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Music Technology

Examination board: Edexcel/Pearson
Music Technology A level first examination in June 2019

Music plays an important part in today’s modern world and provides the soundtrack to advertisements, films, the internet, and television. Music Technology is the combination of artistic and technological creativity and plays an important role in the development of new sound possibilities. The subject is an excellent option for students who have a solid grounding in and enthusiasm for music of all kinds. The course involves much practical work and opens up a range of exciting and useful tasks to a wide candidature, encouraging students to develop their interests in the subject. The A level Music Technology course can lead to specialism at a music college or university. It also prepares students to access industry roles, such as working in live venues, radio, television, and theatre. In addition these courses are an excellent foundation for entry into higher education for a variety of subjects.

What will I learn?

Students are encouraged to explore their musicality and create original materials using technology. For example students have the opportunity to sequence MIDI and audio, record live instruments, and compose using music technology. They will also build an understanding of the technical processes and principles that underpin effective use of music technology, and comment on it in writing. The College has a fully-equipped recording studio running the latest versions of Logic Pro X and Sibelius.

Assessment

Component 1 Recording

Non-examined assessment 

20%

Assessment overview 

One recording, chosen from a list of 10 songs provided by Pearson, consisting of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments.
Component 2 Technology-based composition 

Non-examined assessment 

20% 

Assessment overview

  • One technology-based composition chosen from three briefs supplied by the board
  • Synthesis and sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects use must be included.
Component 3 Listening and analysing

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

25% 

Assessment overview 

  •  Section A: Listening and analysing (40marks) – four questions, each based on unfamiliar commercial recordings supplied by Pearson (10 marks each).
  • Section B: Extended written responses (35marks) –two essay questions. One comparison question, which uses two unfamiliar commercial recordings (15 marks).
Unit 4 Producing and analysing

Written/practical examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes setting–up time) 

35% 

Assessment overview 

  •  Section A :Producing and analysing (85marks)–five questions related to the audio and MIDI materials provided.
  • Section B: Extended written response (20marks) –one essay focusing on a specific mixing scenario, signal path, effect or music technology hardware unit

 

Past students of Music Technology have gone on to follow degree courses such as Music, Music Production, Popular Music and Music Performance at leading universities such as The Royal Northern College of Music, Goldsmiths, The Academy of Contemporary Music, Middlesex University, Southampton Solent University, BIMM, ICMP, SAE Institute.

Students may have studied GCSE Music (but this is not a pre-requisite) with instrumental skills being highly desirable.

About Fine Arts College

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