MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2016/17

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) MUSIC (MUSIC TECHNOLOGY)

Assignment title/reference: T1.2 MIDI Music
Unit: 12 Computer Music Composition and Production
Assessor: Matt Power

I.V: Andrew Pettitt

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Date issued: 28 September 2016

Formative assessment: 19/10/16
The
project
brief
Scenario

th

Submission date: 12 December 2016

This project allows you to investigate the tools and techniques used in the creation, manipulation
and production of music. The project requires hands-on practice and experimentation, allowing
you to develop your skills and build a well-rounded theoretical understanding of computer music
practices. You will use computers to process sound and produce music, whilst fully
understanding the tools and protocols required to do so.
A music production house is looking to employ new composers and producers and has asked
applicants to provide a portfolio of their work, along with a guide as to how the work is made. The
role will involve training other new staff, and therefore the ideal applicant must have a solid
understanding of a variety of software and a wide range of skills and techniques to use them.
The music itself should be of different genres to demonstrate the flexibility and diverse working
methods applied to computer music composition.

Learning Outcomes
LO 1

LO 2

LO 3

LO 4

Be able to use computers

to synthesise and process
sound
Understand protocols
used to control music
software and hardware
Understand the tools used
for composing and
arranging using
technology
Be able to produce
musical material using a
range of techniques and
technology

1.1 Select appropriate sound editing and processing techniques

1.2 Label software and hardware processors correctly
1.3 Describe various synthesis techniques
2.1 Explain MIDI protocols used by MIDI controllers
2.2 Assess hardware controllers and their applications in the field of
music and production
2.3 Categorise sound utilities encountered in the field of music
composition and production
3.1 Evaluate a range of sequencers and host applications
3.2 Review a range of composition and arranging techniques
4.1 Plan the production of a computer-based music piece
4.2 Compose using modern production processes
4.3 Create mastered mixes of compositions

Learner declaration
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully
acknowledged.

Student signature:

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2016/17

Date:

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2016/17

This assignment gives you the opportunity to

achieve the following MERIT grades:
Grade Descriptor
M1
Identify and apply
strategies to find
appropriate solutions
M2
Select / design and apply
appropriate methods and
techniques
M3
Present and communicate
appropriate findings

Indicative
Characteristic/s
Complex problems with
more than one variable
have been explored.

Contextualisation

A range of methods and

techniques have been
applied

You must be able to demonstrate and explain the

sound processing functions of a DAW, and highlight
the importance of a range of corrective and creative
parameters found within.
There should be a step-by-step account of process
of using this software. The guide must be well
presented in such a way that it does not have
expectations of the audience, nor patronise them.

Coherent, logical
development of
principles/concepts for the
intended audience

You must propose potential problems that may

occur when using computer music systems, and
devise creative ways in which these can be rectified.

This assignment gives you the opportunity to

achieve the following DISTINCTION grades:
Grade Descriptor
D1
Use critical reflection to
evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusions
D2
Take responsibility for
managing and organising
activities
D3
Demonstrate convergent /
lateral / creative thinking

Indicative
Characteristic/s
Self-criticism of approach
has taken place
Activities have been
managed

Innovation and creative

thought have been
applied

Contextualisation
Throughout the process you should reflect upon
your approach and make changes where
appropriate. The guide should include a justification
of the methods you adopted.
Your sessions should be well planned and written
out. This document should indicate how you have
given yourself enough time to complete the various
tasks you undertake. The finished audio portfolio
must be evident that activities have been managed.
The audio portfolio must show that creative thinking
has taken place. The techniques employed could
be experimental or innovative in nature, but the
results should be of professional quality.

This project will require you to work with at least 2 different Digital Audio Workstations (this could
include ProTools, Logic 9, Logic X, FL Studio, and Ableton).
The college library has manuals and guides on both Logic and Protools.
Although this unit has a focus on self-composition you are encouraged to use a variety of performers
to record.

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2016/17

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2016/17

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) MUSIC (MUSIC TECHNOLOGY)
Assignment title/reference: T1.2 MIDI Music
Unit: 12 Computer Music and Composition and Production
Assessor: Matt Power

I.V: Andrew Pettitt

th

Date issued: 28 September 2016

Formative assessment: 19/10/16

The
project
brief
Scenario

th

Submission date: 12 December 2016

This project allows you to investigate into the tools and techniques used in the creation,
manipulation and production of music. The project requires hands-on practice and
experimentation, allowing you to develop your skills and build a well-rounded theoretical
understanding of computer music practices. You will use computers to process sound and
produce music, whilst fully understanding the tools and protocols required to do so.
A music production house is looking to employ new composers and producers and has asked
applicants to provide a portfolio of their work, along with a guide as to how the work is made. The
role will involve training other new staff, and therefore the ideal applicant must have a solid
understanding of a variety of software and a wide range of skills and techniques to use them.
The music itself should be of different genres to demonstrate the flexibility and diverse working
methods applied to computer music composition.
TASKS
Prepare to undertake a number of computer music recording sessions by familiarizing
yourself with industry equipment and protocols. Determine the hardware and software
required, and propose the techniques you will employ for sound editing. In your guide
describe various synthesis techniques. Set up the computers and demonstrate a
number of exercises that show sound processing.

EVIDENCE
Written/Video/
or Audio Tour
of Computer
Music
Workstations

Task 2
4.1,
4.2, 4.3

Plan for the production of a computer-based music piece. Ensure that the composition
is using computer music technology, then mix and master the music.

A Music
Portfolio

Task 3
2.1,
2.2,
2.3,
3.1, 3.2

Produce a guide that explains in detail how you produced your compositions and what
techniques you undertook. Explain MIDI and its devices/protocols. Assess a range of
hardware controllers and what the parameters devices and software allows. With
reference to your recordings, evaluate the tools and the techniques employed.

Written/Video
or Audio
Guide.

Task 1
1.1,
1.2, 1.3

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2016/17

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2016/17

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY AND FEEDBACK

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) MUSIC
Assignment title/reference: T1.2 MIDI Music
Unit: 12 Computer Music and Composition
Assessor: Matt Power

I.V: Andrew Pettitt

Learner:

Date Submitted:

Criteria
1.1

The evidence shows you are able to:

Select appropriate sound editing and processing techniques

1.2

Label software and hardware processors correctly

1.3

Describe various synthesis techniques

2.1

Explain MIDI protocols used by MIDI controllers

2.2

Assess hardware controllers and their applications in the field of music and
production

2.3
3.1

Categorise sound utilities encountered in the field of music composition and

production
Evaluate a range of sequencers and host applications

3.2

Review a range of composition and arranging techniques

4.1

Plan the production of a computer-based music piece

4.2

Compose using modern production processes

4.3

Create mastered mixes of compositions

Merit
Grade Descriptor
M1
Identify and apply
strategies to find
appropriate solutions
M2
Select / design and apply
appropriate methods and
techniques
M3
Present and
communicate appropriate
findings

Achieved (tick)

Distinction
Achieved (tick)

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2016/17

Grade Descriptor
D1
Use critical reflection to
evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusions
D2
Take responsibility for
managing and organizing
activities
D3
Demonstrate convergent
/ lateral / creative thinking

Achieved (tick)

MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2016/17

Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor Signature

Date

Student Signature

Date

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2016/17