What is A-Level Music Technology?
Three areas of study underpin the whole specification, encouraging both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding:
Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes
Principles of sound and audio technology
The development of recording and production technology
In addition, within individual components, they provide a contextual focus for students’ practical and theoretical work.
What you'll do
Syllabus
Area of Study 1: Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes
- 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.
- The use of sound creation and processing techniques to correct and mix a recording.
Area of Study 2: Principles of sound and audio technology
- The knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound and of audio technology in relation to unfamiliar, commercially available recordings provided by Pearson in the exam.
- The knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound and audio technology in relation to theoretical and practical contexts provided by Pearson in the exam.
Area of Study 3: The development of recording and production technology
The history and development of recording and production technology from current digital technologies back to the mono, analogue recording technologies in the 1930s.
Examination
The A level course comprises two coursework assignments and two exams as follows:
Component 1: Recording
Non-examined assessment: externally assessed
20% of the qualification – 60 marks
Component 2: Technology-based composition
Non-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification – 60 marks
Component 3: Listening and analysing
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
25% of the qualification – 75 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
Whom does this subject suit?
The A level Music Technology course is suitable for anyone who has a keen interest in creating and recording music and who wishes to broaden their experience and deepen their understanding of popular music styles and developments in the subject. You will be expected to support classroom study with independent study time in the computer suite and recording studio.
All coursework tasks allow an element of choice and the opportunity to apply your own style and musical ideas in creating and manipulating musical material. In studying the various genres and styles, you’ll be expected to have an understanding of relevant musical theory and terminology. If you have no GCSE in Music, or your music theory skills are limited, we will support you in building these skills to the required level. A commitment to developing these skills is essential.
What might the subject lead to?
The A level Music Technology course provides an excellent basis for lifelong learning. There are many opportunities in Higher Education and many career possibilities for those proficient in handling music technology. A level Music Technology has been widely accepted by Higher Education providers and is a valuable experience and preparation for students aiming for further study in the subject. Study in Music Technology could lead to careers in the recording industry, sound engineering, producing and music education.