MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC

Assignment title/reference: T1 Composition
Unit: 48 Songwriting Techniques and Skills
Assessor: David MacKinnon I.V: Matt Power
Date issued: 09/10/17
Formative assessment: 10/11/17 Submission date: 4/12/17

The Throughout this project you will develop your skills as a songwriter. You will research techniques
project used to compose, and apply them to your own creations. You will work with other musicians,
brief perform and record your work, and present it to various audiences. You are likely to come to this
project with some ideas that are not fully realised, and that will later be developed by either an
application of your own techniques or through group workshop sessions.
Scenario A music publishing company with in-house songwriters is looking for new talent. They require
you to submit a portfolio of songs, and a completed show-reel. You will also need to provide a
video of your material being performed by live musicians, and a presentation on how you
develop and workshop your ideas.

Learning Outcomes

LO 1 1.1 produce a portfolio of songs using original and/or devised lyrics in

Be able to use advanced
techniques in relation to the
setting of song lyrics
LO 2 Understand advanced
techniques in relation to the
use of melody, harmony
and instrumentation
LO 3 Be able to develop song-
writing skills through
workshop and rehearsal
techniques
LO 4
Be able to compile a show-
reel of original
compositions.
varying styles
1.2 illustrate disciplined control of form and structure in a varied
portfolio of songs
2.1 analyse the harmonic structure of a variety of original songs or
compositions
2.2 illustrate control of melody, harmony and instrumentation by
producing a portfolio of songs or compositions in a variety of styles
3.1 direct successful workshop developments and rehearsals working
with musicians to produce original compositions
3.2 present sources of inspiration for songs or compositions
3.3 use song-writing tools effectively
4.1 present original material to a variety of audiences
4.2 make a targeted show-reel publicity package with due regard to
copyright and other professional implications.

Learner declaration

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully
acknowledged.

Student signature: Date:

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18

 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

This assignment gives you the opportunity to

achieve the following MERIT grades:

Grade Descriptor Indicative Contextualisation

M1
Identify and apply strategies to
find appropriate solutions
M2
Select / design and apply
appropriate methods and
techniques
M3
Present and communicate
appropriate findings
Characteristic/s
Effective judgements You must select and display appropriate techniques
have been made. to effectively improve your songwriting.
The selection of You must justify the techniques you have used
methods has been during the workshop, giving arguments for and
justified. against the methods you adopted during this
process.
Communication has Your portfolio must be appropriate to the
taken place in familiar requirements of the task, showing a level of
and unfamiliar professionalism. Your blogging must be able to
contexts. communicate your interpretation of the process.

This assignment gives you the opportunity

to achieve the following DISTINCTION
grades:

Grade Descriptor Indicative Characteristic/s Contextualisation

D1
Use critical reflection to
evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusions
D2
Take responsibility for
managing and organising
activities
D3
Demonstrate convergent /
lateral / creative thinking
Self-criticism of approach has
taken place and realistic
improvements have been
proposed against defined
characteristics for success.
Autonomy/independence has
been demonstrated and the
importance of interdependence
has been recognized and
achieved.
Innovation and creative
thought have been applied.
It is expected that the songwriting process
allows for a certain amount of trial and error.
You must evaluate, through self-criticism, what
works and what doesn’t work within the
workshop environment.
Songwriting is a personal craft and takes
dedication. You must show you are self
motivated, organised and focused throughout
this project. You will also need to collaborate
with others effectively in order to get the
desired result.
You must show creativity when songwriting, by
not regurgitating clichéd formulas. A range of
songs in different styles will allow you to
experiment along different paths.

This project allows you to develop your ideas and have recorded evidence. You are encouraged to
use music software to record you final compositions, although video recordings will also be
appropriate.

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18

 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC

Assignment title/reference: T1 Composition 1
Unit: 48 Songwriting Techniques and Skills
Assessor: David MacKinnon I.V: Matt Power
Date issued: 09/10/17
Formative assessment: 10/11/17 Submission date: 04/12/17

The Throughout this project you will develop your skills as a songwriter. You will research techniques
project used to compose, and apply them to your own creations. You will work with other musicians,
brief perform and record your work, and present it to various audiences. You are likely to come to this
project with some ideas that are not fully realised, and that will later be developed by either an
application of your own techniques or through group workshop sessions.
Scenario A music publishing company with in-house songwriters is looking for new talent. They require
you to submit a portfolio of songs, and a completed show-reel. You will also need to provide a
video of your material being performed by live musicians, and a presentation on how you
develop and workshop your ideas.

TASKS EVIDENCE
Task 1 Analyse Songwriting Tools - Prepare for your portfolio by analysing the harmonic Written blog.
2.1, 2.2 structure of a variety of original songs or compositions, and illustrating control of
melody, harmony and instrumentation by producing a portfolio of songs or
compositions in a variety of styles.

Task 2 Workshops - With a group of appropriate musicians, direct successful workshop Video of
3.1, developments and rehearsals working with musicians to produce original workshops,
3.2, 3.3 compositions and present sources of inspiration for songs or compositions. Use a and blog.
variety of song-writing tools, and be able to demonstrate their effectiveness.

Task 3 Portfolio – When you have a number of compositions, produce a portfolio of songs Audio
1.1, 1.2 using original and/or devised lyrics in varying styles. Illustrate disciplined control of recordings,
form and structure throughout the portfolio. music and
lyrics.
Task 4 Performance - Present your original material to a variety of audiences, for example
4.1, 4.2 through live performance or broadcast. Make a targeted show-reel publicity Video
package with due regard to copyright and other professional implications. evidence and
blog.

Higher Grades are available: see the Grade Descriptors, Indicative characteristics, and
contextualisation of such above.

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18

 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY AND FEEDBACK

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC

Assignment title/reference: Songwriter’s Portfolio
Unit: 48 Songwriting Techniques and Skills
Assessor: David MacKinnon I.V:
Learner: Date Submitted:

Criteria The evidence shows you are able to: Achieved (tick)
1.1 produce a portfolio of songs using original and/or devised lyrics in varying styles
1.2 illustrate disciplined control of form and structure in a varied portfolio of songs
2.1 analyse the harmonic structure of a variety of original songs or compositions
2.2 illustrate control of melody, harmony and instrumentation by producing a
portfolio of songs or compositions in a variety of styles
3.1 direct successful workshop developments and rehearsals working with
musicians to produce original compositions
3.2 present sources of inspiration for songs or compositions
3.3 use song-writing tools effectively
4.1 present original material to a variety of audiences
4.2 make a targeted show-reel publicity package with due regard to copyright and
other professional implications.

Merit Distinction

Grade Descriptor Achieved (tick) Grade Descriptor Achieved (tick)

M1 D1
Identify and apply Use critical reflection to
strategies to find evaluate own work and
appropriate solutions justify valid conclusions
M2 D2
Select / design and apply Take responsibility for
appropriate methods and managing and organizing
techniques activities
M3 D3
Present and Demonstrate convergent
communicate appropriate / lateral / creative thinking
findings

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18

 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor Signature Date

Student Signature Date

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18