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WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Studying Music Technology gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in three key areas – recording and production techniques, the principles of sound and audio technology and the development of recording and production.

You will have access to our purpose-built recording studio and will be given the opportunity to develop the technical skills needed to excel in this exciting field of work.

This subject provides a solid foundation for musicians whose interests lie in contemporary music, either behind the scenes as an engineer/producer, or in the spotlight as a performer/composer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You will require a Grade 4 or higher in GCSE Music.

You will also need to have experience of listening to a wide variety of popular music styles from 1930 to the present day.

These music styles should range from soul to reggae to electronic and dance to rock ‘n’ roll.

SYLLABUS

YEAR 12

Component 1: Recording

You will be required to submit a 2 to 2 ½ minute multi-track recording, chosen from a list of 10 songs supplied by the exam board.

It must consist of a minimum of three compulsory instruments and two additional instruments.

Component 2: Technology-based composition

Submit a 2 ½ minute composition based on a brief set by the exam board. (Students will have a choice of three briefs).

Synthesis, sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects must be included.

Component 3: Listening and analysing

In this exam, students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of recording and production techniques and principles when listening to unfamiliar recordings. 

Students will primarily be asked to answer shorter questions about separate pieces of unfamiliar music but will also be required to provide an extended written response on one occasion in the exam.

Component 4: Producing and analysing

In this exam, students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques to unfamiliar materials.

Students will be given audio and MIDI materials in the practical element of the exam. 

Students will also be required to demonstrate their understanding of specific signal processes, effects or music technology hardware units in a written response.

YEAR 13

Component 1: Recording

You will be required to submit a 3 to 3 ½ minute multi-track recording, chosen from a list of 10 songs supplied by the exam board.

It must consist of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments.

Component 2: Technology-based composition

Submit a 3-minute composition based on a choice of three briefs set by the exam board.

Synthesis, sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects must be included.

Component 3: Listening and analysing

In this exam, students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of recording and production techniques and principles when listening to unfamiliar recordings.

Students will primarily be asked to answer shorter questions about separate pieces of unfamiliar music but will also be required to provide two extended written responses, the first a comparison question and the second based on one unfamiliar commercial recording.

Component 4: Producing and analysing

In this exam, students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques to unfamiliar materials.

Students will be given audio and MIDI materials in the practical element of the exam. 

Students will also be required to demonstrate their understanding of specific signal processes, effects or music technology hardware units in a written response.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND EXAMINED?

Components 1 and 2 at A level, are non-examined assessments. Students will complete these tasks in school and these will be submitted and marked externally.

Components 3 and 4 are examinations which will be sat in the examination period in the Summer Term.

FUTURE COURSES AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

Studying A level Music Technology will provide you with a vast array of skills suitable for a range of future courses and careers, including studio production, sound engineering, freelance composition and teaching to name a few.

In addition, these qualifications will enrich your A level studies that universities and future employers will value. It develops powers of analysis, listening skills, ICT skills and the ability to create music to exact specifications; all considered as valuable skills in a range of fields.

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