Music Technology
Subject Leader: Mr Pasternakiewicz - mpasternakiewicz@tqacademy.co.uk
AIMS OF THE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
- Develop your musical abilities: You'll learn about music production, recording and editing techniques. This will give you the tools to bring your musical ideas to life, whether you play an instrument or prefer composing electronically.
- Expand your musical knowledge: The curriculum covers the theory behind sound and audio technology, including its history and how it's shaped modern music. This will give you a well-rounded understanding of how music works.
- Nurture your creativity: Music technology is all about using tools to express yourself musically. The courses will encourage you to experiment, compose, and explore different genres using technology.
- Open up future pathways: Studying music technology equips you with valuable skills that can be applied to various music-related careers. It can be a stepping stone to further studies in music production, sound engineering, or even music therapy.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM
As a Musical Futures Champion School, our Key Stage 3 curriculum is firmly grounded in the Musical Futures pedagogy. This innovative approach prioritises student choice in musical exploration and hands-on music making, a stark contrast to traditional theory-heavy programs. Students delve into music genres they're passionate about, collaborate with peers, and develop core musical skills through playing a variety of instruments and creating their own music. By the end of Key Stage 3, all students will have gained a foundational ability to play a variety of instruments, fostering a lifelong love of music in a relevant and engaging way.
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM
Course Title: Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Performing Arts (Technical Award)
Examining Body: EDUQAS
Course Lead: Mr Pasternakiewicz
What will I study?
The Eduqas Vocational Performing Arts course with a focus on Music Technology equips you with a blend of practical and theoretical skills for creating and manipulating music using technology. Here's what you can expect to learn:
- Music Production Fundamentals: You'll delve into the core concepts of music production, including recording techniques, editing software (DAWs - Digital Audio Workstations), mixing, and mastering.
- Music Technology in Action: The course will provide hands-on experience with music software, teaching you how to use them for recording, sequencing, manipulating sounds, and building your own compositions.
- Understanding Audio: You'll explore the science of sound, covering areas like acoustics, microphones, signal processing, and how these elements influence music creation.
- Music Software Skills: Depending on the specific resources available at your school, you might learn industry-standard software like Logic Pro or Ableton Live. These programs are powerful tools for music production and will be your creative playground.
- Exploring Different Genres: The course might involve analyzing how music technology has impacted various musical styles. You could learn about electronic music production techniques, sampling, and sound design used in different genres.
- Music Industry Awareness: You might gain insights into the professional music industry, exploring areas like music marketing, music streaming platforms, and the role of music technology in live performances
The Eduqas Music Technology course at Key Stage 4 is a great choice for students who want to fuse their love of music with the power of technology. It equips you with the skills to create and manipulate music using industry-standard software, giving you a deeper understanding of music production and the chance to explore your creativity in new ways. This not only opens doors to music-related careers but also fosters valuable transferable skills and sets you apart from the crowd. It's a fun and engaging way to learn, combining your passion with practical knowledge.
*Please note KS4 Music Technology can not be studied alongside KS4 Drama
How and when will I be assessed?
The Eduqas Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Performing Arts (Music Technology) comprises three assessed components:
Further study
If you enjoy this course then there are a number of options available to you in Sixth Form that you may wish to consider. These include:
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performance)
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Music - 2 A levels
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Technology (Production)
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM
Course Title: BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Diploma in Music Technology (Production
Examining Body: Pearson
Course Lead: Mr Pasternakiewicz
Course description
This course is designed to offer a broad and practical introduction to the many aspects of how technology is used to create and augment music and sound. From production to DJ performance, studio recording to live sound and lights, you will find something that interests you and will benefit from a hands-on experience of our state-of-the-art industry standard facilities.
You should choose Music Technology if you are passionate about the role that technology provides within the music industry, if you enjoy problem solving and have a creative vision in sound that you want brought to life. Our students are provided with showcase opportunities throughout their two years and are able to direct a pathway toward your chosen specialism
Many students choose to take a Music Performance option alongside Music technology, to create a double award or a full-time option. This is an excellent opportunity if you are keen to pursue further study or a career within the Music Industry
What will I learn?
On this Level 3 Music Technology course, you'll prepare yourself for a career in the Music Industry in a number of roles, it really is a well rounded course. In addition to music production you will learn how to perform using Music Technology, the history of technology in music and in what ways the industry has been changed. You will study copyright law, marketing and promotion and the royalty system. You will also study the technical aspects of Music Technology, live sound systems, microphone techniques and recording perspectives.
Course structure
The assessment of the course is entirely coursework based which is internally assessed and externally verified. On the Music Technology (subsidiary diploma) course you will study a total of 6 units across the two year duration including topics such as: Sequencing Systems and Techniques, Live Sound Systems, Music Production Techniques, Music Technology in Live Performance, Creating a Music Product and Marketing and Promotion in the Music Industry.
Where could it lead?
At Torquay Academy, we have established links to Higher Education Music institutions across the country, with a long- standing history of Music students graduating to study related courses in production, music for media and music technology. In addition some of our students have gained employment and apprenticeships in related disciplines in live sound, theatre and radio.
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TO UNIVERSITY
Top 5 UK universities to study Music Technology:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- Royal Academy of Music
- Royal College of Music
- University of Edinburgh
- Birmingham Conservatoire
CAREERS INFORMATION
If you enjoy studying Music Technology you might consider exploring the following careers:
Audio Engineer/Sound Engineer: These professionals work in studios and live events, recording, mixing, and mastering audio. Salaries can range from £30,000 to £100,000+ annually.
Music Producer: Producers guide the creative vision of a song or album, working with musicians and engineers. Top producers can earn well over £100,000 per project.
Sound Designer: They create sound effects and atmospheres for films, video games, and other media. Salaries can range from £40,000 to £80,000+ annually.
Music Software Developer: If you have a programming bent, you can develop music apps and software. Salaries can vary based on experience and the company, but can reach well over £100,000.
Music Therapist: Music therapists use music to improve a client's physical, emotional, and cognitive health. The median salary is around £80,000 annually.
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
There are many music extra curricular opportunities available to you:
- 121 instrumental and vocal lessons
- Junior Music Academy
- Senior Music Academy
- Choir
- Live Music Lunches
- Christmas Concert
- TA SummerFest (whole school music festival)
- Practice rooms available at break times and afterschool.
The Music Department in action
