AS & A2 Music
Technology
The Knights Templar School
2014 – 2016
The Knights Templar School
Music Department
Mr Paul Herring BA (Head of Department)
Mrs Eleanor Guinane BA
Mrs Heather Johnson B.Ed
Mrs Sarah Fraser (Music Secretary)
AS Music Technology –
key features
* Emphasis on music technology as an area of study in its own right
* 70 % coursework and whole exam is externally marked
* Using music technology as a tool for composing and arranging
* Developing sequencing and recording skills
* Developing listening skills in recording techniques
* Performance seen as a creative skill in the use of music technology
* 3 Areas of Study:
1) The Principals & Practice of Music Technology
2) Popular Music Styles with focus styles of
Rock‘n’Roll and Rap & Hip-hop
3) The Development of Technology-based Music
Resources and Equipment
•
Rooms
K2 Music Technology Room with 22 Applemac workstations all with the
latest Sibelius 6 software as well as Logic Pro and GarageBand software.
The computers are all new, networked and linked to the internet. K2 also
has a small studio attached with another workstation and with Cubase
Studio 4, Guitar Pro 5 and Reason audio equipment. We also have a
specialist recording and performance area in CS 2. The new sound-proofed
control room also has a powerful standalone Applemac with Logic Pro 5 and
Reason software
Resources and Equipment ii
• Equipment
As part of the Schools Specialist bid in the Performing Arts we have
been able to purchase new equipment for the AS and A2 Music
Technology including high quality specialist microphones for
recording of vocal, instrumental and drum kits, a digital 8 track
mixing desk/studio,Logic Pro 9 software, Motu 859 Audio Interface,
an M-Audio NVR 10 Firewire Digital Audio Interface / Mixer
Music Resources
• Sibelius 6 and Logic Pro networked on all computers
• Logic Pro, Guitar Pro and Reason software in K2 studio
plus advanced digital recording equipment, Logic Pro
and Motu interface Firewire Mixer in new CS Recording
Studio
• All computers linked to internet providing access to
Online Grove Dictionary
• Library Resource centre – with CDs and scores
• Listening booklet & CD to help prepare for Listening
exam.
• Access to performance rooms and control room for
recording
AS Music Technology:
Summary of Units 1 & 2
Music Technology Portfolio 1 Practical Tasks 70%
• Task 1A: Sequenced Realised Performance
• Task 1B: Multi-Track Recording
• Task 1C: Creative Sequenced Arrangement
Students also submit a logbook that will provide information on the
resources used in each task
Students will produce an audio CD containing quality recordings of the 3
tasks
Unit 2 Listening & Analysing 30%
•
•
Students demonstrate knowledge of popular music, development and
understanding of music technology and aural skills. Focus Areas for 2013
are Rock’n’Roll and Rap & Hip-Hop.
1 hour 45 minute exam – all students have a copy of audio CD containing
recorded extracts
Practical Work Unit 1
Task 1a:
Sequenced Realised Performance:
Students sequence a song using Logic Pro software and are provided with an audio
recording and skeleton score. Students are marked on accuracy of pitch & rhythm,
choice of instruments & mix, overall musicality and general music technology skills
Task for 2012: AMTV Ladytron 2014: Gotta Get Through This (Daniel Bedingfield)
Task 1b:
Multi-Track Recording:
Students record a piece of their own choice using at least 8 live (not MIDI) tracks with
at least 4 microphones. Students are marked on capture of sound, processing and
overall mix
Task 1c:
Creative Sequenced Arrangement:
Students select a task from a choice of 2 stimuli/styles. The piece must show some
creative development (not just a cover version) and should last between 2 and 3
minutes
Task for 2014: California Girls (The Beach Boys), Rolling in the Deep (Adele) in the
style of either Dubstep or Disco.
A2 Music Technology Unit 3 60%
Task 3a: Sequenced Integrated Performance:
•
This must include at least 1 live audio vocal track integrated with the MIDI tracks; no
score provided
Task 3b: Multi-Track Recording:
•
The piece needs to be 3 – 5 minutes long and performed live involving at least 12
tracks with 8 captured on microphones using at least 4 acoustic instruments.
Task 3c: Composing using Music Technology:
•
Students create one original composition based on a brief set by the board. The
piece should demonstrate a creative approach to the use of music technology
Unit 4: Analysing & Producing
(40%)
• During a 2 hour exam student demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding of Music Technology through a series of written
commentaries and production tasks. Students work at a MIDI
workstation with their own audio CD
• Section A: Students are tested in their ability to manipulate and
correct recorded music and write short commentaries on
technological processes
• Section B: This is a practical task involving the production of a
balanced stereo mix
Opportunities for Sixth Form
Students
• Performing in advanced ensembles e.g. Big Band,
Senior Chamber Choir etc.
• Use of all school recording equipment and recording
rooms – subject to availability
• Opportunities to manage sound at school events,
concerts and shows.
• Extensive listening resources for Listening Exam.
• Music Tours 2010 Croatia, 2012 Holland & 2014 Italy
Music Students Working in K2