Why choose A-Level Music Technology?

Music technology plays a key role in music across the world. This qualification (the only Advanced Subsidiary and advanced level GCE in Music Technology) is designed to open up a range of exciting and useful tasks to a wide candidature, and to encourage students to learn about the subject. Students, including those who do not play a traditional instrument, are encouraged to explore their musicality and create original materials using technology. Like its predecessor this specification retains an emphasis on practical tasks, but it is slimmed down and updated, with all tasks appropriate to styles of music that use music technology.

Course Outline

Edexcel's GCE in Music Technology comprises four units and contains an Advanced Subsidiary subset of two AS units.

The Advanced Subsidiary GCE is the first half of the GCE course and consists of Units 1 and 2. It may be awarded as a discrete qualification or contribute 50 per cent of the total Advanced GCE marks.

The full Advanced GCE award consists of the two AS units (Units 1 and 2), plus two A2 units (Units 3 and 4). Students wishing to take the full Advanced GCE must, therefore, complete all four units.

The A2, the second half of the Advanced GCE, comprises the other 50 per cent of the total Advanced GCE marks.

THE UNITS

AS

UNIT 1 – MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO 1 ASSESSED EXTERNALLY

Students will learn and use a variety of music and music technology skills in order to complete this unit.

Complete 3 tasks:-

A – Sequenced Realised Performance
B – multi-track Recording
C – Creative Sequenced Arrangement

ASSESSMENT – students will produce an audio CD – “Music Technology Portfolio 1” containing the three tracks of work from the tasks above. They will also present a log book.

70% (AS), 35%(full A level)

UNIT 2 – LISTENING AND ANALYSING ASSESSED EXTERNALLY

Study the development of popular music styles from 1910 to the present day, including 2 special focus styles.

ASSESSMENT – 1 hour 45 minute examination.

30% (AS), 15% (full A level)

A2

UNIT 3 – MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO 2 ASSESSED EXTERNALLY

This builds on skills acquired in Unit 1 and extends these to a composition task. It involves detailed study of Area of Study 3 – The Development of Technology-based Music.

Complete 3 tasks:-

A – Sequenced Integrated Performance
B – Multi-track Recording
C – Composing using Music Technology

ASSESSMENT – students will produce an audio CD – “Music Technology Portfolio 2” containing the three tracks of work from the tasks above. They will also present a log book.

 60% (A2), 30%(full A level) 

UNIT 4 – ANALYSING AND PRODUCING ASSESSED EXTERNALLY

Students will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge of music and the principles of music technology through a series of written commentaries, manipulations and production tasks.

• manipulate and correct recorded music
• write commentaries on technological processes
• produce a balanced stereo mix

ASSESSMENT – 2 hour examination

40% (A2), 20%(full A level)

Resources and facilities

THE FULL EDEXCEL SPECIFICATION http://developments.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/103297/GCE2008_MusicTechnology_Spec.pdf

RECOMMENDED WEB SITES

http://www.soundonsound.com
http://www.computermusic.co.uk

BOOKS

As an initial resource for centres wishing to offer AS/A2 Music Technology to their students the series of BASIC books by Paul White is recommended. All volumes are relevant to this course.

Paul White and Michael Prochak — Basic Complete Set (SMT Books) (ALL AT £5 EACH!)
Bartlett B — Practical Recording Techniques (Focal press, 2006)
Gibson B — Sound Advice on Microphone Techniques (Music Sales, 2003)
Winterson J — Pop Music: the Textbook (Peters Ed, 2003)

THE SAMUEL WARD MUSIC DEPARTMENT RECORDING STUDIO

Careers and progression

There are many important opportunities in higher education, and many career possibilities for those proficient in handling music technology. GCE in Music Technology has been widely accepted by higher education provides and this Music Technology Advanced GCE will continue to provide valuable experience and preparation for students aiming for HE in the subject.

Music technology careers could include work as a:

• sound engineer
• record producer
• teacher.

This qualification supports progression into further education, training or employment, such as a degree in Music Technology or a vocational course such as a BTEC HNC or HND in Music Production.

Entry requirements

Students who would benefit most from studying a GCE in Music Technology are likely to have a Level 2 qualification such as a GCSE

in Music at grades A*–C or a BTEC First Certificate or BTEC First

Diploma in Music.

Enquiries

Miss J Wright – Head of Music

jwright@samuelward.suffolk.sch.uk