Music Technology A level

• What will I study and learn?

  You will develop your listening skills through analysis of popular music covering all styles from rock and soul to EDM (electronic dance music) and commercial pop.

  
  You will develop a broad range of skills including project management, appraising and analysis, creativity and imagination.
  
  Main areas of focus:

  • Operating a professional recording studio and learning all associated techniques
  • Capturing, producing and mixing recordings
  • Composing with music technology
  • Sampling, synthesis and effects
  • The principles of sound and audio technology
  • The development of popular music styles
  • The history and development of recording and production technology

• How is the course accessed?

  Assessment is both practical and written assessment:
  
  

  • Component 1: Recording - non-examined assessment: externally assessed. 20% of the qualification (60 marks)
  • Component 2: Technology-based composition - non-examined assessment: externally assessed. 20% of the qualification (60 marks)
  • Component 3: Listening and analysing - written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes. 25% of the qualification (75 marks)
  • Component 4: Producing and analysing - written/ practical examination: 2 hours 15 minutes. 35% of the qualification (105 marks)

• What courses would combine well with this course?

  • Physics A level
  • Maths A level
  • Computing Science A level
  • Film Studies A level
  • Media Studies A level

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  Minimum requirements - average point score of 5 including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 5.
  
  Points calculation
  
  The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points). From 2017 English Language, English Literature and Mathematics GCSE will be graded numerically (1 – 9. Grade 5 = a good grade C, grade 6 = grade B and grade 7 = grade A).
  
  To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.
  
  

• What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

  Students will be able to progress to undergraduate study in Music Technology, Sound Production, Sound Engineering and many other courses requiring a similar skill set.
  
  Universities students can progress onto could include
  
  

  • Surrey University
  • ACM
  • Ravensbourne
  • BIMM
  • Chichester

• Are there any costs involved?

  N/A

• Are you aged over 19?

  Students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year may be required to pay tuition fees for that year of study. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3. If you are aged 19-23 as at 31 August and this is your first full Level 3 you may not have to pay fees.

  
  

  Students who are 19-24 years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

   

  You can find A Level course fees for adults on our A Level page.