Music Technology at Glenalmond College

Music Technology - EDEXCEL - AS (8MT01) and A2 (9MT01)

The AS and A level course in music technology is designed to show the practical use of computers and recording equipment in the everyday life of the 21^st Century musician. Useful for those considering a further education course in music, be it on the commercial side (rock, pop, dance and jazz) or on the 'art music' ('classical') side, it is above all a course which would appeal to anyone with an interest in music's place in our lives today. It is also useful to those interested in the production and engineering side of the industry.

This A level is studied in a modular fashion, with AS coursework submitted in May of the Lower Sixth year, the AS exam taken in the summer of the Lower Sixth, A2 coursework being submitted in May of the Upper Sixth and the A2 exam being taken in the summer of the Upper Sixth. There are no January exams available in this subject.

AS Components 220 marks

Unit 1 Music Technology Portfolio 1 (6MT01) 140 marks

Coursework developed from stimulus material issued in September, produced under controlled, timed conditions during lessons at any point in the Lower Sixth year, submitted as a single audio CD in May of the Lower Sixth year.

1A Sequenced Realised Performance (20 hours) (40 marks)

1B Multi-track Recording (20 hours) (40 marks)

1C Creative Sequenced Arrangement (20 hours) (40 marks)

Logbook (20 marks)

Unit 2 Listening and Analysing (6MT02) 80 marks

A 1 hour 45 minute listening examination, externally assessed, taken in the summer of the Upper Sixth year.

2A (40 marks)

Based upon AoS 2. Aural perception of musical characteristics and features of given extracts, including relevant technological issues.

2B (40 marks)

Based upon the Special Focus Styles which change annually, as below:

2012 Punk and new wave. Club dance.

2013 Rock and Roll. Rap and hip hop.

2014 Reggae. Heavy rock.

2015 Soul. Indie rock.

A2 Components 220 marks

Unit 3 Music Technology Portfolio 2 (6MT03) 120 marks

Coursework completed from briefs and topics supplied at the beginning of the U6th year, produced under controlled, timed conditions during lessons at any point in the Upper Sixth year submitted as a single audio CD in May of the Upper Sixth year.

3A Sequenced Integrated Performance (20 hours) (40 marks)

3B Multi-track recording (20 hours) (40 marks)

3C Composing using Music Technology (20 hours) (40 marks)

Unit 4 Analysing and Producing (6MT04) 100 marks

A 2 hour examination, taken at a music technology workstation.

4A (75 marks)

Tests pupils' musical understanding, their ability to manipulate and correct recorded music and their ability to write commentaries on technological processes.

4B (25 marks)

A practical task involving the production of a balanced stereo mix. A CD will be burned at the conclusion of the exam and will be submitted for external assessment, together with the completed answer booklet.

The practice of Music Technology involves Sequencing and Recording:

Sequencing involves the recreation of musical performances using Audio samples, recording, MIDI computer technology and sound modules. The inputting of musical data requires keyboard skills; therefore pupils will need be able to prove a measure of ability at the keyboard. A rudimentary understanding of treble and bass clef staff notation is a fundamental requirement. In addition, while not essential, the understanding of Theory to Grade 5 level would facilitate the practice and understanding of many areas of the course. Familiarity with computers and I.T. is helpful. Please see Dr Ridley if you require any clarification of these points.

Recording involves the recording of live musicians using microphones, mixing desks, digital tape recorders and computers, effects processors and CD mastering.

Although the written units of this specification are based around the study of contemporary styles of music, Music Technology should not be viewed as a course designed for 'rock/pop' musicians. The skills it develops are equally useful and applicable to all areas of music. It is a very practical course aimed at people who wish to be actively creative with music in various forms, as opposed to those who wish a more traditional theory and history based course.