Music Technology
The course focusses on working with music as an engineer and producer. It gives you the opportunity to develop your listening skills and provides you with a sound understanding of the important development of music technology since 1910.
You will be able to experience recording with different equipment and in different contexts, all of which are facilitated within our own high-spec studio. The course also gives you the opportunity to work with professional musicians which in turn may give you connections to pursue when you have finished your studies.
Exam board: We study Edexcel Music Technology.
Entry Requirements: You should meet the standard Sixth Form requirements.
What is the work like? As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their course with us in September.
Music Development Plan
Year 1
Task 1A Sequenced Realised Performance: Use a computer to recreate a piece of music set by the exam board. Completed in 20 hours of controlled conditions.
Task 1B Multi-track Recording: Use the recording studio to record at least eight live tracks for a piece of popular music of your choice. Completed in 20 hours of controlled conditions.
Task 1C Creative Sequenced Arrangement: Use a computer to show creative development of a given stimulus from the exam board. Completed in 20 hours of controlled conditions.
Unit 2 Listening and Analysing : Exam in two sections - Part 1 is 4 listening questions on any style of popular music tracing the development of music technology. Part 2 is based on two special focus styles (e.g. Soul and Indie Rock).
Year 2
Task 3A Sequenced Integrated Performance: Use a computer to recreate a piece of music set by the exam board, including live vocal tracks. Completed in 20 hours of controlled conditions.
Task 3B Multi-track Recording: Use the recording studio to record at least twelve live tracks for a piece of popular music of your choice, including at least four live acoustic instruments. Completed in 20 hours of controlled conditions.
Task 3C Composing Using Music Technology: Compose a piece lasting three - four minutes from a choice of one of three briefs set by the exam board. Completed in 20 hours of controlled conditions.
Unit 4 Analysing and Producing : Exam in two sections - Part 1 is four questions testing understanding of music technology. Part 2 is a practical test involving production of a balanced stereo mix of a piece set by the exam board.
Assessment
Component 1: Recording (60 marks, 20% of the A Level qualification)
This unit develops production tools and techniques needed to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording. Students will make one recording of a song chosen from a list provided by the exam board. This song will include a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments. Students will be able to sequence keyboard tracks if they wish and the total time of the recording will last between 3 and 3 ½ minutes. This work will be completed using Logic X on an iMac and the majority of the work for this component will take place in our studio.
Component 2: Technology-based composition (60 marks, 20% of the A level qualification)
This unit requires students to create, edit, manipulate and structure sounds to produce a technology-based composition. They will be required to choose from three briefs set by the exam board and your piece will last approximately 3 minutes. Students will develop their sound synthesis skills and will learn to manipulate and create audio samples. This work will be completed using Logic X on an iMac.
Component 3: Listening and analysing (Written Exam – 1 hour 30 mins, 75 marks, 25% of the A level qualification)
This unit requires students to listen and analyse a series of unfamiliar recordings supplied by the exam board. Students will be asked questions relating to the recording and production techniques, the principles of sound and audio technology and the development of recording and production technology. This will be completed using individual CD players during the main exam period.
Component 4: Producing and Analysing (105 marks, 35% of the qualification)
This unit tests students’ understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques. Students will be provided with a set of audio and MIDI materials and will have to correct and combine these materials to form a completed mix. Students will also be required to write a short essay focusing on a specific area of the history of music technology. This will be completed using Logic X on the iMacs during the main exam period.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Mr Robins will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email him on paul.robins@twynhamschool.com.
To ask a Music Technology student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.
