Music Technology

Who does it suit?

Anyone with a passion for music be it Hip Hop, House, Heavy Metal or Soul. The course is particularly appealing to those with a creative disposition and does not require students to be virtuoso performers or have formal music training. A GCSE Music qualification would be an ideal grounding for the subject but is by no means essential. Music Technology is ideal for anyone who has ever had the desire to compose or produce their own music.

The AS

Study includes:

¨ Recording and production techniques

¨ Midi Sequencing (Cubase VST)

¨ A detailed history of popular music

¨ The history and development of technology in music ¨ Some music theory and study of classical music

¨ Composition and arrangement

The AS level is composed of 70% practical assessment and 30% written exams. Students will produce two four track recordings and two sequenced arrangements and complete one 1 hour 30 written exam on classical music and one of their recordings and one 2 hour listening and analysing exam.

The A2

Study includes:

¨ Advanced 8/16 track recording and production

¨ Arrangement

¨ Composition for Film and Television

¨ Advanced Sequencing techniques and theory

¨ Detailed study of music for film

Students will produce one 8/16 Track recording, one sequenced backing arrangement, one backing track with live instruments and vocals added, two compositions for film music and one “free” one to a set brief. Students will also complete one 1 hour exam on MIDI technology and one 1 hour exam on Music for the moving image.

The Department

The tutors for this subject are James O’Connor the Music Technology Subject Co-ordinator and Melanie Ward, Head of Music and Music Technology..

James has a diploma in Sound Engineering and Production from City College Manchester and an HND in Music Technology. James also has industry experience and currently produces and remixes for Out Of The Loop Recordings and does occasional audio work for websites. Melanie Ward, is a graduate of The University of Auckland, where she completed her Masters of Music under some of New Zealand's leading composers.  She brings a wide variety of experience to the College, having taught both in New Zealand and the UK, and enjoys a wide range of musical interests, from musical history to composition, electronic music to conducting. 

Results

Music Technology is now a well established subject at d’Overbroeck’s . The Music Technology students proceeding to A2 all received A and B grades at AS in 2005.