Music Technology A level

A LEVEL AND LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS

To gain a place on this course students will ideally have at least grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics and at least three other GCSEs, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications, at grade 5 or above. Some subjects also have additional entry requirements.

All students are to choose 3 subjects from 3 different blocks. Further Mathematics may be taken as a fourth choice.

LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS

Subjects have individual entry requirements.

Students only need to apply for either Bricklaying or Hairdressing.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

The Music Technology room (MU4) is equipped with 16 Apple Macintosh computers running Logic Studio. There is also a fully equipped recording studio. Music technology plays a key role in modern music making across the world. This qualification is designed to open up a range of new skills to students with a wide range of musical interest and experience.

This qualification will support students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music technology through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills. These include recording, technology-based composition, listening, analysing and producing. Students will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of music technology techniques and develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the use of music technology in the creation and production of music.

Please note – Music Technology does not require you to play a musical instrument, however it will certainly add to your overall musicianship if you do.

Component 1: Recording (20% of the qualification)

Students learn about the production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix and audio recording. One completed song is submitted from a choice of 10 songs provided by the examining board. This unit is externally assessed.

Component 2: Technology Based Composition (20% of the qualification)

Through a process of creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds, students produce one technology based composition from a choice of three briefs set by the examining board. This unit is externally assessed.

Component 3: Listening and Analysing (25% of the qualification)

Knowledge and understanding of recording and production techniques are applied to unfamiliar materials provided by the examining board. This will include: recording and production techniques for corrective and creative purposes; principles of sound and audio technology; the development of recording and production technology. This is unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute examination.

Component 4: Producing and Analysing (35% of the qualification)

Knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques are applied to unfamiliar music provided by the examining board. Part of this assessment is a practical mixing task using files provided by the examination board. The second part is an extended written response testing theoretical knowledge and application of Music Technology. This unit is assessed by a 2 hour 15 minute examination.

Subject Specific Requirements

You do not necessarily need to have studied Music at KS4.

Future Applications

This course allows students to gain the knowledge to continue their studies in one of the fastest growing sectors of the arts and entertainment industry. It can provide excellent entry qualifications for the many and varied degrees in Music Technology, from vocational performance degrees to more technical degrees focusing on the science of recording and many arts related careers.