AS Level Music Technology (MUST-S)

AS Level Music Technology (MUST-S)

Course Description
What will I learn on this course?
You will acquire practical skills relating to sequencing and recording, as well as arranging and composing using music technology.
You will learn to recognise the musical, technical and stylistic features of modern recorded music.
In addition, for A2 you will learn to compose and recreate sounds using music technology and will develop your ideas from AS level into more complex and professionally produced productions.
You will also produce a detailed studio recording of a band.


What kind of assessments will I have to complete to get my qualification?
AS
Unit 1a Practical work: Music Technology Portfolio 1
You will present for external assessment two computer sequenced performances and one recording.
The exam board will set the musical style of both sequences.
The recording will involve drums, bass and lead and/or rhythm guitars as well as keyboards and/or voice. There will also be written work in the form of a logbook for each piece of music.

Unit 1b AS Exam
You will take a 1hr 45 min Listening and Analysis examination at the end of the academic year which will consist of a series of musical extracts on CD with a structured answer booklet.


A2

Unit 2a Practical work: Music Technology Portfolio 2
You will present for assessment a full multi-track recording of popular music, a sequenced backing track for a song and a detailed composition using all of the techniques learned in the AS and A2 years.

Unit 2b A2 Exam
You will sit two examinations, one involving technical analysis and commentaries on a variety of aspects of audio production and engineering. The other is a practical test involving the production of a balanced mix of a set piece of music.

What could I do at the end of my course?

This qualification can lead to further study in Music Technology and many related subjects (e.g. audio engineering, recording studio and media technician work) in Higher Education at degree or HND level. Music Technology also provides students with essential problem solving skills which are invaluable in many other areas.

Music Technology can therefore be a stepping stone into the music, radio, internet, film or any other industry which involves sound production.