A/AS Music Technology

A/AS Music Technology

What is Music Technology?
The role that technology plays in everyday experience is now so pervasive that most of the music people hear comes via loudspeakers; even an 'acoustic' recording or broadcast of live performers in a concert hall has been shaped by -studio musicians- before reaching our ears. The syllabus recognises this new and important phenomenon within the musical world, and is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, practical skills and aural perception that are needed to employ audio and computer technology for musical ends.

Is Music Technology suitable for me?
Past experience suggests that those with an interest in music outside of college jazz band, youth orchestra, church choir, rock band etc, are more likely to be successful. The better students tend to have an interest in - and perform, a wide variety of music and have some experience of sequencing and/or multi track recording.

Current students divide 50/50 over the great/difficult parts of the course. Those with keyboard skills find the sequencing part of the course relatively simple, whilst those with little or no keyboard skills, prefer the recording part of the course.

However, all agree that listening & analysing is the toughest part of the course. Even if students have studied GCSE music, this is an aspect of music that is completely new, as it is not undertaken at GCSE.

How will I learn?
i) Sequencing: classroom lessons using Cubase on the college music computers. 3/4 week projects.

ii) Recording: taught sessions using the college's three studios. 3/4 week projects.

ii) Areas of Study: classroom lessons to involve a) in AS the analyses of pop music & jazz, & b) in A2 - the technical processes and principals that underpin effective use of music technology. Written work will be set. iii) Compositional Techniques [A2 only] taught lessons based on compositional techniques, each employing different aspects of music technology. 4/5 week projects.

How will I be assessed? AS Music Technology
a) Music Technology Portfolio [70%] externally assessed & to include:

i) Sequencing Realised Performance - based on a recording of a piece of music specified by the board;

ii) Multi track recording 'record' a piece of own choice [any Popular Music Style since 1910], lasting between 2 & 4 minutes, using between 8 & 12 live tracks;

iii) Creative Sequenced Arrangement - an arrangement showing creative development in one of two prescribed styles lasting between 2 & 3 minutes;

iv) Logbook to detail equipment used and answer questions of their Creative Sequenced Arrangement.

b) Listening & Analysing [30%] - 1 hour 45 minute listening examination externally assessed.

A2 Music Technology
a) Music Technology Portfolio [60%] - externally assessed & to include:

i) Sequencing Integrated Performance: a sequenced integrated performance containing a live audio recording of the vocals â€" together with other live tracks, selected from a choice of two pieces specified by the board;

ii) Multi track recording: students will select one recording topic from a choice of two, and will record a piece lasting between 3 & 5 minutes using between 12 & 24 live tracks;

iii) Composing using technology: based on one of three prescribed briefs set by the board and lasting between 3 & 4 minutes;

iv) Logbook to detail equipment used.

b) Analysing & Producing [40%] a two hour examination in two parts; i) testing students†musical understanding, their ability to manipulate and correct recorded music and their ability to comment on technological processes; & ii) their ability to interpret music file data.

Progression
Martha studied for A levels in Music & Music Technology. As well as being a member of The Jazz Factory she was also a member of the colleges Big Band, Choral Society, New Music Ensemble and Jazz Band. Outside college she played with South East Hants Jazz Project and was a member of the Havant Clarinet and Saxophone Choir. From September 2009 Martha has had an offer to study jazz saxophone at Birmingham Conservatoire.

Course costs
i) A substantial number of CDs will be required for recording coursework;

ii) Students are recommended to buy The Student Guide to Music Technology [just over £20] & regularly read Sound on Sound and/or Music Tech magazine [both of which are taken in the LRC];

iii) The department organizes a number of wide ranging trips throughout the year. Whilst it is difficult to put a price on these, students ought to set aside between £40 and £50 a year for these optional visits;

iv) Whilst all students studying AS & A level music will be provided with a weekly free of charge instrumental lesson, the college does not have a supply of musical instruments.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: EDEXCEL 8MT01/9MT01

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Entry Requirements
Whilst there is no prescribed knowledge for this course, it is recommended that students should have shown themselves capable of a level of practice and understanding equivalent to that of GCSE Music at grade C or above -including an ability to read music from treble and bass staves. However, we are also happy to accept Grade V Theory AND Grade V on an instrument PLUS in lieu of Grade C in GCSE Music.

Students' Work

• Sequencing, recording and producing:
• Aeroplane - produced by Sam Gardner
• Bongo bong - produced by Pete Tupper
• Lost Song - produced by Pete Tupper
• Crazy - produced by Lanty Chafer
• Legal - produced by Jami Welch
• Such great heights - produced by Gemma Kennard
• Teardrop - produced by Sam Gardner
• Torn - produced by Tim Bubb

• Composing using technology:
• Mike Dawes - Heart disease called love
• Pete Tupper - Heart disease called love
• Sam Gardner - Natural disasters
• Gemma Kennard - Singing bowl

Related Items
Subject Focus: Music