Music Technology

Why Choose Music Technology?

The music industry is a very wide field, encompassing an enormous number of different career paths, most of which are not that of the performing musician. Roles such as Producer, Studio Engineer, Studio Assistant, Arranger, Media Composer, etc. all directly require the skills developed in Music Technology.

Outside of the music industry; the skills developed as part of the course such as teamwork, project management, creative thinking and technical skills are all valuable to a wide variety of pathways and would open up opportunities in many industries.

Course Content

The course comprises of;

·         2 core units: ‘Planning a Career in the Music Industry’ and ‘Live Sound Recording’

And

·         A selection of optional units. These are selected based on the skills and interests of the cohort each year but typically will include;

o   Understanding Recording Studio Design

o   Music Production

o   Podcast Production

o   Music Promotion

o   Event Management

o   Studio Recording and Mixing

Methods of teaching, learning and assessment

The course must be taken for two years, since no qualification can be awarded for part completion. There is an option to increase the size of qualification to ‘Extended Diploma’ for those who wish to study in additional hours, this must be approved by music department before embarking on this pathway.

Lesson Structure

Lessons are delivered through whole class sessions for practical music production and for the start of new assessment briefs. Students also work independently and are expected to take responsibility for their learning and monitor their progress throughout assessment tasks.

Assessment Pattern

The course is completed almost entirely through the production of coursework. Each unit specifies a number of skills which students must develop, and which can be demonstrated at Pass, Merit or Distinction level. All learning is driven by assignments, which allow these skills to be demonstrated. Where a skill is not initially evident at a minimum pass level, further assignments can be undertaken.

Opportunities for learning outside of the classroom

Fieldtrip to a professional recording studio is arranged annually in addition to a number of industry experts who are visitors to the school to give guest lectures.

The school’s busy extra-curricular ensembles provide opportunities for Music Tech students to work in a variety of settings around the school site in order to support live performance and studio recordings.

“Studying Music Tech gave me great opportunities to gain practical skills in recording and learn lots that I’ll use in my future music making” – Mar Wheeler (ex-student)

“Music Tech is a really varied course, learning about the music industry, developing technical skills and being creative as part of a team have all been really enjoyable parts of my course” – Alex Thomson (current student)