Music Technology

  • Board: Edexcel
  • Syllabus: AS – 8MT01; A2 – 9MT01
Modules

AS

  1. Music Technology Portfolio 1. Students will learn and use a variety of music and music technology skills in order to complete this unit. MIDI sequencing and multi-track recording as well as arranging skills are all key components assessed through the practical work carried out. Students will complete three tasks which together make the Music Technology Portfolio.
  2. Listening and Analysing - Students will study the styles most common in popular music and have the opportunity to demonstrate this knowledge using aural discrimination skills. Students will investigate the development of popular music styles from 1910 through to the present day, encompassing an overview of the main styles and trends during the development of popular music. Two special focus styles will be selected each year for more in-depth study. For the special focus styles, in addition to the main fingerprints of the style, students will be expected to have an extended knowledge and understanding of context.
    3. A2
  3. Music Technology Portfolio 2. This unit builds on skills acquired in Unit 1, and extends these to include a composition task. It involves detailed study of the development of technology based music. Students will complete three tasks which together make the Music Technology Portfolio 2 (a Sequenced Integrated Performance, a Multi-track Recording and a Composition).
  4. Analysing and Producing. This unit will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of music and the principles of music technology through a series of written commentaries, manipulations and production tasks using material provided on an examination paper and recorded on an audio CD. The examination will test students’ musical understanding, their ability to manipulate and correct recorded music and their ability to write commentaries on technological processes. They will also be tested on their ability to produce a balanced stereo mix.
Method of Assessment

AS One audio CD of coursework (30%) and an exam of 1¾ hours (20%)

A2 One audio CD of coursework and logbook (30%) and an exam of 2 hours (20%)

Further Information

Music technology plays a key role in music across the world and this qualification is designed to open up a range of exciting and useful tasks to encourage students to learn about the subject.

It is not essential to have studied Music at GCSE level but some practical skills on an instrument/voice would be advantageous. Knowledge of music theory to grade 3 standard would be useful. Students who wish to undertake the A Level should be willing to give private study time to practise the necessary recording and computer skills.

There are many important opportunities in higher education, and many career possibilities for those proficient in handling music technology. The A Level is widely accepted by higher education institutions and the subject will provide valuable experience and preparation for students aiming for HE in the subject. Music technology careers could include work as a sound engineer, record producer or a teacher.