The A Level has a clear emphasis on music technology, without the music theory enabling candidates to study music technology theory in greater depth. The content is engaging and practical allowing the practical application of the skills necessary for a music technology professional. The qualification develops the skills needed for higher education and beyond . Students will be able to progress to study for a degree in Music Technology, Sound Production, Sound Engineering and many other courses requiring a similar skill set.  Clearly defined skills required in each of the coursework assessments help students focus on the demands and outcomes of the tasks. 

Course Content

· Recording 20% 

· Technology-based composition 20% 

· Listening and analysing 25% 

· Producing and Analysing 35% 

Assessment criteria

Coursework: externally assessed 

Recording: 

2 ½ minute recording from a list of 10 songs set by Pearson: 

Production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording. 

Technology - based Composition: 

2 ½ minute recording from a set brief set by Pearson: 

Creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds to produce a technology-based composition. 

Examinations: externally assessed 

Listening and analysing:  

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Knowledge and understanding of recording and production techniques and principles, in the context of a series of unfamiliar commercial recordings supplied by Pearson.  

Producing and analysing:  

Written/practical examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques, to be applied to unfamiliar materials provided by Pearson in the examination. 

 

Head of Subject: Mr A Gillespie

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Entry Requirements:

5 in English Language, 5 in Music - if you did not study GCSE Music but have extensive experience, this will be accepted . Three further GCSEs at grade 4 or above 

Music theory and elementary keyboard knowledge .

Are you interested in?

Recording , Mixing , Music technology, creating your own music, listening to music and understanding it 

Leading to a career in:

Sound Production, Sound Engineering, Audio Visual Specialist, Music Producer, Music Director, Media and Event Support Specialist, Keyboard and Studio Recording Specialist, Music Instructor, Studio Engineer, Studio Manager, Director of Audio/Visual Events, Audio and Lighting Technician, Owner and Entrepreneur, Audio Engineer, Recording Artist, Multimedia Specialist , Mixed Media Assistant, Music Technology Specialist, Music Industry Programme Specialist 

This subject goes well with: Maths, physics, IT/computing, media studies and other arts and technology subjects.