BROOKHOUSE ACADEMY OF PREFORMING ARTS

Business and Technology Diploma in Music

General Information

The Business and Technology Diploma in Music is a full-time course of study lasting approximately 20-24 months. Classes are taught during the regular school terms on Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 4pm.  Occasionally there will be extra activities or assessments during weekends or weekday evenings, necessitated by the course content.

 

Assessment and Accreditation

The course is assessed continuously through practical assignments and project work. It is not an exam-based course, and there is not a final examination at the end. Learners attending the course will be expected to adhere strictly to deadlines for submission of project work and assignments. These deadlines will fall regularly throughout the course. The course is accredited by Edexcel International, the largest accrediting body for vocational courses in the UK, based in London. Edexcel standards for teaching, learning and resource provision are rigorously high, and Edexcel visits the school on a regular basis to ensure such standards are consistently adhered to.

 

What will be studied?

The Business and Technology Diploma in Music consists of 18 units of study.

Through the 18 units, the following main subject areas are covered:

  1. Music Technology and Media (live sound, recording, production, video and internet promotion)
  2. Music Business (industry knowledge, entrepreneurship, marketing and business ICT skills)
  3. Music Performance – ensemble and individual (popular, jazz, classical and ethnic)
  4. Music Composition (popular, jazz, classical and ethnic)

Please note that this is NOT a course simply to learn how to play a musical instrument; the curriculum is far wider than that and performance is included as a component. Ample opportunities exist locally in private music schools for those who wish only to take lessons on a particular instrument or in music theory.

 

Who can apply?

Anyone who has already completed a KCSE, GCSE or IGCSE / O Level in music

OR

Anyone with experience in using computers, together with strong evidence of significant practical musical experience, eg ABRSM practical grade exam certificate, or a letter of reference from a school music teacher or church music leader stating musical activity.

 

Age Limits

Applicants must have reached their 16th birthday. There is no specific upper age limit, but each application will be considered on individual merit regarding suitability for entry to the course.  Older applicants will need to adhere to school environment expectations regarding behaviour and dress code.

 

Application Process

Please apply using the standard school application form together with the Special Application Form for Business and Technology Diploma in Music. Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview and audition. Interviews/auditions will take place on a date to be confirmed.  Successful applicants will then be called to enrol on the course.

 

Auditions

Applicants called to audition will be expected to demonstrate their musical ability by giving a short performance on their principal instrument or voice. A piano and drum kit will be available at the audition venue, but any applicant wishing to audition on a portable instrument (eg guitar, bass, saxophone, violin, etc will be expected to bring it with them). Applicants wishing to audition on voice may bring an accompanist if they wish.

 

Instruments

Musical Instruments to be used for performance units during the course are the responsibility of learners. The principal instrument chosen for study must be provided and maintained in good condition by the student, with the exception of large non-portable instruments such as piano or drum kit. Certain instruments are available for hire from the school at a set fee per term; others may be obtained through local music shops through rental or hire/purchase.



Progression Routes After the Diploma

  • Further Study Abroad. Learners completing the full 18 units of study are eligible to apply for entry to the first year of certain music degree courses or higher national diploma courses (HND) in the UK. The complete Diploma of 18 units is equivalent to three A-levels in the UK university entry system.

  • Further Study in Kenya. During the Diploma course, learners who do not already meet the minimum standards for entry into Kenyan universities will be advised to ensure that they pursue additional external studies to make up any deficiencies, in order that they are ready to apply by the end of the BTEC course.

  • Employment in East Africa. During the course, learners will be encouraged to make contact with regional employers in the music and entertainment industry, in order to pursue possible employment opportunities afterwards.

  • Entrepreneurship. The course includes various aspects of entrepreneurship training, so learners who finish the course with a good combination of personal, business and practical skills may wish to venture into setting up their own companies after completing the course.


Fees
Tuition Fees for the course are listed on the BTEC fees schedule (click here to download), and may be paid in termly instalments throughout the course. In addition to tuition fees, the following are also payable:

  • Brookhouse School Registration Fee (non refundable)
  • Edexcel Registration Fee (once only) payable to Edexcel within 60 days of starting study
  • Individual Performance Lesson fees with specialist tutors (instrumental or vocal)
  • Caution Money (once only)
  • Transport fee (if required)

Part-Time Study
The full Diploma course is not currently available as a part-time course due to timetabling limitations. There is, however, an option to register for a minimum of 6 units instead of 18, and to attend only those classes for which you have registered. This option is called a National Award; it can take up to 18 months to complete and classes are shared with the full diploma students so they take place spread throughout the week at any time between 8am and 4pm (plus occasional evening or weekend commitments as per the full diploma).

Careers in the Music Industry
Music Producer
Sound Engineer
Record Company Director
Music Website Designer
Music Marketing Manager
Music Journalist
Music Educator/Trainer
Radio Producer
Radio Presenter
Music Arranger
Recording Artist
Songwriter/Performer
Music Software Programmer
Studio Manager
Artist Manager
Music Tour Manager
Music Merchandiser
Artist Press Officer
Music Publisher
Music Distributor
Session Musician
Instrument Technician

 

For further information contact
Brookhouse International School
Magadi Road, Langata
PO Box 24987 Nairobi 00502 Kenya
Tel: (254 020) 243 0261
Fax: (254 020) 243 0269
E-mail: music@brookhouse.ac.ke