Courses > Arts > Music Technology
Music Technology

Edexcel has developed an exciting new specification, for AS and A2 Music Technology. This specification embraces new technology, there is more emphasis on practical work and gives excellent preparation for HE and careeers in Music Technology.

AS Topics

Unit 1 – Music Technology Portfolio 1 (70%)
During the AS year students will put together a portfolio of 3 tasks. The first is a “Sequenced Realised Performance”. This is where students recreate a recording specified by Edexcel using Cubase/Logic and log their work in a diary. The second task is a “Multi-track Recording” project. Students have to record a piece of Popular Music since 1910, 2-4 minutes in length using 8-12 live tracks.  The third task is a “Creative Sequenced Arrangement”. Students choose one of 2 stimuli set my Edexcel and develop this stimulus into a personal response.

Unit 2 – Listening and Analysing (30%)
Students sit a 1hr 45 minutes exam based on 2 areas of study: - Popular Music styles since 1910 and The Principles and Practice of Music.

A2 Topics

Unit 3 – Music Technology Portfolio 2 (60%)
During the A2 year students will put together a portfolio of 3 tasks. The first is a “Sequenced Integrated Performance”. This is where students recreate a recording specified by Edexcel using Cubase/Logic, record vocals which they overdub and log their work in a diary. The second task is a “Multi-track Recording” project. Students have to record a piece from a selection specified by Edexcel, 3-5 minutes in length using 12-24 live tracks.  The third task is “Composing Using Music Technology”. Students chose from a set of three briefs and compose a 3-4 minute piece using Music Technology programs.

Unit 4 – Analysing and Production (40%)
Students will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge of music and the principles of music technology through a series of written commentaries and production tasks.

Where does it lead?

For those students who have an interest in Producing Music, Sound Engineering or Electro-acoustic composition this course offers ideal opportunities to develop, expand or even start their skills in Music Tech. This course will prepare students for HE and the world Music Technology due to its wide coverage of techniques and styles.

Why you should study Music Technology?

Music plays a large part in all of our lives and the popular music that we all listen to is dependent on Music Technology. The Music Tech Industry is one of the largest employers in the world and is a multi-million pound industry. The world of technology is an exciting and changing industry that sets new challenges and ideas. This course is mainly practical based and students will be working on coursework during the lessons, so whether you have lots of experience of Music Tech or the bare minimum you will be able to work at your own speed and learn from your contemporaries.

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

A good understanding of the computer programmes Cubase or Logic and Sibelius, knowledge of different genres of popular music from 1910, an awareness of sound recording and a feel for recreating and arranging popular music. Students do not need to be expert in any of these areas as they will all be taught on the course.

Assessment

Coursework under controlled conditions (70% AS – 60% A2).
Examination structure and questions (30% AS – 40% A2).

Enrichment Activities

Students will have opportunities to perform during the course and record each others performances. There will also be external trips to see productions and concerts.

Other Information

The school has the resources needed for the technology side of the course; students will be using Cubase/Logic and Sibelius. Students will need a copy of A Student’s Guide to Music Technology published my Rhinegold.

Take at look at www.soundonsound.com