Music Technology

Edexcel 9MT01 Mr Mark White Music Technology

Why should I study Music Technology?

Music Technology is a constantly evolving field which has had an enormous impact on the the sound of commercial music for many decades. Advances in technology continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and extend the creative potential of the subject. You should study Music Technology to develop the musical and technical skills required to produce your own music, and to improve your understanding of the way that technology continues to influence the music that we hear every day.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking Music Technology?

You should enjoy listening to commercial music, work well with computers and be a resilient learner who uses initiative to solve problems. You will learn to use the same hardware and software that is used in professional recording studios and production houses across the world. Getting to grips with it will be a challenge at first, but with perseverance and practice you will unlock its potential and be able to produce music to a very high standard. Enjoying using computers, and being interested in exploring, analysing and evaluating commercial music is essential.

What will I learn?

You will become confident in using numerous pieces of Music Technology hardware and software and will learn to create music on a computer, using a Digital Audio Workstation such as Logic Pro X. You will learn about microphone techniques, how to run a recording session, and how to produce a finished multi-track recording which incorporates multiple instrumentalists and parts; just like a track you would hear on the radio. You will learn audio editing and production techniques which will be applicable in numerous contexts and will learn to appreciate the musical and technical content of a wide variety of musical styles created from the 1950s to the present day. You will gain an understanding of the way that technology has continually shaped commercial music and will develop an opinion on the future of Music Technology.

Who is this course suitable for?

Music Technology pupils should be able to plan, develop and deliver extended projects and should take pride in their outcome. Pupils should be motivated, creative and willing to contribute to Music Technology activities beyond the curriculum. You do not need to be an outstanding performer, but previous experience of learning an instrument is desirable, as is GCSE Music. It is essential that you enjoy working with computers and have an interest in producing and evaluating commercial music.

How is the course assessed?

You will submit two coursework tasks and sit two exams: Coursework 1: Technology-based Composition: 20% Coursework 2: Recording: 20% Exam 1: Listening to pieces of music and analysing their musical and technical content: 25% Exam 2: Demonstrating your understanding of Music Technology by producing music: 35%

What could I go on and do at the end of my course?

The subject knowledge and skills acquired during the study of Music Technology A level will be of enormous benefit to any pupil who wishes to study Music or Music Technology during Higher Education and to pursue a career in any aspect of music. The course can also provide a creative outlet for any pupil who values music as an important part of their life and wishes to enhance their understanding of music technology and to develop their own projects. In addition to acquiring skills which are applicable across the music industry, Music Technology pupils gain skills and experience which transfer to other subjects, such as the ability to manage long term projects.