L3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production.
Unit 10 - Exploration of specialist study in music performance and production
Project: Research Essay
Start Date: Mon 12th January 2026
Submission Deadline: Fri 13th February 2026
Project Overview
This project is designed to provide an opportunity for students to take greater control of their own learning by independently researching and presenting an investigation into an area of a personal interest within music performance and production. It is intended that the personal investigative study should be a precursor to the final extended project and may be used to influence and inform direction and decision making for the students final project proposal.
This is your chance to develop the research skills and presentation skills required moving forward into your chosen progression pathway.
THE BRIEF
Tasks & Evidence
Task 1 - Research Proposal
Create a proposal presentation that addresses the following:
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Your chosen field of research and investigation
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Why is this research necessary?
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How has your field of interest changed over time?
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Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on?
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How will your research benefit others?
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Examples of existing research in the chosen field?
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What primary research or technical experimentation will you do?
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How will this research benefit your personal progression?
Evidence Required:
Powerpoint clearly displayed on WIX.
Criteria addressed by task
1.1 Critically describe a range of contextual perspectives influencing a chosen discipline in music performance and production.
Task 2 - Research Evaluation Log
A research log is a document that logs each piece of research evidence and enables you to assess its value to the project.
You should keep a log where each piece of research evidence is numbered, Harvard referenced, and evaluated.
Evidence Required
Research Log document clearly labelled and displayed on WIX.
Must include Harvard Referencing
Criteria addressed by task
2.1 Identify a range of relevant academic and cultural sources for a personal
research project.
2.2 Critically evaluate information from a range of sources to inform ideas.
Task 3 - Application of Secondary research
You must show evidence of application of your research. How you do this will depend on
your subject matter. There must be a clear link between your research and your own
primary research.
Consider technical experiments, questionnaires, interviews etc
Evidence Required
Recorded experiments/primary research clearly labelled and annotated on your WIX.
Criteria addressed by task:
1.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of critical perspectives to inform own practice.
Task 4 - Research Report
You are to write a research report that incudes the following:
Title Page
Introduction
Body of text
Conclusion
Bibliography.
Evidence Required
Copy of your report displayed as PDF of your WIX
Criteria partially addressed by task.
3.1 Apply academic conventions in the production and presentation of ideas.
3.2 Effectively communicate ideas in appropriate formats.