Hear from Rob Connolley
A Level Music Technology is for all those excited about contemporary music and modern music production. Lessons centre around creating original music using Ableton Live software utilising MIDI sequencing techniques, synthesisers, samplers, creative effects and audio manipulation. Lessons take place in our two custom built recording studios where contemporary recording techniques are taught including how to choose and set up our state-of-the-art microphones, operate the mixing desk and capture the sound in software. Whilst the course is strongly skills-based, a deep understanding of music production techniques and technologies, current and historical, is fostered to fully prepare for examined components.
The course is assessed in four components:
1. Recording (NEA): Using our high-specification studios to record a song, edit and mix it to professional standards.
2. Composition (NEA): Using creative sound design techniques to create an original piece of music on the computer.
3. Listening (Examined): This component looks at production techniques and technology used in commercial songs from the 1940s to the present day.
4. Production (Examined): This component requires you to be able to manipulate tracks provided by the examination board on the computer as well as answer questions related to the tracks. Both the audio you produce and your written paper are assessed.
If you are interested in becoming a sound engineer, record producer or working with visual and sound media then this course is for you