Pearson BTEC Nationals in Music and Music Technology: May 2026 update

In this update

Standards Verification

BTEC Level 3 Music Performance – common issues to avoid

Key dates

Standards Verification

You should now be in the final stages of completing Standards Verification. Your SV should have agreed on a date with you for the submission of the sample. For some of you, this may have already happened and you have received your report through Edexcel Online.

BTEC Level 3 Music Performance – common issues to avoid

Our Investigations team has shared some common issues they see when centres deliver the BTEC Level 3 Music Performance unit 20175K (Unit 3, Ensemble Music Performance). 

Common issues are: 

• Non-assessed performing learners used without prior Pearson approval 
• Learners being permitted notes for Activity 4 
• Learners used backing tracks in ensemble performance 
• Learners performed doubled parts (two musicians performing the same part) 
• Learners not fully visible in video 
• Learners recording work from home 
• Learners permitted multiple attempts 

All these issues are prohibited by the Administrative Support Guide and/or the brief. Please ensure that your colleagues delivering the assessment are aware of the requirements of this assessment and to avoid the above issues.

Key dates