Music Technology
Overview
Music Technology will support you in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music technology through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills. These include recording, technology-based composition, listening, analysing and production.
You will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of music technology techniques and develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the use of music technology.
Entry requirements
A GCSE in Music is desirable, but not essential.
You MUST have an active interest in the subject, i.e. play an instrument, be a bedroom DJ, etc. or partake in practical music groups.
Learning & Assessment
Why study this subject?
Music Technology is an exciting opportunity to delve into developing your knowledge, skills and understanding of exactly how you can produce music within a studio environment. This gives you the core knowledge needed to go onto practical and state of the art studio based courses within higher education. You get to explore how to record music, as well as to produce it and work through the full process of creating music.
What can you expect from this A level?
Lessons focus on developing practical skills in a state-of-the-art classroom with access to a Mac Suite, and Recording Studio. You'll work with Logic, MIDI keyboards, and produce various music styles while learning to analyse techniques. You'll also record and manipulate music in a professional setting.
What can you do with a qualification in this subject?
The subject can lead to degrees in Music Production, Sound Engineering, Audio Technology, and Music Composition.
It also offers a variety of career opportunities, including roles such as AV Technician, Digital Audio Editor, Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Music Therapist, Sound Designer, SFX Technician, and Composer for video games and other media.
Assessment
The assessment consists of four components.
Component 1 (20%) is a non-examined assessment where you develop skills in capturing, editing, processing, and mixing an audio recording of a song provided by the exam board.
Component 2 (20%) involves creating and manipulating sounds to produce a technology-based composition using state-of-the-art facilities.
Component 3 (25%) is an exam testing your knowledge of recording and production techniques.
Component 4 (35%) focuses on understanding and applying editing, mixing, and production techniques through practical outcomes using industry-standard programs.
Modules / Topics
Component 1
Recording.
Component 2
Technology Based Composition.
Component 3
Listening and Analysing.
Component 4
Producing and Analysing.
Trips / Visits / Enrichment
Trips, Visits & Enrichment
Music Technology students benefit from a wide range of visits, workshops and industry-linked enrichment opportunities designed to develop creative skills, build portfolios and explore progression routes into higher education and creative careers.
Visits & Workshops
Dec 26 - Creative London Trip - £200 Approx.
Visit world-renowned cultural institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Design Museum, with opportunities to explore exhibitions, creative industries and university progression pathways.
Guest Speakers & Progression Talks
Throughout the year, students have access to a variety of visiting speakers, university representatives and creative professionals who provide guidance on progression opportunities, careers and higher education.
Guest speakers include:
- WaterBear - Sep 26
- Northern School of Art - Nov 26
- Teesside University - Nov 26
- Leeds Beckett University - Nov 26
- Toby - Music Professional - Multiple Dates
These sessions include portfolio advice, career guidance, university application support and practical creative workshops designed to help students plan their next steps.
Enrichment Opportunities
The Performance Lab
The Performance Lab provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine their chosen performance discipline, whether acting, instrumental performance, singing, dance, spoken word, or performing as part of an ensemble. Students work both independently and collaboratively to hone their skills, culminating in a polished performance that is shared with an audience at the end of the programme.
Music Production
Music Production Enrichment offers students the opportunity to explore their creativity through computer-based music production. Whether developing original tracks, recording instrumental performances, producing electronic music or experimenting with sound design, students are introduced to a range of industry-standard techniques and software. With expert support and guidance, learners develop the skills needed to bring their creative ideas to life and achieve the sound they are aiming for.
What can I do with a qualification in this subject?
Pursuing an A Level in Music Technology, you are equipped with technical skills and creative insight, paving the way for a variety of exciting careers in the music and audio industries and providing a strong foundation for pursuing higher education degrees in Music Production, Sound Engineering, Audio Technology, and Music Composition.