Specification:

Pearson/Edexcel

Qualification type:

A Level

Entry criteria (GCSE grades):

A strong practical interest in the subject, as a performer, a composer, or a technologist.

Subject description:

Music technology is about composing or creating music and sounds through a creative use of electronic hardware and computer software.  It is also about knowing how the technology works and how it has developed over time.  This is a new specification that emphasises the practical elements of music technology;  audio recording and composing music at a Digital Audio Workstation.  There is no crossover between this and Music A Level and the two subjects complement each other.  Performance skills are not assessed, and you don't need to be a 'note reader', but you do need good aural discrimination.  Skills learned here are applicable both musically and technically in many areas of the media and entertainment industry.

Units studied:

Component 1 - Multi-track recording (externally assessed coursework, 20%)

• Production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording.

Component 2 - Technology-based composition

(externally assessed coursework, 20%)

• Creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds to produce a composition to a brief.

Component 3 - Listening & Analysing

(written examination, 25%).

• Exam based on listening to a range of songs recorded from the 1950s onwards.

• Knowledge and understanding of recording and production techniques and principles.

• Knowledge of the development of technology from the 1930s.

Component 4 - Producing & Analysing

(written/practical examination, 35%)

• Practical examination using Logic to create, edit and   master a mix.

• Knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques.

Areas of study:

1: Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes.

2: Principles of sound and audio technology.

3: The development of recording and production technology.

How the course is assessed:

Two externally assessed exams (60%) and two non-examined assessment components (coursework, 40%).

Post-18 opportunities:

There are many opportunities for the creative music technologist: arranging and composing for TV or film; sound design for computer games; software coding; acoustic design; sound engineer; record producer; broadcaster; and the diverse range of Music Technology degree courses.

Teacher responsible:  Mr M Keane