Music

Key Stage 4 Music

Curriculum Overview

Whether your goal is to be a performer, producer, songwriter or a music business professional, studying this course is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the future. We offer a varied and well-rounded musical training that will stretch and challenge you, as well as provide you with the wide range of skills that you need to succeed in the industry. 

The department benefits from outstanding facilities including professionally equipped rehearsal rooms, recording studios, Apple Mac suites and a brand new Dolby Atmos immersive mixing facility - please note that access to some of these resources is primarily for Post 16 students. We use software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro and Ableton alongside equipment from Marshall, Fender, Roland, Native Instruments and many other industry standard brands. 

 

At Key Stage 4 you will study the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production (equivalent to 4 GCSEs) and will need to be competent on at least one instrument or voice. Although we welcome applications from those whose main focus is production and/or songwriting, a high level of music performance skill is also required. 

Areas studied at Key Stage 4 include:

• Popular Music History 
• Music Theory and Analysis 
• Music Production and Composition 
• Ensemble and Solo Performance
• The Music Industry

Industry Opportunities

We collaborate with a range of creative industry partners to ensure that our students receive an up-to-date education and real-world experience. Recent performance opportunities include external venues such as Stanley Arts.

As well as this, visiting professionals from the music industry give regular talks and masterclasses in areas such as record labels, publishing, copyright, licensing and songwriting. Recent guests have included established artists, successful alumni and representatives from Atlantic Records, PRS, Music Support and Love Music Hate Racism.

What Qualities Do I Need?

• A high standard of performance on at least one instrument or voice
• Dedication to music making both in and, where possible, outside school 
• A strong work ethic in both music and your other school subjects 
• The ability to work well with others with kindness, patience and inclusion
• Excellent attendance and punctuality records (mitigating circumstances may be taken into account) 

"The Music strand curriculum at The BRIT School is brilliant. Not only do the teachers give in depth and advanced lessons covering music tech, theory, history and production, but they also equip us with essential skills for practical work in the industry. However, the lessons never stop at just teaching; they are always very enjoyable, mixing education with fun. I feel as though my skills have developed incredibly since coming to this school, not only as a practical and instrumental musician but also as a producer, something which I had never dreamed of achieving pre-BRIT. "

Current Year 10 stduent, 2025

How Do I Apply

For Key Stage 4 you will need to be competent on at least one instrument (or voice). Although we do not offer a separate music technology course at Key Stage 4, we encourage applications from those who specialise in this area, as long as they play an instrument and/or sing to a good standard. These are the questions you will answer when you apply online: