A Level | Music Technology – Leighton Park

Students will create One recording, chosen from a list of 10 songs provided by Pearson, consisting of a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments.

Within this area, students will understand what microphones setups and types give the best recording outcomes of chosen instruments. They will also look at how to clean audio, mix tracks effectively and look at frequencies and processing of sounds for professional studio practice

Students will create One technology-based composition chosen from three briefs set by Pearson

When undertaking this task, students will learn how to construct sounds from scratch using synthesis and how to make professional sampling libraries using software. Students will have the opportunity to creatively explore effects using the computer as an instrument, producing sounds only computers can generate. Often supporting career areas writing for TV and Film, current commercial music and engineering instrument libraries; orchestral and synthetic.

Total = 75 marks

This exam focus will give students the fundamentals on how music technology works. They will look at production techniques carried out by famous artists in history and look at the principles of sound and audio technology. Students will also be able to experience audio technology setups for live performances, band captures and events; as well as how to create vintage sounds with historical techniques

Total = 105 marks

During this predominantly practical exam students will be asked to clean and mix audio materials using signal processing and to add new compositional writing ideas to enhance a piece of music. Students will correct issues in the material, tune recordings and master music into a completed mix. They will be asked to think about signal paths and the engineering of their mix to finalise this exam.