Music Technology

Taught at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form

Exam Board: Edexcel 

Assessment Method: Students have the option to specialise in either Performance or Composition.  

• Component 1: Recording – 20% of Qualification (NEA) 

• Component 2: Technology-based Composition  – 20% of Qualification (NEA) 

• Component 3: Listening and Analysing – 25% of Qualification (Exam – Listening & Written) 

• Component 4: Producing and Analysing – 35% of Qualification (Exam – Written & Practical) 

Why Should I Follow This Course? 

This course aims to provide a solid foundation in music technology exploring three core strands: Recording and production techniques; principles of sound and audio technology; development of recording and production technology. The course is highly practical with a hands-on approach to recording and production techniques, supporting real-world application, whilst drawing on sound theory with links to Maths and Physics. Whilst developing practical skills, learners will develop their listening skills. The course is designed to develop a broad range of skills including project management, appraising and analysis, creativity and imagination.  

What will I learn? 

Component 1: Recording – You will learn how to record a range of instruments, producing a final recording that demonstrates an ability to record five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments. Students will learn how to utilise a range of software (DAW) and hardware (microphones, audio interfaces, mixing desks etc..). Students will develop skills in Audio editing, learning how to manipulate and correct recorded sound, before learning how to mix a final recording, exploring skills such as EQ, automation and panning. Students will also explore more creative processes including a range of effects such as Reverb and Delay. 

Component 2: Technology-based Composition – You will explore a range of compositional techniques including melodic, harmonic and textural devices with an additional focus on using music technology in a creative way, exploring techniques such as sampling, audio manipulation and other creative effects. This unit will build on recording skills developed in unit 1 in addition to sequencing and editing skills using a DAW. You will produce a 3 minute original composition together with a logbook to evaluate your progress.  

Component 3: Listening and Analysis - This component develops listening and analysis skills through the study of a range of music production techniques used in unfamiliar commercial recordings. Questions will cover capturing and creating sounds, editing and arranging sounds and mixing. Students identify, analyse and evaluate a range of creative music production techniques through listening and extended written responses. Throughout the topic, students will expand their knowledge of the recording and production practices associated with a number of historical eras. Listening will cover a broad range of genres including jazz, blues, rock, metal, punk and many more.  

Component 4: Producing and Analysis – This component assesses students’ knowledge of the techniques and principles of music technology through a series of written and practical tasks. The component covers the stages of sound creation, audio editing and mixing. Students will sit a practical examination, working with unedited audio and MIDI materials provided by the exam board. They will be assessed on their ability to process and correct these materials, using a range of production skills learned throughout the course resulting in the exporting of a final mix. Students also provide written justifications for the decisions made during the process.  

Where Will This Qualification Take Me? 

In the future, Creativity is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills (World Economic Forum). The study of creative subjects, like Music, is becoming even more important and relevant to give you the chance to succeed – whatever your ambitions. The possibilities are endless, with music enabling you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for, often in fields other than music. Previous students have gone on to study Music at University, however many Music students also go on to study a broad range of other courses including: Acting, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, English & Drama, English Literature, Maths, Medicine, Modern Languages, Journalism, Physics, Politics, Primary Education, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine.  

Future career options from a Music qualification can include: Composer, DJ, Music Producer, Sound Engineer/Designer, Artist Management and many more.  

Entry Requirements: GCSE Music Grade 6 or above OR Level 2 Music Technology (Performing Arts) Level 2 with Merit.