Centre Number: 58138

BTEC National in Performing Arts

Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Brief verified:

Date issued:

Assessment/Performance Completed Portfolio Deadline:

Dates:
Task 1 = A Completed Assignment

Entitled “RECORDING EQUIPMENT”

Task 2 =

1) A fully completed Recording Schedule

2) Your Learner Assignment Proposal

3) A Completed Assignment entitled

“PREPARING FOR A SESSION”

Task 3 =

1) A fully completed Channel listing

2) A copy of the CD of your song with

Artwork

3) A witness Observation statement

Signed by Hayley detailing that she

Has witnessed you setting up and

Conducting a close-mic recording of a

Range of audio sources

4) A fully completed Assignment

Entitled “MAKING A CD”

Task 4 = Final Submission of

Unit 9 Folder (yellow) with all of the

Above included by the 1st May 2008.

Teacher/Assessor: Standardisation by:

Hayley Alker Miriam Kenny-Williams
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Unit Outline:

This unit will be delivered through a combination of practical and

theoretical lessons in vocal technique, the physical aspects of singing
(biology), Aural skills (singing back phrases) and practical workshops and
singing groups / ensembles and private singing lessons with self-study
time and practice / rehearsal.

This unit encourages the development and maintenance of the voice

through regular and sustained practice. An understanding of how practice
can contribute to good technique is also central to the unit.

During these sessions you will learn how the body produces sound and how
to develop your voice as a singer. You will also devise a warm-up and
singing techniques schedule to ensure effective warming up and develop
the ability to sing back melodic phrases which will be tested continually
throughout the unit. This will develop your aural memory which is
important as ‘non musicians’ generally learn songs by ear rather than from
a musical score.

Ensemble singing is central to the unit and you will learn to sing in Unison
and with harmony work as part of an ensemble. You will also learn to sing
two solo songs using characterisation. You will be enrolled for private
singing lessons in pairs or trios and you will develop your technique and
your songs in readiness for your performances which will be regularly
assessed in class time and during departmental shows.

This unit will develop your confidence in singing and you will share your
work with your peers, in workshop time and as part of the College shows.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Learning Outcomes:

To pass this unit and to prepare successfully for these performances

you must:

1. Be able to develop and maintain vocal technique

2. Be able to accurately sing back melodic phrases
3. Be able to perform within a vocal ensemble
4. Be able to perform as a soloist using characterization.

What you will need to give in:

Apart from developing and maintaining your vocal skills themselves, your
Unit 30 folder will be the most important evidence for what you have
learned in this Unit.

Each brief in this booklet details the exact evidence that will need to be
handed in to pass each criteria of this unit.

Please keep your folder tidy and keep relevant assignments and evidence
in separate plastic wallets inside the folder.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Candidate Name:

TASK ONE: Be able to develop and maintain vocal technique

Date Issued: Deadline:

In order to pass this assignment you will need to keep a practice log to
record your progress throughout the year.
This will start with a skills audit in order to assess your strengths and
weaknesses and set some achievable targets at the start of this unit.
You will complete worksheets on understanding your voice and you will
design your own vocal technique session
You will also include evaluations of your performances.
Evidence :
Initial Skills audit
Written Practice Log including evaluations

This written work will be used together with videos of your

performances of technical exercises and/or teacher observations to
grade your improvement across the unit.

This assignment covers grading criteria 1 and 2

A fully word-processed and detailed assignment entitled "RECORDING
EQUIPMENT" and make notes about the following :

•Identify the equipment that we use during the recording sessions

•What health and safety issues do we have to take into account when
using this equipment
•Describe what this equipment is (what is the purpose of the equipment)
•Explain how and why this equipment is used (how do we use the
equipment)
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

You can use pictures and quotes within your work but you must make
sure that you explain in your own words.

You can also download photos of all the studio equipment from the
college VLE under BTEC 1st Certificate Music

Criterion Covered by Task 1:

(please see grading criteria sheet for further clarification)

To achieve a PASS grade the evidence must show that the learner is
able to :

P1 Identify different items of music technology equipment and show

an awareness of associated health and safety issues.

To achieve a MERIT grade the evidence must show that the learner
is able to fulfil the criteria above AND :

M1 Describe the role of different items of music technology

equipment and show an awareness of associated health and safety issues.

To achieve a DISTINCTION grade the evidence must show that the

learner is able to fulfil the criteria above AND :

D1 Explain the role of different items of music technology equipment

and show an awareness of associated health and safety issues.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Pass Merit Distinctio

n
P1 M1 D1

Grade for TASK 1 = PASS MERIT DISTINCTION

(Please circle)

FEEDBACK (referring to assessment criteria met)

PTO

How to get a
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Assessor’s Name:………………………………………………..

Assessor’s Signature:……………………………………….. Date:

…………………………
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Candidate Name:

TASK 2: Know how to prepare for a recording session

Date Issued: Deadline: 1/5/08

Prior to any recording session, it is important to plan well to ensure a

smooth and productive use of time in a recording session (Time is
money)
You are required to show your awareness of how to set-up equipment
and use the correct equipment in the studio. Mic choice and mic
placement, DI'ing, Positioning of equipment are all important here.
Evidence :
1. A fully completed recording schedule (about your recorded piece)
2. Your Learner Assignment Proposal document
3. A piece in your log book entitled "PREPARING FOR A SESSION"
where you should make notes about :

•What equipment you used

•how you set it up (use diagrams and photographs)
•how you set it up safely (health and safety / risk assessment)
•Why you used that equipment (unique reasons for your projects ie, “I
wanted to record a bass guitar. By using the DI Box (for clarity) plus
Micing up the bass amp (for character) gave me two options to
possibly use when mixing my song” )
•Explain the importance of preparing well for a recording session with
proper documentation (ie, time management, tuning, the recording
schedule, channel lists in the studio etc)

You can use pictures and quotes within your work but you must make
sure that you explain in your own words.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

You can also download photos of all the studio equipment from the college
VLE under BTEC 1st Certificate Music

Criterion Covered by Task 2:

(please see grading criteria sheet for further clarification)

To achieve a PASS grade the evidence must show that the learner is able
to :

P2 Identify, set up and configure equipment for a recording session.

P3 Demonstrate an organised approach to planning and executing recording

sessions.

To achieve a MERIT grade the evidence must show that the learner is
able to fulfil the above criteria AND :

M2 Describe, set up and configure equipment for a recording session with an

explanation of the processes involved.

M3 Demonstrate a disciplined and organised approach to planning and

executing a recording session with attention to detail.

To achieve a DISTINCTION grade the evidence must show that the learn
is able to fulfil the above criteria AND :

D2 Describe, configure and set up equipment for a recording session,

justifying your choices and set-up process.

D3 Demonstrate a disciplined and organised approach to planning and

executing a recording session with attention to detail and an explanation of
the importance of proper documentation.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Pass Merit Distinctio

n
P2 M2 D2
P3 M3 D3

Grade for TASK TWO = PASS MERIT DISTINCTION

(Please circle)

FEEDBACK (referring to assessment criteria met)

How to get a

Assessor’s Name:………………………………………………..

Assessor’s Signature:……………………………………….. Date:

……………………………
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Candidate Name:

TASK 3: Be able to capture audio sources, using a range of appropriate

recording equipment
&
Know how to use appropriate equipment to produce a finished music
recording

Date Issued: Deadline:

Having prepared for your session, you will now begin your recording sessions.
You have already decided on your group members or you may be working
individually but you will need the help of your fellow classmates to complete
this project successfully.

You can use any musician that you like and choice of song but be sure to use
reliable musicians and a simple song. REMEMBER : SIMPLE PARTS PLAYED
WELL RATHER THAN COMPLICATED PARTS PLAYED BADLY (this is very
important)

Evidence :
1. A fully completed Channel listing
2. A copy of the CD of your song
3. A witness / obvservation statement signed by Hayley detailing that she has
witnessed you setting up and conducting a close-mic recording of a range of
audio sources
4. A fully completed assignment entitled “MAKING A CD” where you should
make notes about :
• the processes that you went through to capture the sound (ie, plugging in,
arming tracks, muting channels, getting levels etc)
• The processes that you went through to edit, mix and produce the sound
(editing, copying and pasting, track automation, effects, dynamic
processing)
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Criterion Covered by 3 :
(please see grading criteria sheet for further clarification)

To achieve a PASS grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to :

P4 Conduct a close mic recording of a range of audio sources under supervision.

P5 Produce a completed mix of a multi-track music recording, identifying

appropriate processing and mixing technology

To achieve a MERIT grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to
fulfil the above criteria AND :

M4 Conduct a close mic recording of a range of audio sources, demonstrating

confidence with limited supervision

M5 Produce a completed mix of a multi-track music recording, describing their use

of appropriate processing and mixing technology with confidence.

To achieve a DISTINCTION grade the evidence must show that the learner is
able to fulfil the above criteria AND:

D4 Conduct a high quality close mic recording of a range of audio sources, with
confidence and independence

D5 Produce a completed mix of a multi-track music recording. Learners will explain

their use of appropriate processing and mixing technology with confidence and
independence.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Pass Merit Distinctio

n
P4 M4 D4
P5 M5 D5

Grade for 3 = PASS MERIT DISTINCTION

(Please circle)

FEEDBACK (referring to assessment criteria met)

How to get a

Assessor’s Name:………………………………………………..
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Assessor’s Signature:……………………………………….. Date:

……………………………

Candidate Name:

TASK 5: Final Submission of your Unit 9 Folder

Date Issued: Deadline:

Your Unit 9 Performing Dance Portfolio should include:

Evidence :

• A word-processed Assignment entitled “RECORDING EQUIPMENT”

• A word-processed Assignment entitled “PREPARING FOR A SESSION”
• A word-processed Assignment entitled “MAKING A CD”

You will also need:

• A fully completed recording schedule

• Your Learner Assignment Proposal document
• A fully completed Channel listing
• A mastered copy of the CD containing your song (with artwork)
• A witness observation statement signed by Hayley

Your evidence will be backed up by your attendance and punctuality to recording

sessions.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Grading criteria
For a Pass For a Merit For a Distinction
P1. Identify different M1. Describe the role of D1. Explain the role of
items of music different items of different items of music
technology equipment and music technology technology equipment and
show an awareness of equipment and show an show an awareness
associated awareness of associated of associated health and
health and safety issues. health and safety safety issues
issues
P2. Identify, set up and M2. Describe, set up and D2. Describe, set up and
configure equipment configure equipment configure equipment
for a recording session for a recording session, for a recording session,
with an explanation justifying your choices
of the processes involved and set-up process
P3. Demonstrate an M3. Demonstrate a D3. Demonstrate a
organised approach to disciplined and organised disciplined and organised
planning and executing approach to planning and approach to planning and
recording sessions executing recording executing recording
sessions, with attention to sessions, with attention to
detail detail and an
explanation of the
importance of proper
documentation
P4. Conduct a close-mic M4. Conduct a close-mic D4. Conduct a high-quality
recording of a range of recording of a close-mic recording of
audio sources under range of audio sources, a range of audio sources,
supervision demonstrating with confidence and
confidence with limited independence
supervision
P5. Produce a completed M5. Produce a completed D5. Produce a completed mix
mix of a multitrack mix of a multitrack of a multitrack
music recording, music recording, music recording, explaining
identifying appropriate describing the use of the use of
processing and mixing appropriate processing and appropriate processing and
technology mixing technology mixing technology
with confidence with confidence and
independence.
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers
 Centre Number: 58138
BTEC National in Performing Arts
Unit 30 – Singing for Actors and Dancers

Pass Merit Distinctio

n
P1 M1 D1
P2 M5 D5
P3 M6 D6
P4 M4 D4
P5 M5 D5

Final Grade for Unit 9 Recording = PASS MERIT DISTINCTION

(Please circle)

FEEDBACK (referring to assessment criteria met)

Assessor’s Name:………………………………………………..

Assessor’s Signature:………………………………………… Date:

…………………………………………