The Course
Entry requirements: Hautlieu sixth form entry requirements.
Music Technology involves technical operations of professional audio equipment and computer software. It enables students to work with musicians in the recording studio to produce a master mix, engineer live performances and arrange using desktop audio production. Students are expected to compose and record tracks from a selection of stimuli and personal choices. They will have access to an extensive range of resources from high-end microphones and mixing desks, to advanced software applications such as Logic Pro X.
Students will develop aural perception skills and learn how to identify musical principles through listening, analysing and production techniques. To enrol in the course, pupils are required to have a fundamental understanding of music theory, and either some basic experience in using audio production software/ hardware, or are of grade 2 standard.
Course structure and Assessment
Component 1: Recording
Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification
Content overview
Assessment overview
Production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording.
- One recording, chosen from a list of 10 songs provided by Pearson, consisting of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments.
- Keyboard tracks may be sequenced.
- Total time dependent on AS/A Level.
- Logbook and authentication form must be supplied.
Component 2: Technology-based composition
Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification
Content overview
Creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds to produce a technology-based composition.
Assessment overview
- One technology-based composition chosen from three briefs
- Synthesis and sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects use must be included.
- Total time dependent on AS/A Level
- Logbook and authentication form must be supplied.
Component 3: Listening and analysing
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of the qualification
Content overview
Knowledge and understanding of recording and production techniques to include: recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes – principles of sound and audio technology and the development of recording and production technology
Assessment overview
This paper comprises two sections: A and B and all questions are compulsory.
- Section A: Listening and analyzing – four questions, each based on unfamiliar commercial recordings
- Section B: Extended written responses two essay questions. One comparison question, which uses two unfamiliar commercial recordings.
Component 4: Producing and analysing
Written/practical examination: 2 hours 15 minutes – 35% of the qualification
Content overview
Knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques and applying this to unfamiliar materials. Application of knowledge related to two of the areas of study in recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes. Developing principles of sound and audio technology.
Assessment overview
This paper comprises two sections A and B. Each student will be provided with a set of audio/MIDI materials for the practical element of the examination, to include audio files relating to three instrumental / vocal parts. A single MIDI file from which a fourth instrumental part will be created or synthesized.
Students will correct and then combine the audio and MIDI materials to form a completed mix, which may include creating new tracks or parts from the materials provided.
- Section A: Producing and analyzing – five questions related to the audio and MIDI materials provided that include both written responses and practical tasks.
- Section B: Extended written response – one essay focusing on a specific mixing scenario, signal path, effect or music technology hardware unit.
Opportunities and progression:
The course is primarily based on creating music using computers and professional studio hardware. Students will therefore further cross-curricular skills in computer literacy and research. Pupils will develop a positive grasp of composing, music theory, sequencing, sound creation and audio manipulation. Professional audio mixing involves understanding the tonality of individual instrumentation, and how various sounds can be moulded appropriately to achieve sonic excellence.
Music Technology provides an excellent basis for numerous higher education courses including Music Technology, Computer Music and Composition. Successful pupils can expect to find employment in the media, entertainment and music industries as sound engineers, editors, midi production programmers and pro-audio sales.
