AS Level Music Technology

Music Technology (AS and A Level) Marple only

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

AS and A Level (Edexcel)

Campus: Marple

(03.02.09)

Course overview

Music Technology is one of the fastest growing subjects within the curriculum. Students will learn a wide range of skills including Midi and Audio Sequencing, Mixing, Audio Editing, Multitracking.

In addition, the students on the course will develop general musicianship skills in areas such as performance, composition and arranging.

Please note that AS counts towards 50% of the overall A Level grade.

Music Technology has 2 units of study for AS Level and a further 2 units for A Level. The emphasis on the subject content will involve more stretch and challenge to students.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One

In this first unit, students are expected to produce a portfolio containing a log and a 3 track audio CD. The CD will feature two sequences and one multitrack recording. This unit makes up 70% of the overall mark.

Unit Two

The second unit is exam based and is titled Listening and Analysing. As a result you will sit a 1 hour 45 minute exam whilst you analyse a range of popular music styles since 1910. As part of the course, you will study the development of popular music and music technology since 1910. This unit makes up 30% of the overall mark.

A Level (year two)

Unit Three

In this unit, students will produce a portfolio containing a log and 3 track audio CD. The CD will feature a sequence, a composition and a multitrack recording.

Unit Four

This unit is exam based and is titled Analysing and Producing. Students will sit a 2 hour exam which will consist of importing various audio files into Cubase in order to analyse a produce a quality stereo mix.

How you will learn

Students will learn from a variety of teaching sessions and self motivated study. It is vital that students attend all sessions and are prepared to devote a reasonable amount of time in order to develop their skills. Learning to use the technology creatively is like learning a new musical instrument, it requires practice.

How you will be assessed

All students will be regularly internally assessed through various written and practical assessments. At the end of the course, all coursework and exam papers will be externally assessed by Edexcel.

Special entry requirements

It is desirable that students have GCSE music to a grade C or above. However it is absolutely imperative that all students have the ability to both perform to approximately grade 5 standard on their instrument and can read staff notation in at least treble and bass clef.

What the students say

Its a practical course that gives me a wide experience of recording lots of different musical styles using really up to date equipment.Adam Sholes

Other useful information

The course has very good pass rates with a high number of students going on to university or work based training.

Options XTRA activities include: Guitar, Band, Jazz Band Music Theory and much more.