AS and A2 level Music Technology

AS and A2 level Music Technology

Would you like to learn how to record and produce high quality music? Do you think you would like to learn how to write music using audio and MIDI sequencing software? Are you interested in investigating the impact of Music Technology and understanding the development of popular music?

Music Technology is taught by specialist staff who have a variety and depth of professional experience in creating and recording music. The team will help you to further your understanding and skills with the latest software and equipment in this field, providing you with a first class opportunity to gain practical experience of the subject.



If you think you will enjoy recording, sequencing and arranging music and discussing the impact that technology has had throughout the history of popular music, then this course could be ideally suited to you.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
At AS you will study:

·Portfolio 1: sequencing, recording and arranging using technology
(70% AS, 35% of the A2)

·Listening and Analysing: studying the development of popular music and jazz
(30% AS, 15% of the A2)

At A2 you will study:

·Portfolio 2: sequencing, recording, and composing using technology
(60% A2, 30% of A2)

·Analysing and Producing:

processing, editing and mixing musical data
(40% A2, 20% of A2)

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
Assessment of the course is by written examination and coursework.



WHAT FACILITIES WILL I BE ABLE TO USE?
You will have access to up-to-date teaching suites, a large recording studio and two smaller recording/mixing spaces, comprising:

·three sequencing suites equipped with individual PCs running Sibelius 4, Cubase 4 and Reason 3

·a custom digital recording studio equipped with a range of industry standard microphones, drum kit and guitar amplifiers

·a range of departmental instruments including electric guitars, electric bass guitars, acoustic guitars, MIDI guitars, electronic drum kits

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
You will be involved a variety of learning activities during lessons, including individual sequencing and recording work, class discussion and listening to, identifying and writing about the musical and technical characteristics of a range of recorded music.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Students can continue their studies of Music Technology through a range of courses available at universities, music colleges and Higher Education colleges.



WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH MUSIC TECHNOLOGY?
Music Technology combines well with ICT/Computing, Media Studies and other arts and technology subjects. Music and Music Technology may be studied as separate courses.

The study of Music Technology offers a wide range of transferable skills that will promote broader opportunities and brighter horizons!

Requirement
A GCSE in Music and/or previous experience with Music Technology is beneficial, but not essential. You should ideally have some existing skills as a musician or vocalist and be ready to develop basic keyboard skills during the course. A GCSE (grade C or above) in ICT, Maths, or a Science subject is also beneficial. You will need to have enthusiasm for a wide range of popular music and be willing to work with sequencing software and recording technology in your own time.