Year 9 Options - Music Technology

WHY THIS SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT

This course will help you to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the music technology industry in a practical way. It will enable you to acquire, develop and apply the skills and knowledge required to take this subject area further into ‘A’ Level, BTech or employment in the creative industries. This may be as a music producer or sound engineer, or it may lead into another area of music or the creative business.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

The course is split into five units accounting for 50% of the marks. These units are:

Unit 1 – Introduction to music technology and the music business - Introduction to music technology and the music business - This unit will allow you to understand roles and responsibilities associated with the music business. You will learn how music technology has developed over time and understand common features of the music industry as a business.

Unit 2 – The DAW - You will learn how hardware and software work in combination as a digital audio workstation (DAW) and  know and understand how to use DAW software functions.

Unit 3 – Musical elements, style and technology - You will learn how music is stylistically composed using musical elements and explore how musical elements relate to musical styles and developments in technology from the 1950s onwards.

Unit 4 – Sound Creation - You will explore how sound can be manipulated and edited for films, TV adverts and similar media, applying your knowledge to your work.

Unit 5 – Multitrack recording - You will explore the recording studio environment, how to use it safely and how to plan, record and mix a multitrack recording. You will learn how to produce professional mixdowns.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will complete a synoptic project early in Year 11 related to the units you have studied - Internally Assessed (60%)

There will be a 90 minute exam based on your learning from the five units - Externally Assessed (40%)

This course is focused on technology and the use of specific software to manipulate music; however, there is also a significant amount of composition and sound creation for which you will need to develop a good understanding of music theory. It will also be beneficial to have or develop some proficient keyboard skills.