A-level Music Technology will be of interest to anyone wanting to learn about music production techniques and recording. It has a four-unit structure and is taken over two years.
The course does not require any particular knowledge of music theory but focusses on production issues: recording techniques, mixing, sequencing, composition, sampling techniques etc.
Course Content
The components taught and assessed are outlined below:
Component 1
Recording – coursework
Production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording. The theory of recording and mixing will be delivered in year one with practical coursework in year two.
Coursework: One multitrack recording chosen from a list of 10 artists provided by the exam board, total time between 3 – 3 ½ minutes.
20%
Component 2
Technology-based Composition - coursework
Composition will be delivered across both years and will focus on creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds to produce a technology-based composition.
Coursework: One technology-based composition in response to 1 of 3 briefs set by the exam board, total time 3 minutes.
20%
Component 3
Listening and Analysing - written exam
The history of music technology will be explored throughout the course by listening to a wide range of commercial recordings from the 1940s to date.
The exam will be a combination of short answers and longer essays in response to a number of audio tracks.
25%
Component 4
Producing and Analysing - practical exam
The preparation for this exam will take place across both years and will focus on identifying and resolving issues with given audio and MIDI material.
35%
The components taught and assessed are outlined below:
|
Component 1 |
Recording – coursework Production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording. The theory of recording and mixing will be delivered in year one with practical coursework in year two. Coursework: One multitrack recording chosen from a list of 10 artists provided by the exam board, total time between 3 – 3 ½ minutes. |
20% |
|
Component 2 |
Technology-based Composition - coursework Composition will be delivered across both years and will focus on creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds to produce a technology-based composition. Coursework: One technology-based composition in response to 1 of 3 briefs set by the exam board, total time 3 minutes. |
20% |
|
Component 3 |
Listening and Analysing - written exam The history of music technology will be explored throughout the course by listening to a wide range of commercial recordings from the 1940s to date. The exam will be a combination of short answers and longer essays in response to a number of audio tracks. |
25% |
|
Component 4 |
Producing and Analysing - practical exam The preparation for this exam will take place across both years and will focus on identifying and resolving issues with given audio and MIDI material. |
35% |
Methods of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
You will learn through:
- Listening and analysing audio files and commercial recordings
- Production and mixing exercises including error identification and correction
- Practicing recording and mixing techniques in groups and individually
- Working on a range of composition and editing exercises, involving both MIDI and audio files and the application of a wide range of creative effects
Methods of Assessment
During the course you will be assessed through short written tasks and worksheets, listening exercises, practical exercises and compositional work.
You will learn through:
- Listening and analysing audio files and commercial recordings
- Production and mixing exercises including error identification and correction
- Practicing recording and mixing techniques in groups and individually
- Working on a range of composition and editing exercises, involving both MIDI and audio files and the application of a wide range of creative effects
Methods of Assessment
During the course you will be assessed through short written tasks and worksheets, listening exercises, practical exercises and compositional work.
Resources
St Brendan’s has a well-equipped Music Suite that includes:
- Extensive practice facilities
- A Logic Pro X based recording studio and related equipment including a professional range of microphones
- Instruments including a grand piano, Hammond organ, guitars, drums, keyboards etc
- Computer Suite with relevant music software for sequencing including Logic Pro, Kontakt Komplete, Melodyne
St Brendan’s has a well-equipped Music Suite that includes:
- Extensive practice facilities
- A Logic Pro X based recording studio and related equipment including a professional range of microphones
- Instruments including a grand piano, Hammond organ, guitars, drums, keyboards etc
- Computer Suite with relevant music software for sequencing including Logic Pro, Kontakt Komplete, Melodyne
Enrichment
There will be opportunities to record and mix live performances within the music and wider performing arts areas as well as working in collaboration with practical musicians. For your coursework you will be given the opportunity to work with professional musicians. We are also hoping to arrange a recording studio visit.
There will be opportunities to record and mix live performances within the music and wider performing arts areas as well as working in collaboration with practical musicians. For your coursework you will be given the opportunity to work with professional musicians. We are also hoping to arrange a recording studio visit.
Charges
A one-off studio fee of around £30.00 is payable at the start of the 2nd year to cover the costs of hiring professional session musicians for the recording coursework.
Students must also be prepared to invest in a set of professional headphones for classroom/studio work. An appropriate set are likely to cost between £30 and £150 but staff can give advice as to which makes/models would be most suitable.
Where a student qualifies for the college bursary fund this will support some or all of the above costs.
A one-off studio fee of around £30.00 is payable at the start of the 2nd year to cover the costs of hiring professional session musicians for the recording coursework.
Students must also be prepared to invest in a set of professional headphones for classroom/studio work. An appropriate set are likely to cost between £30 and £150 but staff can give advice as to which makes/models would be most suitable.
Where a student qualifies for the college bursary fund this will support some or all of the above costs.
Progression
The A-level provides a sound basis for students wishing to proceed to higher education courses in Creative Music Technology and some other related courses. It can lead to careers in composing, studio work, and teaching as well as related areas in publishing and media.
It combines well with most other subjects but compliments in particular Film Studies, Media Studies, and Music or Music Performing.
The A-level provides a sound basis for students wishing to proceed to higher education courses in Creative Music Technology and some other related courses. It can lead to careers in composing, studio work, and teaching as well as related areas in publishing and media.
It combines well with most other subjects but compliments in particular Film Studies, Media Studies, and Music or Music Performing.
Where can this course lead?
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