Music Technology
In the friendly and focused atmosphere, you can improve existing skills and develop new ones. The department operates with industry standard equipment and all student workstations are Apple Macintosh computers running Logic Pro X and Sibelius 8.5 software. We also use hundreds of plugins, and have Komplete 10 by Native Instruments installed on all computers. The department has practice rooms, is fully equipped with tracking and mixing equipment, and has a total tracking capacity of 16 channels able to be recorded at once on one project. Every workstation is equipped with an audio interface, so students can record up to two channels.
Year 1
You will cover the principles and techniques of recording ranging throughout the 20th Century and present day, sequencing and mixing techniques along with a technology focused understanding of popular music styles from 1910 to the present day, a portfolio of work including a multi-track recording, and a creative arrangement will be achieved by the end of the year. You will also acquire technical skills for recording, working with industry standard DAWs, and develop a fundamental understanding of production methods.
Year 2
Developing individual skills and styles as music producers through the production of a coursework portfolio and an examined commentary. A production task carried out under examination. You will also undertake an aural analysis of unfamiliar popular songs testing your historical and production knowledge.
Component 1
Recording
Non-examined assessment:
externally assessed
20% of the qualification 60 marks
Component 2
Technology-based composition
Non-examined assessment:
externally assessed
20% of the qualification 60 marks
Component 3
Listening and analysing
Written examination:
1 hour 30 minutes
25% of the qualification 75 marks
Component 4
Producing and analysing
Written/practical examination:
2 hours 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes
setting–up time) 35% of the qualification 105 marks.
Course Essentials
PLUS
Some basic keyboard ability. An interest in popular music and technology.
You should also be able to competently play a musical instrument at Grade 4.