Music Technology
The majority of music produced today is brought to the listener via technology. Music Technology considers the impact of technology on a wide range of music and the basic principles of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, and the digitalisation of sound.
Students engage with a wide range of music technology techniques and develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the use of music technology in the creation and production of music.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: EDEXCEL
Course Description
In A Level Music Technology students will study recording techniques, mixing and production as well as arranging music in a variety of styles. The course will explore sound creation and manipulation, focusing on the arrangement, mixing and processing techniques to capture, edit and produce a unique recording. Students will develop the skills required to manage music technology projects from inception to completion, by evaluating and refining recordings and technology-based compositions over extended periods of time.
Students will learn about the traditions and development in sound and audio technology, studying the history of popular music from current digital technologies back to the mono, analogue recording technologies of the 1930s. Students will investigate how sonic and musical applications have shaped and been shaped by music technology innovations and how they promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course with all units examined at the end of Year 13.
There are two NEA (coursework) units, one for recording and one for composing/arranging which form 40% of the course. The remaining marks are generated from two exams, one of which involves listening to music, the other manipulating and editing material according to the preset questions.
Entry Requirements
GCSE Music is not a requirement, but where it has been studied, a Grade 5 is required.Ideally, students will have grade 5 or higher in Science GCSE.
You might also be interested in A Level Music
Where might it lead?
Music Technology can help open doors to careers as a:
- Composer
- Foley Artist
- Jingle Writer
- Mastering Engineer
- Mixing Engineer
- Song Writer
- Studio Runner
- Studio Assistant
- Radio Producer
- Recording Engineer
- Record Producer
- Remix Engineer
