Music Technology

National 5 Music Technology

The aims course enables learners to develop:
 

• knowledge and understanding of music technology
• a broad understanding of the music industry, including intellectual property rights
• knowledge, understanding and critical analysis of a range of 20th and 21st century musical concepts, styles and genres
• the ability to use music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio
• the ability to use music technology creatively in sound production in a range of contexts
• listening skills
• imaginative, creative and technical problem-solving skills
• using skills in a range of contexts e.g. live performance, radio broadcast, film, TV themes, adverts and computer gaming
• the ability to critically reflect on personal work and on the work of others
• skills in planning, organising, researching, communicating in a technological
• and musical context
  

 
There are three main areas of study: Music Technology Skills; Understanding 20th and 21st Century Music; Music Technology in Context.  These are assessed through:
 

• an assignment (consisting of two projects) – 70% of overall mark
• a question paper – 30% of overall mark

 
Assignment
Candidates should choose two of these briefs in discussion with their teacher or lecturer. Each sample brief is based on a different context:

• a soundtrack to support a short film
• live studio recording and mixing of a performance by a small instrumental group
• multi-track studio recording and mixing of a performance by a small instrumental group
• producing music and sound to support a computer-gaming environment
• creating a short radio broadcast involving sound, speech and music
• creating an audiobook

 
There are three stages to this task and marks will be awarded for each stage:

• Planning - 15 marks
• Implementation - 45 marks
• Evaluating - 10 marks

 
Question Paper
Candidates will complete a Listening paper based on recorded excerpts of music linking to the Understanding 20th and 21st Century Music.

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