Music technology is a rapidly evolving, expanding and exciting field that is transforming the way we create, experience, and interact with music. By studying Edexcel A Level Music Technology, you will have the opportunity to explore this cutting-edge area of study and develop the skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the music industry today. From learning how to use digital audio workstations and sound design software, to producing and manipulating audio, the Edexcel A Level Music Technology syllabus is designed to give you a comprehensive education in this dynamic field. Whether you aspire to a career as a music producer, sound engineer, or composer, or simply want to understand how music technology is shaping the future of music, Edexcel A Level Music Technology is the perfect course for you. You will gain hands-on experience, develop your technical skills, and broaden your musical horizons as you delve into the exciting world of music technology.
A Level Music Technology is taught by Mr B Trevorrow who has over twenty years experience delivering the course. Results are consistently outstanding, with many students going on to study related courses at some of the country's best universities and colleges. The course can be accessed by students with a love for music and an interest in composition and sound production. Whilst it is highly useful, it is not compulsory for students to have studied GCSE music. It is also not necessary for students to be a high level performer (as this is not assessed), however most students are keen practical musicians and take advantage of our outstanding facilities and co-curricular offer. We are proud to boast a dedicated recording studio which students can access throughout the day for their coursework and personal projects. In addition to coursework, many of our students record and produce their own songs and albums with an increasing number of students releasing their music professionally. Music technology students also assist with the school Radio Club for which they are responsible for recording and editing, as well as producing background music and effects. The department releases a half termly podcast featuring music performed and composed by students from the school which is hosted by our students and recorded here in the studio. As well as being available through the school website, the podcast is broadcast on Keep 106 radio (Dorchester's local station).
Course Breakdown
Recording:
Students use microphones and the recording studio to capture and mix a recording based on one song from a list of ten provided artists (20%)
Exemplar track:
Who You Love by John Mayer and Katy Perry - Recorded by Joe Morgan
Technology based composition:
Students compose, record and mix one composition featuring use of music technology, drawn from three briefs set by the exam board (20%)
Exemplar track:
Transmission Glitch by Matthew Stell
Listening and analysing examination:
Questions testing knowledge and understanding of recording and production of unseen commercial recordings (25%)
Producing and analysing examination:
Application of knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production to be applied through an examined practical using unfamiliar materials provided by the exam board (35%)
Facilities:
A Level Music Technology is taught in a classroom with 20 PCs running both Cubase 10.5 and Sibelius Ultimate software.
We also have a dedicated recording studio and live room.
