AS and A level Music Technology

Course code: MTS

Level: A Level, AS Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

This course is designed to allow students to study music through music technology.  It recognises technology in music as a way of music making in its own right. It is aimed at musicians who want to recreate traditional music and musicians who want to exploit the potential of technology in creating new music.

Requirements

 

You will need:

At least five GCSEs at grade C or above to include English Language and Music or Music Technology and the ability to play a musical instrument. Grade 5 Music Theory would be a useful qualification but it is not essential. You will be expected to be able to read music. All students will be auditioned and given a chance to play examples of their recordings or sequences.

because:

  • you need a high level of musical interest which will be shown in what musical skills you have already
  • sequencing work during the course requires you to work from notated music scores.

Course Content

 

In Year 1 you will study Unit 1 for an AS level. In Year 2 you will take Unit 2 to complete the full A level.

Unit 1: Music Technology Portfolio 1

  • Sequencing
  • Recording and arranging using technology

You will be assessed by coursework and examination

Unit 2: Written Work

  • Listening and analysis

You will be assessed by examination

Unit 3: Music Technology Portfolio 2

  • Sequenced Integrated Performance
  • Multi-track recording
  • Composing using technology

You will be assessed by coursework

Unit 4: Analysing and Producing

  • Musical understanding and technological processes
  • Production of a balanced stereo mix
  • Listening and analysis

You will be assessed by examination

What else do I need to know?

The School of Music is housed in a purpose-built suite of rooms. It is linked by sight and sound to the recording studio next door which has its own sound proof live room. There is a smaller teaching room which is also used for instrumental teaching and chamber music. Five practice rooms, an office and a room equipped with music computer technology complete the music facilities.  The School of Music houses a large collection of books, scores and recorded sound. We have 33 Apple Mac computers with Sibelius 5 for score writing and Logic Pro 8 for sequencing. Outbound equipment includes a mixing desk, compressors, multi-fx units, DAT machine and samplers and the technology facilities are being continually developed.  We also have six pianos and a harpsichord.  The department’s acoustic, electric and bass guitars and drum kits are popular with many students.

  • Music Technology is considered as a serious academic qualification for any degree at university.
  • Music Technology is a perfect foil for the science subjects (Maths, Physics and Music is a common combination).  Music also combines happily with the Arts, Humanities and Languages.
  • Qualifications in Music Technology lead to careers in sound recording, engineering, teaching (Music is a National Curriculum subject), the “music business” (Electronics or Physics are useful), arts administration and music journalism.
  • You will be expected to join in the many College musical activities – ensembles, orchestras, bands and the choir. We give regular concerts and are frequently asked to give performances to external audiences. In 2008-2009 these included functions for Southampton City Council and at the House of Commons.
  • Teaching groups are typically around 15-20 students.
  • Students leaving Taunton’s progress to the major music colleges and universities.
  • This is a high achieving department and one of the biggest in the country.  It is regarded as a “centre of excellence”.

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