Is this subject right for me?
Written Work - Examination (30% of AS):
Are you interested in exploring new ideas and taking risks?
Do you take an interest in various Art Forms?
Do you work well with others, and also on your own initiative?
Do you have good organisational skills?
Are you able to work to tight deadlines?
Do you have a good musical ear?
Do you have a good knowledge of IT?
This course is designed to develop understanding of the techniques and proc-
esses involved in Music Production through the study and use of digital recording,
MIDI and Audio sequencing, Sampling and Synthesis and mixing equipment.
What is the course content?
There are three main areas of study covering:
• The Principles & Practice of Music Technology
• Popular Music styles since 1910
• The Development of Technology based Music
This will involve in the following disciplines:
Practical work (65%) which involves developing skills of Producing, Recording,
Composing, Sequencing and Arranging.
Written work (35%) involving Listening and Analysing and Producing.
How will your work be assessed?
AS Level (year 1)
Practical Work – Portfolio of work sent to an external verifier (70% of AS):
• A Sequenced realised performance
• A Multi-track recording (8 – 12 tracks)
• Creative sequenced Arrangement.
• 1 hr 45 min examination based upon musical and technological as-
pects of Music Technology
A Level (year 2)
Practical Work – Portfolio of work sent to an external verifier (60% of A2):
• Sequenced Integrated Performance (sequenced backing track plus add-
tional recorded audio)
• Multi-track Recording (12 – 24 tracks)
• Composing using Music Technology (from a prescribed brief)
Written work – Examination (40% of A2)
• 2hr examination
two parts – analysis and correction of a pre-recorded piece; production of a
stereo mix
What are the entry requirements?
The general entry requirements for studying Advanced level apply.
A minimum of Grade C in Music GCSE (if taken), or Grade 5 instrument. Grade 3
theory is recommended, however if a student has not taken it there are classes
available leading up to Grade 5 examination and beyond.
Other information
There are many facilities in which you can develop your skills in Music Technol-
ogy. Concerts and workshops take place every term. There are many opportuni-
ties for working with highly accomplished musicians (recording, composing). There
is a fully functioning Recording Studio with hard-disk based recording and studio
outboard equipment. You will have access to 30 computers running Cubase SX 3,
Sibelius 4 and other music software. In addition, there are two 16 track portastu-
dios and two laptops with external audio interfaces. There are also five practice
rooms, six pianos, five synthesisers and various other instruments.
There is a college Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Vocal Training Choir, Jazz band,
Rock Workshop, Guitar Workshop and various small ensembles such as String
Quartets, Clarinet and Flute Choir, Vocal Backing Group, all that regularly meet.
Many students are encouraged to be involved
Music
in musical work outside College, such as
Brighton or East Sussex Youth Orchestra, solo
Technology
appearances and band performances. AS and A Level
Competitions, awards and scholarships are
also supported. 10/09EG