Music Technology
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Examination Board: Edexel Qualification: A level Teacher Contact: Mr Naylor
Entry Requirements: Grade 6 at Music GCSE and some demonstrable experience in Music Technology.
What will I study? The course is comprised of four units: Recording; Technology-based Composition; Listening and Analysing; and Producing and Analysing. You will develop skills in recording, sequencing, editing and producing music using virtual, digital and analogue tools and utilise these to realise a technology-based performance. This may also include playing your own instrument. You will also make use of technology to manipulate and structure sounds to create your own composition. There is an exam in which you will hear recordings and be asked to give written responses about them. This focuses on recording and production techniques, the principles of sound and audio technology and the development of recording and production technology. There is also a practical exam wherein you must apply your skills to the challenges presented to you. There is also a written component to this assessment. There will be various opportunities for you to work with live sound and exhibit your work throughout the year. You will be encouraged to develop your production, composition and analytical skills throughout the course outside of the classroom. You will also be expected to take part in at least one of the many varied musical ensembles that run throughout the year. Am I suited to this course? You would be well suited to studying Music Technology at A level if you: — enjoyed composing or recording using programs such as GarageBand or Sibelius during the GCSE Music course — wish to develop and deepen your understanding of music technology and its context — want to work in a broad variety of musical styles with independence to focus on genres of personal interest.
What other subjects does it complement? Music Technology goes well with other arts-based subjects such as English, Drama and Art. Music Technology also goes well with Mathematics and Physics due to the mathematical and analytical components relating to the physics of sound. There are also obvious links between this course and ICT. Where can it lead? Music Technology A level would be beneficial to those seeking to develop or specialise in Music or Music Technology at degree level. It would support those wishing to pursue Music professionally, either on a production or compositional basis. Music Technology A level can assist a career in teaching in institutions ranging from primary schools to higher education establishments. Other opportunities lie in live sound for venues and tours, production for radio, film, television and the internet, the development of new audio technologies and the recording industry.
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