Music Technology (A Level)
Why study Music Technology?
Music Technology gives you the opportunity to explore and understand the technical processes involved in producing music. This is an exciting, cutting edge course where you will develop both your technical and creative skills using our fantastic facilities, including purpose-built recording studios (including live room and vocal isolation booth) and industry-standard equipment (Apple Mac OS X/Logic Pro X/Pro Tools). A professional musician/music technologist/producer/sound engineer
needs an ever diversifying skill set and this course caters for a range of musical backgrounds.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English grade 4 and GCSE Maths grade 4
- Although not compulsory, you could have GCSE Music, BTEC/NCFE Level 2 Music
Technology or an equivalent level of general music or music technology experience.
We understand students may not have had the opportunity to study these subjects in school so appropriate skills will be assessed by a member of the music teaching team at interview/enrolment. This course is designed to be accessible to those who do not play a traditional instrument. However, some basic music keyboard skills are extremely useful.
The Course
This course explores the use of technology as a practical tool to develop creative modern musicianship. Through a focus on computer-based sequencing, production and recording studio skills, students gain an advanced understanding of the techniques, practices and scientific principles of music technologies. Listening and analysis skills are developed through the detailed study of a wide range of popular and contemporary music. Students investigate the history of Music Technology and its influence on diverse musical genres over time.
Course Activities
Coursework tasks encourage students to develop their practical Music Technology skills through the creation of original compositions and studio recordings. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience using the College’s recently-upgraded music software and dedicated recording studio. This course combines practical, theoretical, creative and analytical skills and there is an expectation to complete a minimum of 4.5 hours per week of independent study, in addition to the content taught in the classroom. The independent study time will allow you to develop your skills and knowledge through set tasks. It is
likely that you need consider additional time to complete creative aspects of the course.
Career and Progression Opportunities
There is a very wide variety of Music Technology-based degree courses. Career opportunities can include sound engineering, sound design, sound for new media, theatre sound, teaching, academic research, commercial composition, and music publishing. Music Technology at this level can also very occasionally provide more direct access to music-related employment, usually after additional practical work experience. However, most careers in the field are becoming graduate entry only and thus require further study.
Course Structure and Assessment
This is a two-year course and the syllabus is divided into four components.
| Component title and content | Assessment |
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Component 1: Recording |
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Component 2: Composition |
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Component 3: Listening & Analysing |
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| Component 4: Producing & Analysing Students demonstrate their knowledge of the principles of Music Technology through practical audio production tasks and written commentaries. Previously-unheard audio data is imported into music software for processing, editing and mixing.
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Additional Information
Additional Information
This subject can be combined with A Level Music or the BTEC Music Practice
(Performing) National Foundation Diploma.
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel;