Music Technology
Overview
The course is made up of two aspects of Music Technology, broadly: a) practical coursework – a sequenced, realised performance, a multi-track recording and a creative sequenced arrangement and b) a written examination on analysis and production.
Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Music Technology Portfolio 1 – students produce an audio CD entitled “Music Technology Portfolio 1” containing three tracks of work consisting of sequenced realised performance; multi-track recording and creative sequenced arrangement. This is accompanied by a logbook detailing equipment used and processes followed throughout the course.
Unit 2: Listening and Analysing – a 1-hour 45-minute listening examination containing multiple choice questions and short answer questions. The test will be organised in two sections involving aural perception of musical characteristics in the first and focusing on two special focus styles in the second.
A2 Level
Further work on sequencing, multi-track recording and composing with technology will be set.
Unit 3: Music Technology Portfolio 2 – a sequenced integrated performance, a multi-track recording and a composition using technology will be required - as will the completion of a logbook as in Portfolio 1 (for AS).
Unit 4: Analysing and Producing – This two-hour examination will test musical understanding of midi data and the ability to produce a balanced stereo mix.
Assessment
Coursework (70% at AS; 60% at A2)
Examination (30%at AS, 40% at A2)
Examining Board – Edexcel.
Special Entry Requirements
Grade C or above in GCSE Music (or Merit or above in equivalent BTEC Music). Playing an instrument to at least Grade 4 standard is essential, as students will have to play for recordings during the course: a certificate confirming achievement of at least Grade 4 must be brought to interview. Students who believe they are at this standard but have not yet passed the exam can audition. Additionally students should have a good working knowledge of staff notation and music theory
Prohibited Options
None.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Many opportunities exist – specifically in television and radio, sound engineering and recording. Music Technology is also accepted by most universities for general matriculation purposes for most courses.
Coursework
There is a heavy coursework load in this subject. Coursework is completed using the College’s Cubase and/or Logic software, and students will become proficient in both. There are three pieces of coursework per year, as described in the Course Outline section above.
Teaching Methods
Logic and Cubase programs are used for all coursework. Students are also given access to a well-resourced music studio in order to complete the recordings. Group practical music-making is encouraged to develop students as musicians in preparation for the discipline of studio recording.
Course Activities
There is a variety of practical activities which encourage students to perform as often as possible – there is a series of concerts throughout the year both inside and outside College and students often organise other performing opportunities to serve the specifications requirements and to enable skills in group music-making to be developed.
Cost Implications
The College provides all software required for the completion of all assignments, but it would be helpful if students had a copy of a composing/arranging programme at home.
Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
There is a wide variety of Enrichment courses on offer and Music students are expected to become fully involved in the musical life of the College.
Other Information
Like all AS Level subjects, AS Music Technology is an academic course, and involves the reading of staff notation and a good working knowledge of music theory - students should NOT embark on this course without it. Students are expected to be performing at Grade 5 standard, so that they contribute to the recording process.
Examples
We have published some examples of students work on this course - click here to access six tracks that our students have recorded.
This information is correct for September 2012 entry.