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.
2.
3.
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 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 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:
1.
2.
LO1Understand sound production within
contemporary music making
3.
4.
1.
2.
LO2Be able to create and control MIDI
sequences using hardware and software
3.
4.
1.
2.
LO3Be able to apply recording practice and
technique to music creation
3.
4.
1.
2.
LO4Be able to create a music composition
using a software sequencing application.
3.
4.
1.1 explain the architecture of a Digital
Audio Workstation
1.2 explain music sequencing and
available sound sources
1.3 explain the fundamental processes
and components of studio recording
1.4 evaluate the planning and production
process
2.1 create a sound palette using a variety
of synthesisers and samplers
2.2 create and edit a variety of MIDI
sequences using different types of data
input
2.3 demonstrate real-time control of
sound sources using hardware and
software
2.4 demonstrate effective computer skills
in the creation of sequenced music
3.1 plan and produce recordings of
individual performers
3.2 plan and produce recordings of
ensembles
3.3 plan and produce audio material
suitable for sample patches
3.4 demonstrate editing, mixing and
mastering of recorded audio
4.1 plan a music composition that utilises
live and virtual sound sources
4.2 create music that incorporates
competent musical technique
4.3 create music that incorporates
competent production technique
4.4 produce scores that communicate
relevant musical ideas.
