Music Technology AS and A Level

Is this subject right for me?
Are you interested in exploring new ideas and taking risks?
Do you take an interest in various Art Forms?
Do you work well with others, and also on your own initiative?
Do you have good organisational skills?
Are you able to work to tight deadlines?
Do you have a good musical ear?
Do you have a good knowledge of IT?

This course is designed to develop understanding of the techniques and processes involved in Music Production through the study and use of digital recording, MIDI and Audio sequencing, Sampling and Synthesis and mixing equipment.

What is the course content?

There are three main areas of study covering:

• The Principles & Practice of Music Technology
  
  
• Popular Music styles since 1910
  
  
• The Development of Technology based Music

This will involve in the following disciplines:

Practical work (65%) which involves developing skills of Producing, Recording, Composing, Sequencing and Arranging.

Written work (35%) involving Listening and Analysing and Producing.

How will your work be assessed?

AS Level (year 1)

Practical Work â€" Portfolio of work sent to an external verifier (70% of AS):

• A Sequenced realised performance
  
  
• A Multi-track recording (8 â€" 12 tracks)
  
  
• Creative sequenced Arrangement.

Written Work - Examination (30% of AS):

• 1 hr 45 min examination based upon musical and technological
  aspects of Music Technology

A Level (year 2)

Practical Work â€" Portfolio of work sent to an external verifier (60% of A2):

• Sequenced Integrated Performance (sequenced backing track plus additional recorded audio)
  
  
• Multi-track Recording (12 â€" 24 tracks)
  
  
• Composing using Music Technology (from a prescribed brief)

Written work â€" Examination (40% of A2)

• 2hr examination
  two parts â€" analysis and correction of a pre-recorded piece; production of a stereo mix

What are the entry requirements?
The general entry requirements for studying Advanced level apply.
A minimum of Grade C in Music GCSE (if taken), or Grade 5 instrument. Grade 3 theory is recommended, however if a student has not taken it there are classes available leading up to Grade 5 examination and beyond.

Other information

There are many facilities in which you can develop your skills in Music Technology. Concerts and workshops take place every term. There are many opportunities for working with highly accomplished musicians (recording, composing). There is a fully functioning Recording Studio with hard-disk based recording and studio outboard equipment. You will have access to 30 computers running Cubase SX 3, Sibelius 4 and other music software. In addition, there are two 16 track portastudios and two laptops with external audio interfaces. There are also five practice rooms, six pianos, five synthesisers and various other instruments.

There is a college Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Vocal Training Choir, Jazz band, Rock Workshop, Guitar Workshop and various small ensembles such as String Quartets, Clarinet and Flute Choir, Vocal Backing Group, all that regularly meet.

Many students are encouraged to be involved in musical work outside College, such as Brighton or East Sussex Youth Orchestra, solo appearances and band performances. Competitions, awards and scholarships are also supported.

10/09