Music BTEC instead of another GCSE?

[MusicOr]

DS is Y9 and talking about his options.
He is very into gaming/computers.
He has not studied a musical instrument up to any decent level, and is not suitable for music GCSE (needs Grade5). They have said he can do music as a BTEC, which would focus on making music through programming, rather than needing to actually play an instrument. This would be instead of a different GCSE altogether.

When I was GCSE age, BTECs were looked down on at A-Level and university - is that still the case now? He does not have his heart set on the music BTEC, he is still debating doing the other GCSE, but music at BTEC may help him with some of his game development plans/YouTuber, though being a game developer is currently not his goal.

The music option would be his only creative GCSE. The alternative he is considering is Business.

Any advice, please?

He is smart and I expect he will go on to do A Levels and a degree. Thanks.

BTECs are fine and totally acceptable in a mix with GCSEs.

DD is doing one in Creative Media Production instead of a GCSE option - no exams, but there are project deadlines (that tend to clash with mock exams) and a lot of written/research work.

I suspect the Music one is very composition/production heavy, and even with a DAW, it really helps if they have good piano skills and really enjoy music theory, composition etc. I'm not sure it would be that relevant to game design. DD does a lot of this outside school (and as part of Music GCSE) and loves it, but she's very musical with multiple instruments at high level and a main interest in composition.

Thanks for your reply.

What is DAW?

I didn't mean he'd necessarily use it in game design as a proper job, but he already produces YouTube videos for a particular game he's very popular to follow in (a bit niche, yet, so not millions of followers) but he does use some music production to edit in. But I think it's quite basic/self-taught, and if he has this as a side hustle, it might be a great skill/earner.

He does not have piano skills, despite my trying over the years. We do have a keyboard though, so he can start. I would also gladly get him a tutor.

DAW - Digital Audio Workstation

The main industry ones are Logic Pro, Ableton and ProTools. Things like Garage Band are free versions of similar thing.

I would want to know how much production teaching you would actually get - and what the school has in terms of tech and facilities. DD's school have Logic Pro as their DAW which is fairly unusual - but they have a massive and well-funded music department - and she's fairly advanced as she does extra classes outside school, but still years off being at a level where she can earn from it yet.

I would 100% get him keyboard lessons if he does take it. It will be a huge help.

My son did the A level equivalent Btec and is now at conservatoire studying popular music alongside working professionally.

I would agree that a knowledge of music theory & some keyboard skills will help. One Btec amongst GCSE’s is fine. At degree level you can even specialise in music for gaming/film.

My daughter completed the same course and really enjoyed it.

It had no detrimental impact on her university offers for an academic non music related couse.

This is all great to hear, thank you so much.