First Award in Music Technology

What is Music Technology?
Music technology is the application of technology, such as computers and software, to the creation and performance of music. Whether it is the use of sequencer and editing software, or electronic musical devices, musical technology and its definition expands as technology expands. Music technology encompasses the composition, recording, and playback of music.
As technology advances, music education expands. Music educators across the country are adapting by integrating music technology curricula into their music classes, or introducing separate classes focused on music technology entirely.


Beauchamp’s Music Technology Curriculum
Our broad and balanced Music Technology curriculum has been designed around developing creative skills and techniques that are relatable in today’s industry. This curriculum recognises the role of Music Technology in young people’s lives and has been designed to inspire, challenge and motivate every student, no matter what their level of ability. The aim of the curriculum is to foster a love of the subject giving every learner an opportunity to experience Music Technology and its current and future potential in industry.

Learners have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the music industry. Give learners the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles across the music industry. This suite of qualifications provides opportunities for learners to progress to either academic or more specialised level 3 pathways, apprenticeships and for the next stages in Music Technology for key stage 5.


COURSE Components

  • Introduction to music technology and the music business
  • The digital audio workstation (DAW)
  • Musical elements, musical style and music technology
  • Sound creation
  • Multitrack recording


EXTRA CURRICULAR: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS
As a creative subject, we aim to broaden and enhance student’s holistic development through workshops in which creative collaboration is encouraged. These workshops encourage recording, DJ’ing, performance and course work catch-up. These experiences excite students to further study Music Technology and also widen the opportunities to involve themselves in school events such as concerts, lounge lounges and our main summer school event ‘Beauchstock’.

INDUSTRY STANDARD FACILITIES
Our classroom of Apple iMac workstations run the latest updated Logic Pro X software. We have a 24-track acoustically treated recording studio environment with the latest Apple Mac Pro, a digital PreSonus StudioLive 32SX mixing desk, KRK ROKIT RP8 G4 Studio Monitors, professional DJ workstations running Native Instruments Traktor Scratch Pro. We also have a large ‘live room’ with drum kits, a range of guitars, loop pedals and amps.


STAFF SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Staff in music technology have worked in the industry as a DJ, studio sound engineer, recording label and record producer. They have over 15 years of teaching experience with outstanding practice and extensive academic research.


OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Developing portfolios of work; performing and providing technical support to ‘Live Lounges’ and college Music Festivals. Collaboration with other creative subjects.


HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT ATTAINMENT
100% Pass rate with 41% achieving Distinction or Distinction*.

Next Steps (Progression)


Level 3 Music technology at beauchamp
This course will provide good preparation for learners considering an apprenticeship in digital music production. When taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications, it also supports access to a range of higher education courses in music production and the wider music industry. As well as direct entry to employment, this qualification will prepare learners for higher study of a specialist music technology degree or BTEC Higher National Diploma.


course UNITS

  • DAW Production (Practical Exam)
    Learners will develop an understanding of how a digital audio workstation (DAW) can be used creatively to produce music, manipulate audio and mix music.
  • Remixing and Reworking
    Learners explore and carry out the skills required to create effective remixes and reworks of existing musical material.
  • Commercial Music Production
    Learners will explore the audio production techniques and ear-catching songwriting styles associated with commercial music.
  • Creative Synthesis and Sampling
    Learners will explore the creative functions of synthesisers and samplers in making music and sound design.
  • Music and Sound for Media
    Learners will explore the production of the music, sound and effects that are used for media products such as games, films and apps.


Music Technology at University
Over a hundred music technology degrees available in the UK, which specialise in music production, sound engineering, the music business, TV, film, radio, performance, etc. We have a partnership with Leicester’s DeMontfort University, who are a leading university for a large range of Music Technology courses.


PATHWAY TO CAREERS
Music Technology will prepare students for a range of careers in the music industry. Many of our students choose further study, 82% of our students progressed to university, 44% of which went to study a music related subject. Possible careers that are ever evolving related to music technology can include:

  • Music Producer/Composer
  • Live Sound Engineering
  • Recording, Mixing & Mastering Engineer
  • Recording Label/Companies
  • Radio broadcast - DJ/Journalist
  • TV and Film soundtrack
  • Licensing/Royalties – PRS MCPC PPL
  • Recording Studio manager
  • Artist Manager
  • Venue Manager
  • Theatre sound
  • Performance - Session Musician
  • Promotion - Advertising
  • Road Crew
  • Teaching