Music technology AS / A Level

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AS / A LEVEL
At Scarborough Sixth Form College Music Technology is available at both AS Level, a one year course, and A Level, a two year course. We offer the Edexcel Music for the AS (one year) course and A2 (two year) course.

What and how will I be studying?
Over the course you will study many areas of music technology including sequencing, arranging, recording, mixing, and sound manipulation. All of these skills will be learned using Cubase studio 4 and Reason 3.

This is broken down into 2 units in each year

AS - Year 1

Music technology portfolio 1:

• Sequenced realised performance. To create a sequence of the given track using Cubase and reason software.
  
• Multi-track recording. To record eight live tracks and then process and mix them to sound as close to the original as possible.
  
• Creative sequenced arrangement. To arrange a given popular song in a different style or genre using Cubase and reason software.
  

Listening and analysing
Students are also required to study the development of popular music styles from 1910 to the present day. Two focus styles will be selected each year for more in-depth study, for which students must have an extended knowledge and understanding of context.

A2 - Year 2

Music technology portfolio 2

• Sequenced integrated performance. To create a sequenced piece of music and to integrate live audio recording, processing and mixing techniques.
  
• Multi- track recording. To record 12 - 24 live tracks and then process and mix them to sound as close to the original as possible.
  
• Composing using technology. To compose using technology a piece of music lasting 3 - 4 minutes in response to a chosen brief.
  

Analysing and Producing
Students will be tested in an exam on their abilities to correct, manipulate, balance, mix and discuss technological processes in music.

What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
Basic piano/keyboard skills, a working knowledge of basic computers and operating systems, a knowledge of sequencing package such as Cubase would all be helpful. All of these skills will be developed during the course as well as recording, processing and mixing techniques.

All A level music students are entitled to one instrumental lesson a week at a reduced rate from a selection of peripatetic staff.

How is the Course assessed? AS - Year 1
70% coursework and 30% 1h 45 minutes exam.

The music technology portfolio 1 is submitted as a CD of work, which must be completed under controlled, timed conditions (20 hours per piece of coursework) by May.

There is a written listening and analysing paper assessing the students knowledge of the development of popular music styles from 1910 to present day. This will be taken in June.

A2 - Year 2
60% coursework and 40% 2 hour exam.

The music technology portfolio 2 is submitted as a CD of work, which must be completed under controlled, timed conditions (20 hours per piece of coursework) by May.

There is a written analysing and producing paper in which students will be tested on their abilities to correct, manipulate, balance, mix and discuss technological processes in music.

What career opportunities are there?
A variety of music technology courses are available to pursue at university such as sound engineering composition, history of popular music or just plain music technology. Music technology can often be paired in a double honours degree with another subject such as music, media, drama and computing.

Music technology is becoming big business and there are many different career paths in the field these include sound engineer, sound editor, recording engineer, composer, or work in radio. There are also many careers in the music industry that require a good knowledge of all areas of music.

...and what else?
The college encourages informal musical activities such as rock bands and groups as well as a wind ensemble and a choir run by college staff.

There is also a recording skills X factor course for those students who do not take music technology but would like to learn how to use recording equipment.