AS/A2 Music Technology

The AS and A2 Music Technology courses develop the knowledge and skills required for the production of music (mainly focused on Popular and Jazz genres) using MIDI Sequencing and Studio Recording techniques. You may have had the opportunity to produce music as a part of your GCSE course or Diploma, or you may simply have a genuine, keen interest in music as a performer. Whatever your background, if you are keen to develop your musical/technical skills to learn about arranging, composing, recording and producing music, Music Technology could be ideal.

What are the entry requirements?

Whilst a good GCSE or Diploma grade in Music is desirable, this course is also open to students who may have developed their understanding of music through their performance interests. Some understanding of traditional musical notation is required for the course, as is a basic knowledge of a piano keyboard, to be able to fulfil the demands of sequencing and arranging coursework. Support will be given to cover essential music theory for all students, but please call to talk to us if you are unsure about your suitability for the course.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?

We follow the EDEXCEL specification. The complete A Level course consists of four units that provide a thorough grounding in MIDI Sequencing and Audio Recording techniques as music production tools. The underlying principles of music technology and the development of musical knowledge (including aural/analytical skills) will be taught within an essentially practical course. Performance isn’t assessed as a part of this course, but is made use of when recording in the studios. The course has three prescribed Areas of Study that can be thought of as independent aspects, but also as threads that permeate the four units:

AOS1: The Principles and Practice of Music Technology.

This involves a study of the essential techniques needed for MIDI Sequencing, Audio Sequencing and Studio Recording. The practical activities demand skilful use of equipment and software along with an understanding of the technical processes required to capture sounds and manipulate them to produce musical end products.

AOS2: Popular Music Styles since 1910.

‘Popular Music’ is taken to mean jazz as well as pop and rock based styles for this area of study. Through a study of the key features (musical and cultural) that define the wide range of popular musical styles since 1910, students will gain an appreciation of how and why musical styles have evolved. To be able to fully understand the musical aspects, students will study various musical notations including traditional staff, guitar TAB and drum notation, keys and chords, common musical structures, and instrumental performance techniques.

AOS3: The Development of Technology-based Music.

This area of study focuses on the technology that has been used in production processes since 1910 and is designed to complement the musical studies outlined above. It will cover the full range of techniques that have been used to produce music since the earliest recordings of Thomas Edison, the impact of significant moments including the invention of the microphone, the development of electric amplification, the electric guitar and synthesizers, and some key albums that have been produced since the introduction of techniques such as multi-tracking, dub reggae and remixing.

Theoretical concepts are taught as a whole class and are followed up by individual learning and assessment tasks. Practical work is either individual or in small groups. Individual and small group tutoring also takes place to cater for specific individual needs, for example to reinforce or develop theoretical understanding and basic level keyboard skills.

Final assessment in both years is by submission of an externally marked Coursework portfolio (70% for AS and 60% for A2) and end of year Listening and Analysis exams (30% for AS and 40% A2).

These will be submitted for external assessment as a fully mastered CD along with a logbook detailing equipment used and with answers to assessed questions relating to the creative sequenced arrangement.

Two special focus styles will be selected each year for more in depth study. For the special focus styles, in addition to the main fingerprints of the style, students will be expected to have an extended knowledge and understanding of context.

Assessment is by a 1 hour 45 minute listening examination, externally assessed, in the summer of the year of entry.

These will be submitted for external assessment as a fully mastered CD along with a logbook detailing equipment used.

The skills developed during this course can find use in a wide range of careers that may include self employment: Sound recording, media music production, composition, radio, television and the film industry, commercial advertising, musical instrument retail, software design, teaching and journalism. There is an ever increasing number of degree courses at universities and music colleges specialising in music technology that can lead directly to the career options mentioned above, and some where music technology can be combined with many other subjects.