AS / A2 Music Technology

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
This course focuses on the role of the Sound Engineer/Music Producer in the modern music industry. You will explore various roles in the recording studio and in the Music Tech labs using individual workstations to sequence, arrange, mix and compose.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
You will learn how to use Cubase software to realise musical scores and to compose and arrange your own material. During your timed and supervised coursework portfolio submissions you will explore midi controllers, samplers, synthesis, sound manipulation and audio mixing techniques. You will also learn the principles of multitrack recording and sound capture using a variety of microphone techniques. Please note that opportunities to perform live on your own instrument are limited on this course – remember the focus is upon the role of the Sound Engineer and Studio Composer/Arranger.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
70% Practical Coursework. 30% Listening Exam. In the first year, for assessment you will produce a sequenced piece based on a skeleton score, a multi-track recording for which you will collaborate with BTEC Music students and a sequenced arrangement which can be thought of as similar to a “remix”. For this task you will be asked to recreate a set piece of music in a chosen style. For example, in the past, students have been given the brief of arranging “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns ‘n’ Roses in either a Synth Pop or Reggae style.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
It is essential to have a strong foundation in Music Theory (to at least Grade 2 ABRSM) for this course as at least two coursework briefs in the first year will require you to read and interpret a musical score, before inputting core data into the computer. It is usual to have studied Music at GCSE level, and you should have a good knowledge of music theory (score notation). Piano/keyboard skills are also beneficial as you will be required to enter short musical passages into the computer using a piano style keyboard controller.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
On completion of this course, many students choose to progress to the wide range of specialist music technology and recording courses that are available across the country.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You will also have the opportunity to attend regular visits, workshops and residential trips offered throughout the year. Priestley have close links with the world famous Rockfield Recording Studios where artists such as Queen, The Manic Street Preachers, The Stone Roses and Paulo Nutini have all recorded. A group of Music Tech students from Priestley recently attended a specially arranged residential recording master-class at Rockfield for 3 days to learn recording techniques in state of the art facilities.