Course Type

BTEC

Exam Board

Pearson

Assessment Type

Exam and Coursework

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade four or above in different subjects including English and Maths. Some musical background is useful but not essential.

Course Overview

This course is split into 4 components.

Component 1 – Coursework – Recording

The purpose of this component is to assess students’ skills in capturing, editing and mixing sounds to produce an audio recording. Students will develop the skills to capture and manipulate sounds in corrective and creative ways in order to communicate effectively with listeners. Students will use technology to explore a range of techniques for capturing, editing and manipulating sound which will help them understand the impact of music technology on creative processes in the studio. They will then produce a completed mix.

Component 2 – Coursework – Technology based composition

The purpose of this component is to assess students’ skills in creating, editing and structuring sounds to develop a technology-based composition. Students will develop the skills to create and manipulate sounds in imaginative and creative ways in order to communicate effectively with listeners. Students will use technology to explore a range of techniques for developing ideas. They will then turn their ideas into completed technology- based compositions.

Component 3 – Exam – Listening and analysing

The purpose of this component is for students to develop listening and analysing skills through the study of a range of music production techniques. The production stages of capture and creating sounds, editing and arranging sounds and mixing will be covered in the examination. Through the deconstruction and analysis of a final, commercial product, students will expand their knowledge of the recording and production practices associated with a number of historical eras.

Component 4 – Written / Practical Exam – Producing and analysing

This component assesses students’ knowledge of the techniques and principles of music technology through a series of written and practical tasks. Students will work with unedited audio and MIDI materials provided by Pearson. The examination will assess the ability to process and correct these materials using a range of production skills. Students will also comment on sonic characteristics of the materials provided, interpreting the underlying theory associated with these as well as justifying decisions they have made in respect of selecting processes and parameters when undertaking the practical tasks.

Where will it lead?

This course could lead on to a career in radio / TV production, recording studio engineer or work in the live sound sector. It could also lead on to various higher education courses in the areas of music, music production and recording.