There are physical and technical parameters that must be understood to create and capture a performance. You will learn about the role and functionality of key components in the studio including microphones and placement, the mixing console and sound levels, gain structure and equalisation, effects and processes within the recording process, signal paths and the mechanics of sound. You will familiarise yourself with the hardware, initially in making very basic sound recordings of live instruments, progressing to confidently engineering and producing good quality multi-track recordings.
What skills or learning approach do I need for this subject?
Music technology is not about your ability to play any particular instrument – it is about your ability to create a record of events, involving a piece of music. This can be your moment of creativity – a spark that will ignite a passion to master the parameters of the technology available to us.
How is it examined?
Music Technology is a linear A Level – all the assessments take place at the end of the second year. There are two projects and two end of year written examinations.
Project 1: Using our recording studio, you will use production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording.
Project 2: Using Cubase Pro 9, you will create, edit, manipulate and structure sounds to produce a technology-based composition.
Written Paper 1: Knowledge and understanding of recording and production techniques and principles, in the context of a series of unfamiliar commercial recordings. Application of knowledge related to recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes, principles of sound and audio technology and the development of recording and production technology.
Written Paper 2: Knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques, to be applied to unfamiliar materials. Application of knowledge related to recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes and the principles of sound and audio technology.
Examination method
Two projects and two written papers for A Level.
What could this course lead to?
Further study of music or music technology at university, which may lead to employment in the music, TV or film industries as well as in creative fields including advertising, design, production and recording.
GCSEs required
GCSE Music would be advantageous but not compulsory. Good grades in Mathematics and Physics would also help, along with a strong knowledge of western popular music and culture.
Will I need to do coursework?
Yes.
What syllabus do you follow?
Pearson/Edexcel 9MT0