Music Technology

Level 3 Pathway - In order to enrol onto our Level 3 courses, students must have achieved a minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE Level across 4 different subject areas; this should ideally include a Grade 4 for English Language and Mathematics.

It is important that students also pay attention to any individual subject entry requirements.

It may be that a small number of students are recommended to sit AS qualifications at the end of Year 12 in order to inform decisions about progression into Year 13, however these AS examinations are standalone and do not contribute to the overall A Level qualification.

Why?

A Level Music Technology provides an enjoyable and valuable experience in understanding, capturing, producing, and composing popular music. It is also provides good preparation for students aiming for Higher Education in the subject or similar related fields. Music Technology careers could include work in a recording studio with a job such as a sound engineer, work as a technology based composer and/or music producer, or a teacher. The course provides opportunities to embrace recent developments in the field and involves much practical work which encourages the cultivation of a wide range of skills. You will have opportunities to sequence MIDI and audio, record live instruments, produce CDs and compose using music technology.

Course Structure

For A Level you are required to complete two pieces of coursework. The first is a multitrack recording from a choice of 10 commercially available songs, which you will individually capture, mix and master onto CD. This is worth 20%. The second is a technology based composition, chosen from a choice of 3 briefs at the start of the year which is also worth 20%. There are two exams at the end of the course. The first is listening and analysing, worth 25%, and the second is a producing and analysing exam, worth 35%. The latter is a more practical based exam, requiring the production of a CD in timed exam conditions, and the first is based on the use and development of technology throughout the history of popular music, and the effect on popular music’s development.

Extended Learning

Extended learning studies will be given to students during the course to expand their knowledge of Music and Music Technology. Projects will include topics on sound recording methods throughout history, the development of electronic instruments and studio production techniques. Students will also be encouraged to explore all types of popular music, development of various genres and the impact made by notable pop artists. The knowledge gained during these studies will be applied during the written papers.

GCSE Music grade 4 or equivalent BTEC qualification along with a good theoretical understanding and/or some appropriate experience in the field of music technology.