S3-4 Music Technology

Ambition, Confidence, Happiness and Respect.

Course Content  

Candidates develop knowledge and understanding of 20th and 21st century styles and genres of music, and an understanding of how music technology has influenced and been influenced by developments in 20th and 21st century music. They develop an understanding of aspects of the music industry, including a basic awareness of the implications of intellectual property rights. They also develop listening skills, enabling them to identify a range of genres and styles and their main attributes, and relevant music concepts in the context of 20th and 21st century music. Throughout the course, candidates develop a range of skills and techniques relating to the creative use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio. These skills include using appropriate audio input devices, applying microphone placement techniques, constructing the signal path for multiple inputs, setting input gain and monitoring levels, overdubbing and editing tracks, equalisation, time domain and other effects, and mixing techniques. 

BGE  

Pupils will learn how to use music hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio. For example, they might create a radio broadcast, edit live recordings, compose music for a short film clip, experiment with adding sound effects, and use a midi sequencer. Projects will be chosen based on the collective musical interests of the pupils in the class, or to correspond with whole school events such as concerts and stage productions, so skills can be used in a practical context. Pupils will listen to a range of musical styles from the 20th and 21st centuries, with a particular focus on how styles of music evolved through the development of music technology. The aim is to develop the ability to demonstrate awareness of musical concepts by responding critically to music. 

Question Paper 40 marks (30% of course award)

This paper has a focus on 20th and 21st century music. The purpose of the question paper is to assess breadth of knowledge from across the course, depth of understanding, and listening skills.

The question paper requires candidates to use listening skills and to draw on and apply knowledge and understanding of a sample of all the technological terms, styles and genres, and music concepts covered in the course.  

2x Assignments each worth 50 marks (70% of course award)

Each candidate will complete 2 projects such as a radio broadcast, podcast, recording of an audio book, mixing a multitrack recording, and creating a soundtrack to go with a video clip. The purpose of the assignment is to assess practical application of knowledge and skills from the course to plan, implement and evaluate creative productions using music technology. The candidate is required to draw on and apply technological and musical skills and knowledge, at an appropriate level, developed throughout the course. The completed products should clearly demonstrate application of knowledge and skills at an appropriate level.

Expectations of the Department

Pupils will be expected to take responsibility for their own learning by practising, reviewing and editing their work. They will be expected to bring to the classroom their external experiences to shape their learning and combine their cultural backgrounds to gain experience of performing. They will also be expected to take part in school events such as Mass and concerts.