Study

This course is ideal for anyone who enjoys performing and listening to popular and contemporary music and who wants to develop their recording skills through the use of our iMac suite, high quality microphones and specialist desk in our Recording Studio. It helps to have a reasonable ability in reading musical notation and have gained basic keyboard skills. For recommended listening, students will be learning to appreciate a wide range of musicians and bands whose music has defined the major styles in modern music including examples of Blues, Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Soul and Dance genres. Students will learn to use Logic software to record, compose and edit their music.

Assessment

Component 1: Recording 20%

Students will make a live multi-track studio recording that lasts between 3 and 3.5 minutes from a list of 10 contemporary songs supplied by the Exam board. This song must consist of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments. A logbook and authentication form must also be completed.

Component 2: Technology Based Composition 20% Students will create a technology-based composition chosen from three briefs set by the exam board using synthesis, sampling, audio manipulation, and creative effects. The composition should last exactly three minutes, and a logbook and authentication form must be completed.

Component 3: Listening and Analysing 25% A written exam lasting one hour and 30 minutes in which students listen to an audio CD and answer questions on commercial recordings testing understanding of recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes, principles of sound and audio technology, and the development of recording and production technology.

Component 4: Producing and Analysing 35% A written and practical exam that combines to last two hours 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes setting up time) in which students will correct and then combine audio and midi materials to form a completed mix which may include creating new tracks or parts from the materials provided.

What Next?:

Music Technology A Level combines well with Music A Level, any other creative subject but also Maths and Physics as it concerns the principals behind the properties of sound. Students go on to develop careers in the Music Industry as sound engineers, producers, composers and performers.

Music Technology Subject Leader: Dr J Tate

Syllabus: Edexcel

Course Specification: 9MT0

Qualification: A Level