Subject
Music
Course
A Level Music Technology
Exam Board
Pearson Edexcel
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mr T Morgan
Brief introduction to subject:
You will learn how to produce music using a range of studio and IT software and hardware:
Area of Study 1:
- the use of recording and mixing techniques to capture, edit and produce a recording.
- the use of sound creation and manipulation techniques to create, edit and structure a technology-based composition.
- the capture, arrangement of sounds and mixing and mastering techniques that have been used on a series of unfamiliar commercially available recordings.
- use of sound creation and processing techniques to correct and mix a recording.
Area of Study 2:
- the knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound and of audio technology in relation to unfamiliar commercially available recordings.
- the knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound and of audio technology in relation to theoretical and practical contexts.
Area of Study 3:
the knowledge and understanding of the history and development of recording and production technology from current digital technologies back to the mono, analogue recording technologies in the 1930s.
Course Requirements
A minimum of Grade 5 in English Language and Maths, you will also need at least Grade 7 in the subject you wish to study. Please check the exact course requirements with individual subjects as they may vary.
Assessment
Component 1: Recording Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification 60 marks Assessment overview
● One recording, chosen from a list of 10 songs provided by Pearson, consisting of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments
● Keyboard tracks may be sequenced.
● Total time must be between 3 minutes and 3½ minutes.
● Logbook and authentication form must be supplied.
Component 2: Technology-based composition Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification 60 marks Assessment overview
● One technology-based composition chosen from three briefs set by Pearson
● Synthesis and sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects use must be included.
● Total time must be 3 minutes.
● Logbook and authentication form must be supplied.
Component 3: Listening and analysing
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of the qualification 75 marks Assessment overview
● This paper comprises two sections:
● Section A: Listening and analysing (40 marks) – four questions, each based on unfamiliar commercial recordings supplied by Pearson (10 marks each).
● Section B: Extended written responses (35 marks) – two essay questions. One comparison question, which uses two unfamiliar commercial recordings (15 marks). The second essay uses the final unfamiliar commercial recording provided by Pearson (20 marks).
Component 4: Producing and analysing
Written/practical examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes setting–up time) 35% of the qualification 105 marks
Assessment overview ● This paper comprises two sections:
● Each student will be provided with a set of audio/MIDI materials for the practical element of the examination
● Students will correct and then combine the audio and MIDI materials to form a completed mix.
● Section A: Producing and analysing (85 marks) – five questions related to the audio and MIDI materials provided that include both written responses and practical tasks.
● Section B: Extended written response (20 marks) – one essay focusing on a specific mixing scenario, signal path, effect or music technology hardware unit.
Students who study this course go on to undergraduate studies at university in a variety of subjects or move into a music specialist course or job. Options might include Music Technology, Sound Production, Sound Engineering and many other courses requiring a similar skill set. Music works well with other Arts and Science courses providing creative academic and practical skills. Students have recently gone on to study at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, The University of Birmingham and Cambridge University.
