Overview

The Music Production pathway combines A Level Music Technology with an enrichment programme centring on industry related work experience e.g. live sound engineering, studio placements.

KS5 Intent Statement

Build on analytical listening skills established during Music lessons in previous Key Stages allowing students to appreciate the complexity of sound in its finest detail. Inspire creativity through the story of the development of Music Production and the innovations of individual Producers working within the limitations of technology of their time. Provide relevant practical scenarios to allow students to apply problem-solving skills and discover creative solutions in preparation for ongoing learning whether in higher education or the workplace of the future. Enable students to assimilate a broad repertoire of skills and production styles and instilling a confidence to be able to apply this knowledge to new and unfamiliar contexts. Develop students’ critical thinking skills through an understanding of the processes and analysis of artistic choices made in commercial productions and the evaluation of the applications and limitations of production technologies across different eras and providing balanced arguments with a well-supported conclusion. Provide enhanced learning opportunities through the Music Enrichment programme, visiting practitioners, work experience opportunities and additional graded exam qualifications.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification Title: Music Production
Qualification Specification Code: 9MTO
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the Edexcel webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The three areas of study are, firstly, the Recording and Production Techniques for both Corrective and Creative Purposes, secondly, the Principles of Sound and Audio Technology, and thirdly, the Development of Recording and Production Technology. During the course students will have the opportunity to capture, edit and produce a recording, use sound creation and manipulation techniques to create, edit and structure a composition, identify production on commercial recordings and correct and mix a recording. They will also study the principles of sound and of audio technology in relation to theoretical and practical contexts and develop their knowledge of current digital technologies, as well as those dating back to the mono, analogue recording technologies from the 1930s onwards.

The summary of components is as follows:
• Recording technology based coursework
• Technology-based composition coursework
• Listening and analysing examination
• Producing and analysing examination

Possible Career Paths

Producer, Composer/Artist, Studio Recording Engineer, Technician, Live Sound Engineer, Acoustic Engineer; design of acoustic spaces and venues, designing/constructing sound systems for venues, Computer Programmer in music applications, Music for Gaming/Ringtones, MIDI Programmer, design and manufacture of electronic instruments/devices, Electrical Engineer developing microphones and speakers, Sound Engineer in media/ television/radio, Composer of film/media music.