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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a course for anyone who has an interest in how music and sound is recorded, manipulated and produced. This course will enable students to develop specific skills working in a studio based environment, writing original music alongside making and refining recordings using live and synthesised instruments. This is underpinned by developing a theoretical understanding of sound and audio production to be demonstrated through analysis, essay writing, critical thinking and organisation of information. Students will also develop transferable skills in managing projects and people, analysing and critically assessing work, working to a brief and developing creativity and imagination.

 

COURSE CONTENT: Music Technology EDEXCEL

Unit 1: Recording

(Coursework, 20% of the qualification)

Students will learn how to make high quality recordings using the studio facilities at Huntington. They will be taught how to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording. The chosen track will be from a list of 10 songs provided by the exam board. The student will take on the role of ‘producer’ and as such there is no requirement to perform any of the parts (suitable musicians will be identified); however, there are ample opportunities to perform for those that wish to.

 

Unit 2: Technology-based composition

(Coursework, 20% of the qualification)

Students will be taught the principles of crafting high quality musical compositions using technology. Through creating, editing, manipulating and organising sound – students will respond to one of the briefs set each year. Students will learn how to work creatively with synthesisers, sampled audio and effects units.

 

Unit 3: Listening and analysing

(1 hour 30 minutes written exam)

Students will explore the history and development of recording and production technology as well as contemporary recording and production techniques. They will explore how music technology is used for both corrective and creative purposes and will demonstrate this knowledge in the context of a set of unfamiliar commercial recordings. Students will each receive an individual CD which they will control during the examination.

 

Unit 4: Producing and analysing

(2 hours 15 minutes written and practical exam)

Students will be examined on their knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques. Each student will be provided with a set of unfamiliar audio and MIDI materials which they will correct and combine to form a completed mix. Student will answer questions related to the practical tasks and provide written commentaries on music technology theory. Students’ capacity to apply familiar knowledge both theoretical and practical to unfamiliar scenarios develops problem solving and creative thinking which are invaluable transferable skills.

 

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

An advanced level course in Music Technology is good preparation for anyone considering a potential career in the professional world of the Music and associated Creative industries. Music Technology is good preparation for anyone considering a degree in Music, Music Technology, Sound Production or Sound Engineering, although the transferable skills learnt on the course are applicable to any courses or profession where project management, working to deadlines, and liaising with a client are required.

 

GCSE GRADE PROFILE

Students who study Music Technology must achieve five GCSE grades from 9 – 4 in a range of subjects.  No prior knowledge of Music Technology is necessary.

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Click here to access a Music Technology bridging task