Music Technology
Bilborough offers separate courses in both Music and Music Technology, following the new 2008 Edexcel specifications. Music Technology focuses on recording techniques together with creative arranging and composing utilising computer software.
Intending students of Music Technology should have a strong interest in contemporary music and an aptitude for both music and information technology. Some experience with sequencing software and recording technology is highly desirable. It is useful to have studied music or information technology at GCSE or Intermediate GNVQ level, but this is not essential.
Some students opt to take both Music and Music Technology. This is a sensible choice for able students who intend to continue studying music in higher education, although students are always well advised to consult the specific entry requirements of individual HE institutions.
All students of Music Technology are expected to take an active role in the musical life of the College including an involvement in concerts, productions and ensembles.
AS Level
What will I learn?
The Music Technology specification involves a large volume of practical coursework and encourages the cultivation of a wide range of skills. Students will have opportunities to:
- Sequence MIDI
- Sequence audio
- Record live instruments
- Produce CDs
- Compose original music with technology.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Anyone who has a keen interest in Music Technology, who enjoys creating and listening to different styles of music, and who wishes to extend their practical experience and understanding of Music Technology.
The AS qualification consists of two units as follows:
Module 1: Music Technology Portfolio 1
You will cover both sequencing and recording, submitting a total of 3 coursework recordings on CD. Work will range from sequenced performances and multitrack recordings of pre-existing music set by Edexcel to more creative endeavours where your skills as an arranger will be put to the test.
Although your teacher can offer advice, the work that you produce must be your own. You will need to book the recording studio and arrange for musicians to record. You will need to be very well organised to ensure that coursework submissions are completed to strict deadlines.
Module 2: Listening and Analysing
In this part of the AS course you will be required to demonstrate your ability to listen to unfamiliar music and analyse musical, technical and stylistic features. In exam conditions you will be given an individual copy of the assessment exercise on CD, and will be allowed to listen to the material as many times as you require to answer the questions. You will answer questions related to ‘The Principles and Practice of Music Technology’ and ‘Popular Music Styles since 1910’. You will be asked to recognise musical features and elements and to consider the impact of music technology on the music you are listening to. You will also answer questions which put music in a broader cultural and social context.
Beyond AS
What do I do after completing the AS?
You can obtain a certificate at the end of the AS course, or you can continue studying for a further year to obtain the full Advanced GCE qualification.
Advanced GCE in Music Technology
The full Advanced GCE qualification in Music Technology comprises of the 2 AS units and two additional A2 units. In the first A2 unit you will develop the practical aspects of MIDI sequencing and recording studied for AS and create your own compositions using music technology. This results in the submission of a portfolio of recording and sequencing coursework. The second unit is assessed by exam and involves the development of a thorough understanding of music language and technological processes. Students learn to identify and correct mistakes in musical recordings to produce a final corrected mixdown of a given musical performance provided by Edexcel.
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
The Advanced GCE in Music Technology can lead to further study in Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts at Higher National or Degree level. The Advanced GCE can also help you on your way to a career in the music industry or to a technology/computer orientated career.
Some of the information is extracted from Edexcel’s student guides. These, together with the full specifications, are available from the Edexcel website.