The A-Level Music Technology course guides students through the theoretical understanding, analysis and evaluation of production techniques from the early 1900s to the modern day. You will also develop practical skills involving the production of audio recordings, and the creation of music through the use of sequencing techniques, audio manipulation, creative audio effects and sound design. Some of the areas we will be covering include: • Sound Waves • Synthesis • Microphones • History and Development of Recording Technology • Digital Audio Workstations • Audio Effects & Processing • Modern Recording methods • Electronic instruments Through these subject areas, Music Technology covers a range of S.T.E.A.M. principles. • Science: Acoustics; Psychoacoustics; Physical Properties. • Technology: Computer Skills; Controlling Data; Programming; Electronics. • Engineering: Problem Solving; Interfacing; Testing; Programming. • Art: Creative thinking; Conceptualising; Composition. • Maths: Equations; Analysing Data; Patterns; Binary.
Unlike most other Sixth Forms, we have no minimum entry requirement at Chetham’s; you are here based on your musical ability. However, if you do not achieve at least a Grade 4 in English Language and Maths in Year 11 then you should re-take the GCSE in Year 12 as these are essential qualifications for future employment. You will be given help to do so. The A Level Music Technology course is an option for anyone in Y12/Y13 however, as the course involves a degree of scientific analysis, a good pass at GCSE Maths is required. Good GCSE Science grades would also be helpful.
Externally Assessed Coursework: Multi-track Recording - 20% Using our recording studios, you will have to record, edit and mix a piece of popular music from a choice of ten artists given by the exam board. The recording will have to fulfil several criteria set by the board including its length and the choice of instruments that must be on the recording. You will oversee the entire process. Externally Assessed Coursework: Technology-based Composition - 20% For this piece of coursework, students will have to compose and realise a piece of music using music technology as a key element of the music to a brief set by the board. Technology must play a large part in the compositional process, including the use of synthesis and sample editing for sound creation, and the creative use of audio effects. Written Exam: Listening and Analysing – 1hr30mins - 25% In this exam, students are given several unfamiliar commercial pop recordings from 1940 to modern day. In a series of written responses, they will be asked to identify, analyse and evaluate a range of creative music production techniques found within the recordings, including recording methods, the identification of audio effects and their related parameters, and the principles behind the choice of the effects heard and their sonic character. Written/Practical Exam: Producing and Analysing – 2hr15mins - 35% This exam assesses students’ knowledge of the techniques and principles of music technology through a series of written and practical tasks, in the context of audio and MIDI materials provided by the exam board. Using a Digital Audio Workstation, students will work with unedited audio and MIDI materials that have been captured using microphone, DI and sequencing techniques. It will assess the ability to process and correct these materials using a range of production skills, culminating in a series of audio bounces/exports for individual instrumental/vocal parts. Students will refine and combine the pre-existing ‘ingredients’ of a mix to form a convincing final stereo mix.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Manchester |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB |
The A-Level Music Technology course guides students through the theoretical understanding, analysis and evaluation of production techniques from the early 1900s to the modern day. You will also develop practical skills involving the production of audio recordings, and the creation of music through the use of sequencing techniques, audio manipulation, creative audio effects and sound design. Some of the areas we will be covering include: • Sound Waves • Synthesis • Microphones • History and Development of Recording Technology • Digital Audio Workstations • Audio Effects & Processing • Modern Recording methods • Electronic instruments Through these subject areas, Music Technology covers a range of S.T.E.A.M. principles. • Science: Acoustics; Psychoacoustics; Physical Properties. • Technology: Computer Skills; Controlling Data; Programming; Electronics. • Engineering: Problem Solving; Interfacing; Testing; Programming. • Art: Creative thinking; Conceptualising; Composition. • Maths: Equations; Analysing Data; Patterns; Binary.
Unlike most other Sixth Forms, we have no minimum entry requirement at Chetham’s; you are here based on your musical ability. However, if you do not achieve at least a Grade 4 in English Language and Maths in Year 11 then you should re-take the GCSE in Year 12 as these are essential qualifications for future employment. You will be given help to do so. The A Level Music Technology course is an option for anyone in Y12/Y13 however, as the course involves a degree of scientific analysis, a good pass at GCSE Maths is required. Good GCSE Science grades would also be helpful.
Externally Assessed Coursework: Multi-track Recording - 20% Using our recording studios, you will have to record, edit and mix a piece of popular music from a choice of ten artists given by the exam board. The recording will have to fulfil several criteria set by the board including its length and the choice of instruments that must be on the recording. You will oversee the entire process. Externally Assessed Coursework: Technology-based Composition - 20% For this piece of coursework, students will have to compose and realise a piece of music using music technology as a key element of the music to a brief set by the board. Technology must play a large part in the compositional process, including the use of synthesis and sample editing for sound creation, and the creative use of audio effects. Written Exam: Listening and Analysing – 1hr30mins - 25% In this exam, students are given several unfamiliar commercial pop recordings from 1940 to modern day. In a series of written responses, they will be asked to identify, analyse and evaluate a range of creative music production techniques found within the recordings, including recording methods, the identification of audio effects and their related parameters, and the principles behind the choice of the effects heard and their sonic character. Written/Practical Exam: Producing and Analysing – 2hr15mins - 35% This exam assesses students’ knowledge of the techniques and principles of music technology through a series of written and practical tasks, in the context of audio and MIDI materials provided by the exam board. Using a Digital Audio Workstation, students will work with unedited audio and MIDI materials that have been captured using microphone, DI and sequencing techniques. It will assess the ability to process and correct these materials using a range of production skills, culminating in a series of audio bounces/exports for individual instrumental/vocal parts. Students will refine and combine the pre-existing ‘ingredients’ of a mix to form a convincing final stereo mix.