Unit 36:

Unit code: QCF level: Credit value:

Music Technology

K/601/1359 4 15

︎ Unit aim The aim of this unit is to enable learners to apply the practical skills required to create music in contemporary production environments. ︎ Unit abstract Music technology is a subject that focuses upon the creation of music within the context of modern production environments. Contemporary music production covers a variety of disciplines, such as sequencing, audio recording, sampling, synthesis and associated compositional technique. However, this unit focuses on how these different techniques are integrated to form the basis of modern music production. The unit is designed to give learners the confidence to produce music using a range of different methods and technologies. Learners will develop the practical skills associated with sequencing and audio recording. They will also develop the skills required to create musical composition using modern technology. On completion of this unit learners will understand how the realisation of musical ideas can be achieved through the application of technology. Emphasis should be placed on transferable skills to give the learners confidence with a wide range of platforms and technology. The unit gives learners opportunities to investigate performance technique and musical scores; this helps understanding of the interaction between technology and performance and emphasises the need for good communication skills. Content can support understanding of related issues such as listening skills and computer architectures. ︎ Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. 1 Understand sound production within contemporary music making 2. 2 Be able to create and control MIDI sequences using hardware and software 3. 3 Be able to apply recording practice and technique to music creation 4. 4 Be able to create a music composition using a software sequencing application.

UNIT 36: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY BH029654 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music – Issue 2 – October 2011 © Pearson Education Limited 2011

UNIT 36: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Unit content 1. 1 Understand sound production within contemporary music making

Digital Audio Workstation: design eg system architecture, interfaces, connections, sequencers, storage Sequencers: features eg architecture, MIDI standards and protocols, MIDI sequencing, MIDI messages, software sound sources, hardware sound sources, audio sequencing Studio recording: components eg acoustic instruments, electric instruments, human voice, microphones, DI boxes, mixing desk, separation, foldback and monitoring, audio recording Production technique: concepts eg planning, collaboration, managing the environment, sound palettes, sound processing, mixing, mastering

2. 2 Be able to create and control MIDI sequences using hardware and software Sound sources and interfaces: software synthesisers; software samplers; hardware sound sources; presets; original sound creation; sound cards; sample and bit rates; MIDI input devices; connections Composing and editing: tempo and time signature; key and pitch; timbre; style and genre; entering information; track types; editing functions; quantising; edit windows; mix windows; arranging Advanced techniques: automation; MIDI controller maps; groove templates; replicating specific instruments Computer issues: CPU load; RAM management; HDD management; file types and extensions; file handling; fault finding; back-up and storage

3. 3 Be able to apply recording practice and technique to music creation Recording: considerations eg studio set-up, recording chain and signal path, gain, signal- to-noise ratio, levels, monitoring, headphone mixes, latency, needs of the performer, tuning, recording for sample creation, click tracks Microphones and DI boxes: function and choice eg dynamic, condenser, polar patterns, placement, separation; phantom power; microphone and line level; connections and leads Multi-tracking: techniques eg separation, bed tracks, overdubbing, group performance, multiple headphone mixes, click tracks Editing and mixing down: audio editing eg destructive and non-destructive editing, back-up, trim, fade in/fade out, normalise, tempo matching; sample creation eg strip silence, pitch shifting, time stretching; use of equalisation and effects, balance and stereo image, levels and dynamics, automation, basic mastering

4 Be able to create a music composition using a software sequencing application Integration: audio and MIDI eg MIDI sequences, virtual sound sources, live performance, sample patches, sample loops Composition: technique eg form, timbre, arrangement, rhythm, melody, harmony, originality, authenticity, musicality, communication Production: process eg editing, sound creation and manipulation, time management, mixing and mastering Notation: graphic and standard eg time signature, key, tempo, dynamics, layout, editing, adding text, step versus score editor, display quantise, printing UNIT 36: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY BH029654 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music – Issue 2 – October 2011 © Pearson Education Limited 2011

UNIT 36: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

Assessment criteria for pass The learner can:

LO1Understand sound production within contemporary music making

1. 1.1 explain the architecture of a Digital Audio Workstation

2. 1.2 explain music sequencing and available sound sources

3. 1.3 explain the fundamental processes and components of studio recording

4. 1.4 evaluate the planning and production process

LO2Be able to create and control MIDI sequences using hardware and software

1. 2.1 create a sound palette using a variety of synthesisers and samplers

2. 2.2 create and edit a variety of MIDI sequences using different types of data input

3. 2.3 demonstrate real-time control of sound sources using hardware and software

4. 2.4 demonstrate effective computer skills in the creation of sequenced music

LO3Be able to apply recording practice and technique to music creation

1. 3.1 plan and produce recordings of individual performers

2. 3.2 plan and produce recordings of ensembles

3. 3.3 plan and produce audio material suitable for sample patches

4. 3.4 demonstrate editing, mixing and mastering of recorded audio

LO4Be able to create a music composition using a software sequencing application.

1. 4.1 plan a music composition that utilises live and virtual sound sources

2. 4.2 create music that incorporates competent musical technique

3. 4.3 create music that incorporates competent production technique

4. 4.4 produce scores that communicate relevant musical ideas.