Assessment resource unit standard 27656
Level 1
Demonstrate and apply introductory knowledge of music
technology equipment and techniques
Unit Standard: 27656
Credits: 4
Assessment activity:
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Teacher/tutor guidelines
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The following guidelines are supplied to enable teachers to carry out valid and
consistent assessment using this internal assessment resource.
Context/setting:
For this standard, students are required to: demonstrate introductory knowledge of
the features, functions, and techniques associated with music technology
equipment and use music technology equipment and techniques to create a
simple sequence and short score.
For merit candidates must be able to: use technical language to identify and
describe the features, functions, and operation of the music technology equipment.
They must also create, edit, and mix a simple sequence that is generally musically
convincing and produce music notation that is stylistically consistent.
For excellence candidates must be able to: use a range of technical language
confidently and accurately to identify and describe the features, functions, and
operation of the music technology equipment.
They must also create, edit, and mix a simple sequence that is musically
convincing and produce music notation that is: stylistically consistent; clear; and
accurate.
Over the weeks prior to this assessment, students should have had sufficient
teaching and learning opportunities to develop their skills and understand the
aspects required for the standard. As a part of pre-assessment, teachers may
demonstrate how the equipment and techniques can be used.
The students might be involved in such activities as:
 Brainstorm
 Small group discussion
 Research
 Planning
 Charting
 Specification analysis of equipment
 Directed practical class activities
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Assessment resource unit standard 27656
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Demonstrations
As students develop their assessment, teachers can offer guidance that may
prompt the student to further investigation and consideration of their ideas.
Teachers must not correct assessment errors, or suggest specific ideas
Conditions
The short score must be a minimum of 16-24 bars for 1 part.
Assessment activity
This assessment activity has two tasks.
Task one: involves the student creating, editing and mixing a simple sequence
using sequencing software in a digital audio workstation and a MIDI keyboard. The
instruments used will be suggested by the teacher. The sequence will be
assessed on it being created edited and mixed using techniques and functions
according to recognised conventions.
In creating the sequence the student must use at least two of the following
functions:
 metronome
 events
 data parameters
 event list
In creating the sequence the student must use all of the following techniques:
 record
 playback
 tempo
During the creation of the sequence the teacher will ask a series of questions to
assess the student’s knowledge of the function and operation of three main
features of the sequencing software and the digital audio workstation as well as
there knowledge of the techniques of recording, playback and setting tempo.
Task two: involves the student creating a short score using music notation
software. In creating the score they must use all of the following functions:
 title
 composer
 tempo
 staves
 time signature
 key signature
During the creation of the score the teacher will ask a series of questions to
assess the students understanding of the features, functions and operation of
music notation software.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Assessment resource unit standard 27656
Merit and Excellence:
For merit your sequence must be generally musically convincing and show
accuracy across three of the aspects listed below. For excellence your sequence
must be stylistically consistent (conform to the notation conventions of genre and
context); clear; and accurate show accuracy across all aspects below:
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pitches
rhythms
tempo
feel
timbral accuracy
mix
Resource requirements:
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Digital music sequencing and editing applications may include a musical
instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequencer or a Digital Audio Workstation that
has eight or more tracks, editing capability, and is able to modify and mix
samples.
Audio interface
MIDI keyboard
Microphone and cable
Recommended texts:
Bartlett B & J “Practical Recording Techniques” ISBN 0.672.30265.9 Sams
publishing IN, USA, 1992
Davis G Jones R “Sound reinforcement handbook” ISBN 0.88188.900.8 Hal
Leonard Corp Milwaukee WI USA 1987
Lehrman PD & Tully T “MIDI for the professional” US 0.8256.1374.4, UK
0.7119.2327.2, Amsco publication NY 1993
Nisbett A “The sound Studio” 6th ed, ISBN 0.240.51395.9 Focal press Oxford UK
1962
Rudolph T E, “Teaching Music with technology” ISBN 1.57999.313.3, GIA
publications INC Chicago, IL, USA, 2004
Stark SH “Live sound reinforcement” ISBN 0.918371.07.4, Mixbooks Emeryville
CA USA 1996
Watkinson J “An introduction to digital audio” ISBN 0.240.51378.9 Focal Press
Oxford UK, 1994Huber & Runstein “Modern recording techniques” 4th ed, ISBN
0.672.30639.5 SAMS publishing IN, USA 1995
Additional information:
Candidates are expected to take due care and use common sense with all
electrical equipment, observing manufacturers’ recommendations and warnings
stated in operation manuals.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016