Music Technology

Assessment

The course is split into four components: Component 1: Recording (20%) Capture, edit, mix and produce an audio recording of a song – selected by the exam board – from the past 100 years of popular music. The song must last between 2 and 2 ½ minutes and is submitted alongside a logbook. Component 2: Technology-based Composition (20%) Compose a track on a DAW (digital audio workstation) demonstrating skills in manipulating clips of audio, and/or using appropriate samples. This includes understanding and using creative effects processing. Component 3: Listening & Analysing (25%) Examination paper (1hr 15mins) divided into two sections: Section A: Listening & Analysis. Students are given several pieces of unfamiliar popular music to listen to and answer questions on. Section B: Extended Written Response. Students are given a piece of music recorded in two different styles and are required to provide a comparison through written analysis. Component 4: Producing & Analysing (35%) Practical examination paper (1hr 45mins) divided into two sections: Section A: Analysing & Producing. Students are provided with a range of audio and MIDI material and are expected to answer questions and perform production tasks using the materials. Section B: Extended Written Response. Students are required to analyse and interpret music technology data provided by the exam board.