Music Technology

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is suitable for anyone who has a keen interest in music technology, who enjoys creating and listening to different styles of music, and who wishes to extend their practical experience and understanding of music technology.

Throughout the course you will

  • produce arrangements using sequencing software in a range of musical styles
  • develop the skills required to make high quality recordings of musical performances
  • learn how to compose using music technology
  • develop your knowledge of the principles and development of music technology
  • learn how to control and interpret data

 

COURSE CONTENT

AS UNITS:

Unit 1

You will complete 3 tasks submitted as an audio CD, which together make Coursework Portfolio 1:

  • To reproduce, through sequencing, the sound of an original Popular recording as accurately as possible (set by exam board)
  • To produce a Multi Track Recording of between 8 to 12 tracks, in a Popular style (free choice)
  • To develop an original arrangement, through sequencing, from a prescribed stimulus (choice given by exam board)

Unit 2

You will study the development of popular music styles from 1910 to the present day, of which two Special Focus Styles will be selected each year. There will be a 1 hour 45 minute Listening Examination Paper

 

A2 UNITS:

Unit 3

You will complete 3 tasks submitted as an audio CD, which together make Coursework Portfolio 2:

  • To reproduce, through both sequencing and the addition of live audio, the sound of an original Popular recording as accurately as possible (choice given by the exam board)
  • To produce a Multi Track Recording of between 12 to 24 tracks (choice of acoustic, orchestral or percussion instruments given by exam board)
  • To compose a piece based on one of three briefs, showing a high level of music technology (choice given by exam board)

Unit 4

You will demonstrate your knowledge of music and the principles of music technology through a series of written commentaries, manipulations and production tasks, using material provided in a 2 hour Examination Paper and recorded on an audio CD.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

The music business is one of the biggest industries in the UK, and this course provides the opportunity to begin to develop many of those skills necessary to pursue a career in this area. There are a wide variety of courses to progress onto at University having gained this qualification.

GCSE GRADE PROFILE

Students who wish to study Music Technology at this level should normally have A* to C grades in a range of subjects at GCSE level, preferably including Music. However, equivalent experience, which should include the ability to read notation, will be considered.