hi, I normally come on this forum for my performing dd but thought I would ask your advice on my often neglected 14 year old ds (you know - dinner is in the microwave, I'm going to a casting!) He is quite academic with a bias towards maths, science and computing with a plan to study A levels in these. However, he is also a talented drummer (working towards grade 5) playing in a school band, the school orchestra and has done several band courses outside of school. His drum teacher said he could easily have a career as a drummer which is not something he had considered.

At the moment he is interested in a career in computing but I noticed that the local 6th form college he will go to does a BTEC SUBSIDIARY DIPLOMA IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE which I think he could do as a drummer and it equivalent to one A level (but have to check it out more) and I have suggested he consider doing that alongside A levels in maths/science/computing. He is quite keen but wondered if it may be viewed as an odd combination if he applies to university for computing for example. I wondered what others thought and if anyone had any experience of this course.

Not sure about running it alongside A Levels, but my DS is a drummer and has a place on the B Tec Higher National Diploma (Level 3) Music Performance, starting in September. This is a full-time course (4 days a week officially, but much more will be taken up with performing, rehearsing etc from what I can gather!) so can't see it being practical to be run alongside anything else.

I would advise you to speak to the College and ask their advice, but just wanted to say that they do take drummers!

I would say that if he is quite academic and has a leaning towards the maths/science subjects, perhaps he should go down the A level route first and get them under his belt and then perhaps go down the music route after that. He then has both options open career wise. However, that is just my view and others might feel differently.

Thanks Fruitcake, good to know they take drummers. I think the Btec course your son is doing is the full time one equivalent to 3 A levels whereas this is called a subsidiary diploma and is equivalent to 1 A level which is why it can be combined with other things (correct me if wrong as these btec courses are a bit confusing) - I think they do less modules.

At the moment he is thinking of a career in computing but with wants to continue with his drumming/playing in a band as a hobby (but if he can make some money I am sure he won't complain) and I guess what we were wondering is, since this has the same UCAS points as an A level, whether he could study something he loves as well as the academic subjects or whether applying for university course in computing with maths, computing and a btec in music performance rather than maths, computing and physics (as an example) would be a bit bonkers...sounds mad as I type it to be honest.

I think we will ask the college although it does say that the course an be combined with anything else.

Mr BTEC Fix-it here again. There's no end of confusion on the titles as they changed in September and some have been renamed

One slight error Higher National Diplomas, are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a University Degree programme - and HNDs are Level 4.

BTEC National Qualifications come in unit size chunks - so an 18 unit is equivalent to 3 A Levels. In the new titles, they work like this:
Certificate is Level 3, 3 units. 30 credits on the new Government framework (same as a single AS Level)
Subsidiary Diploma is Level 3, 6 units, 60 credits on the new Government framework (same as a single, full A Level) (The old national Award)
Diploma is Level 3, 12 units, 120 credits on the new Government framework (same as two single, full A Levels) (The old national Certificate)
Extended Diploma is Level 3, 18 units, 180 credits on the new Government framework (same as three single, full A Levels) (The old national Diploma)

On the BTEC drumming subject - you need to find out exactly which 'flavour' they are running, as the Music courses are split into many different strands - if the one you are looking at is the Subsidiary Diploma, it will be one of these:
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performing)
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Composing)
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology (Events Support)
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology (DJ Technology)
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology (Production)


I'd guess it will be performing - they'll be expected to play in solo and group performances, and it's pretty tough if they want to get good grades. No reasons why any particular instrument is a problem - AND they consider voice to be an instrument, so some people on the course may not play an instrument at all.

Some of the BTEC variations are quite complex - but in all those ones above, the real differences are that certain units only appear in certain combinations. Too much for here, really - if anyone wants any specific info just send me a message and I'll do my best to advise.

Normally - the only snag with doing a BTEC course alongside an A Level is time. In A levels, you get taught during class time, then you walk out of the door and go to a different one. Apart from homework, that's it. BTEC is very different. You get the class sessions, but very often you have to produce work with the other students in your spare time - so you might need to book studio time, and if you are a drummer, and need the rest of the band who are NOT doing A Levels, then finding a free slot when you can all get together is pretty hard - especially if more than one are doing A Levels - I've tried this many times over the years, and the A Level people suffer, because BTEC class times are often traded between teachers. You need an extra rehearsal because yesterday's went badly, so you ask the teacher if the 3 of you can not go to their class, but need, as the assessment is looming to get in the studio - the teacher may well say it's fine and they will steal the time back later. The chances of a maths teacher letting you do this are remote. A Levels are rigid, delivered in isolation - Performing Arts and Music are real staff and student teamwork, with lots of give and take. Expect a few days off (personal study, is what they'll call it) when the teachers or students need extra time - those ahead of the game might just get some time off. That's how it works. Mixing the two is not easy - and compromises both sometimes.

Oh yes - and A Level classes don't work in the evenings, BTEC gigs certainly do!!

If anyone hates my posts because they're long and dull - just say and I'll stop.
Paul

DON'T STOP!!!

That was very useful!

I, for one, now understand exactly which course my DS is doing and what it's equivalent to!

Many thanks!

Hi all, I am looking for colleges in London offerring BTEC level3 music performance course for my now 15 year old son to begin after GCSEs next Autumn 2012. Please can anyone tell me the best colleges to consider.

Hi im currently looking myself, im 17 and im in my second year of A levels,i wish i did a betec now,but its too late for me to leave a levels now and go anywhere else,so after i finish this year im planning on doing it,but anyway ive been looking at colleges in London for the level 3 betec music performance and Theres a place called the London Music school which offer a level 3 betec course,heres the website if u want to check it out http://tlms.co.uk
I also came across a college called The Institute which looks good http://www.icmp.co.uk/ also South Thames college offer the course and one that you've probably heard of the brit school,many famous artists went there

Hope this helps anyway

oh yh and acess to music college