Music Technology
A-Level Music Technology is an ideal entry point for pupils looking for exciting careers and courses in Music. There is a high level of coursework within the syllabus. Pupils will:
- Compose music for film
- Record live and multi-track performances
- Make music with computers
- Gain hands on experience with a wide range of audio equipment
Over the two years, pupils learn to:
- Sequence MIDI
- Sequence Audio
- Record Live Instruments
- Produce CDs
- Compose using Music Technology
The course can be combined with any other subject or taken as an extra AS-Level. It covers three core areas:
- The Principles and Practice of Music Technology
- Popular Music Styles since 1910
- The Development of Technology based Music (A2)
Facilities
The course benefits from the music departments fantastic facilities. Additionally four classrooms have been equipped with the latest Intel Macs.
Pupils are introduced to recording and sequencing music using Garage Band in Year 9. Sibelius is available as is Logic, Cubase, Recycle, Reason and other well known music packages.
Course Requirements
To succeed in this subject, pupils must understand and be able to play music at a reasonable level. Keyboard skills are essential. If they don’t possess them, pupils must be prepared to acquire them quite swiftly.
AS-Level
In their first year (AS-Level) pupils study:
- The development of music technology – starting from the wax cylinder to the CD and beyond.
- Music from the Western classical tradition – a brief overview of form and structure.
- Popular music and jazz – students become familiar with the work of famous performers to understand the development of popular music.
Projects include:
- Recording a Western Classical Music performance
- Creating a multi-track recording of a Pop/Jazz piece
- Arranging a piece to be played by a group using a notated score and computer generated parts
- Arranging a piece using a software sequencer
Pupils also undertake a written examination. This involves listening and analysing music from an audio CD. Questions focus on technological and musical issues related to the recordings.
A2-Level
Building on AS-Level, pupils additionally study music for the moving image or words and music. This involves investigating two set films or lyric based music.
Pupils compose two pieces. One is of their own choice and the other is set by the examining board (Edexcel). The latter involves meeting a detailed brief for a film or TV soundtrack.
Additional projects include:
- Recording a MIDI sequenced version of a piece. This is remixed to add live tracks
- A larger scale multi track recording using more sophisticated techniques than the equivalent AS project
There is also a two part written examination:
- Analysing a musical score, recording and MIDI file
- Answering questions on a selection of audio tracks from the set films.
Our Teaching Staff: Mr Mortimer Rhind-Tutt GRSM ARCM MA
