Music Technology: AS/A Level

‘Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid’ Frank Zappa

Music Technology AL (Edexcel Board) offers a range of exciting opportunities to learn about MIDI sequencing, sampling, studio recording and production, composing, and the history of pop and jazz. Students using the new mixing desk in the Control Room The College has an extensive range of recording equipment, as well as eighteen music workstations with Sibelius 6 score writing software, Auralia and Musition, Cubase Studio 4 sequencing software, in addition to Reason and the Garritan Personal Orchestra and Jazz & Big Band. There is a recording studio with remote links to two ‘live’ rooms. It is equipped with an Allen & Heath Saber Mixing Desk and a range of effects units, compressors and sound modules, and professional quality microphones for most recording needs. There are also a number of Alesis multimix audio computer interfaces and multi-track, hard-disk recorders available.

Our facilities not only meet the requirements of the new specification, but provide additional resources with dedicated MIDI drum and guitar suites.

Areas of Study
Activities
Studios & Equipment

There are three areas of study:

1. The Principles and Practice of Music Technology: the MusicTechnology knowledge and skills that underpin the practical and written work. The study and practice of MIDI sequencing, audio sequencing and recording, with the aim of producing ‘musical’ results: technology is the servant of the music, not an end in itself.

2. Popular Music Styles since 1910: jazz, pop and rock. Students will learn about the main musical and cultural characteristics of the major styles and trends of the past 100 years – from ragtime to electronica! An understanding of technological terms and concepts and relevant music theory and terminology is required (eg staff notation, keys and chord symbols).

3. The Development of Technology-based music: the development and influence of technology on music since 1910, including instruments involving technology, recording practice and related developments in contemporary art music.
Recording in the Live Room

For AS coursework, students will produce an audio CD, with a logbook, entitled ‘Music Technology Portfolio 1’, containing three tracks of work: a Sequenced Realised Performance (piece specified by Edexcel); a Multi-track Recording (piece of their own choice, 8-12 live tracks); and a Creative Sequenced Arrangement (choice of 2 stimuli and 2 possible styles prescribed by Edexcel). There is also a Listening & Analysing written exam, assessing knowledge of Study Areas 1 and 2 above.

At A2, the coursework audio CD ‘Music Technology Portfolio 2’ is to contain a Sequenced Integrated Performance (1 of 2 pieces specified by Edexcel, integrating live and MIDI tracks); a Multi-track Recording (1 recording topic from a choice of 2, 12-24 live tracks); and Composing using Music Technology (1 of 3 prescribed briefs). The Analysing & Producing written paper tests students’ musical understanding, their ability to manipulate and correct recorded music and their ability to write commentaries on technological processes. It includes a practical test involving the production of a balanced stereo mix.