Music Technology

Who would this suit?...

Music Technology Students, including those who may not play a traditional instrument, are encouraged to explore their musicality and create original material using the latest music technology. There is an emphasis on practical experience, allowing you to truly understand and develop fantastic skills for either progression to a popular music course at university or a later career in the music industry. From sound engineering, record producing and computer music programming this course covers a broad range of Music technology. The course is designed to illustrate the exciting happenings within a recording studio and enable you to learn the different techniques to get a truly professional sound. 
 
Entry Requirements
Students who take the AS course are expected to have good music reading ability as well as proficiency at an instrument of choice. They may have studied the BTEC 1st Music course or GCSE music (but these are not pre-requisites) with keyboard skills being highly desirable.
 
Career Paths
The A-level Music Technology course can lead to specialism at a music college or university. It also prepares students to access industry roles, such as working in live venues, radio, television and theatre. In addition, these courses are an excellent foundation for entry into higher education for a variety of subjects.
Students wishing to study Sound Engineering and Music Production should consider taking Maths, Physics, IT or Electronics complement this subject.
 
Instrumental lessons
Each Music Technology student receives 30 minutes of weekly, one-to-one instrumental lessons on their instrument of choice (includes voice), by our team of specialist tutors.
 
Ensembles
Music Technology students are encouraged to take part in college ensembles, which include the Big Band, Choir and Chamber Choir. There are opportunities to take on technical roles as part of the college’s musical production (which takes place in December), where students can operate the sound and lighting for the performances. Students are also encouraged to make use of the college practice rooms during their free periods and after college, where they can rehearse solo or as a band.
 
Trips and Visits
Students studying AS Music Technology will undertake a number of visits during the year. These include trips to professional recording studios as well as university and other music technology education establishments. These include MediaCity in Salford Quays, as part of the BBC Philharmonic's 'MeetThePhil' series. Futureworks, School of Sound Recording (SSR), Blueprint Studios, and Huddersfield University.

 

Qualification: 
AS Level
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 periods per week
Unit 1: 

Topics covered during the first year are:

  • Applying Music Technology, which means an introduction to basic recording and computer music software techniques.
  • Producing a sequenced performance of a prescribed piece of music using sequencing software.
  • Producing a multi-track recording using a recording studio.
  • Arranging a piece of music into a new style using creative sequencing and sampling techniques. 
Unit 2: 
Students are required to study the development of popular music production and styles from 1910 through to the present day; studying an overview of the main styles and trends during the development of popular music, both in musical and production features. In addition to this, there are also two special focus styles that the students will study in more detail.
Exam Board: 
Edexcel
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements. PLUS audition at enrolment.