Music Technology

EdExcel

Music Technology is a course for musicians and the musically minded who are interested in creating and recording music using computer based technology. From hip-hop to rock, pop covers to film scores and studio production, you will learn how to produce exciting results to professional standards and the skills required for careers in music, media and ICT.

The course aims to develop your knowledge of popular music from the early 20th century to the present day, to develop your ICT skills in a ‘music making’ context and to further your theoretical understanding of Music and creative technologies. Music Technology combines well with other arts and media courses as well as ICT and sciences. It attracts students who are looking for a dynamic, vibrant arts environment with teachers who are passionate about their subject and continue to produce their own work. Many students go on to university Music courses such as Studio Engineering, Pop Music Production and Creative Studio Engineering and Music and Technology.

AS Music Technology

At AS level you will study:
• MIDI sequencing techniques using Cubase – learning how to transcribe and arrange popular songs from a written or audio starting point.
• Multi-track recording techniques – recording a live multi-tracked performance of a song of your choice.
• Popular music styles since 1910 – covering everything from blues to fusion, disco to grime, classic rock to nu-metal.
• Music Theory – we aim to reach grade 2 standard during the first term.

Assessment

Three pieces of coursework (2 popular music arrangements and a studio based multi-track recording) and a written examination.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language and Mathematics or a science. You do not need to have taken Music at GCSE. Experience of sequencing software and playing in a band, orchestra, ensemble, or choir, however, will be an advantage.

A2 Music Technology

At A2 you will build on and develop the skills acquired at AS, with an emphasis on compositional techniques and production values. You will learn how to develop finished projects from a range of starting points and evaluate the success of commercial recordings.

You will study:
• Advanced sequencing skills, to be combined with your live recording skills.
• Studio production skills – how to prepare for and run a multi-track recording project (12-24 tracks) from booking musicians to recording, mixing and mastering the finished product.
• Composition techniques – learning to compose to a brief, this could be music for film, TV, a pop song or ‘contemporary’ music piece using samples.

Assessment

Three pieces of coursework (a multitrack recording, an integrated MIDI and audio recording, and a composition) plus written and practical examinations.