AS and A Level Music Technology

AS and A Level Music Technology
This course is designed to allow students to study music through music technology. It recognises technology in music as a way of music making in its own right. It is aimed at musicians who want to recreate traditional music and musicians who want to exploit the potential of technology in creating new music.

What does the course consist of?
In Year 1 you will study Unit 1 for an AS Level. In Year 2 you will take Unit 2 to complete the full Advanced Level.
Unit 1: Music Technology Portfolio 1

Sequencing, recording and arranging using technology
You will be assessed by coursework and examination

Unit 2: Written Work

Listening and analysis 1
You will be assessed by examination

Unit 3: Music Technology Portfolio 2

• Sequenced Integrated Performance
• Multi-track Recording
• Composing Using Technology

You will be assessed by coursework

Unit 4: Analysing and Producing

• Musical Understanding and Technological Processes
• Production of a Balanced Stereo Mix
• Listening and analysis 2

You will be assessed by examination

What else do I need to know?
The School of Music is housed in a purpose-built suite of rooms. The main teaching room is also used for recitals and rehearsals. It is linked by sight and sound to the recording studio next door which has its own sound proof live room. There is a smaller teaching room which is also used for instrumental teaching and chamber music. Five practice rooms, an office and a room equipped with music computer technology complete the music facilities. The School of Music houses a large collection of books, scores and recorded sound. There is a considerable library of choral, instrumental, chamber and piano music. We have thirty three Apple Mac computers with Sibelius 5 for score writing and Logic Pro 8 for sequencing. Equipment includes a mixing desk, sampler, compressor, DAT machine, CD writers, two 4-track minidisc recorders and two 8-track recorders and the technology facilities are being continually developed. We also have six pianos and a harpsichord. The department's acoustic, electric and bass guitars and drum kits are popular with many students.

• Music is considered as a serious academic qualification for any degree at university.
• Music is a perfect foil for the science subjects (Maths, Physics and Music is a common combination). Music also combines happily with the Arts, Humanities and Languages.
• Qualifications in Music lead to careers in performance, sound recording engineering (you must normally have Mathematics, Physics and Music A Levels), teaching (Music is a National Curriculum subject), the "music business" (Electronics or Physics are useful), arts administration and music journalism.
• You will be expected to join in the many College musical activities- ensembles, orchestras, bands and the choir. All music students are required to sing in the choir. We give regular concerts and are frequently asked to give performances to external audiences. In 2008-2009 these included functions for Southampton City Council and at the House of Commons.
• Masterclasses with professional musicians are arranged in conjunction with the Turner Sims Concert Hall. Composers and instrumentalists visit the college for workshops and lectures.
• Instrumental lessons can be arranged through the college with our visiting tutors.
• Students taking AS and A Level courses are entitled to 10 free half-hour instrumental lessons per term.
• You will need your own musical instrument for practice.
• Teaching groups are typically around 15-20 students.
• Students leaving Taunton's progress to the major music colleges and universities.
• This is a high achieving department and one of the biggest in the country. It is regarded as a "centre of excellence".