A-Level 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)
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.
A-Level Music Technology (BTEC)
The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology can be readily combined with a wide range of other courses or as a complement to a media/arts based curriculum, or indeed as a companion to Music A level, giving it an extra dimension for those who may wish to go into the commercial side of music.
There are now a huge variety of courses in recording, producing, creative music technology, song writing and commercial music for which this course is an ideal starting point. Facilities at Millfield are second to none and will provide a thorough grounding in the subject.
A two year course equivalent to an A level, although it is possible to achieve a BTEC Certificate, equivalent to an AS Level, after only one year of study. In this course there will be six units taught over the two years.
Projects include:
• Music production techniques
• Sequencing systems and techniques
• Listening skills for music technologists
• Delivering a music products
• Marketing and promotion in the Music Industry
• Live sound techniques
There is ample opportunity to for you to pursue a particular area of interest and create a portfolio which would be of a suitable standard for application to Higher Education.
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, students 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.