Music and Sound Technology at ESA

MIxing, mastering, looping, production, sound engineering, synths and MIDI, soundtrack, audio effects, foley… Music Production technology isn’t just how to make music sound excellent, it’s also an instrument in it’s own right. We study sound technology as a craft alongside all forms of performance and production.

BTEC Music Technology and Sound Production (KS4) BTEC Music Technology and Sound Production (KS5)

BTEC Music Production and Sound Production (KS4)

Welcome to music technology at ESA. The BTEC Music Level 1/2 First Award in Music Technology allows students to develop a number of core skills including sequencing in Logic Pro X, and the practical application of microphones in a studio setting.

The mandatory units explore the music industry, looking at the different job roles, organisations, whilst managing a music product allows you to plan and deliver a music concert.

The aims of the BTEC First Award in Music is to: inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the Music Sector & give learners the opportunity to gain broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in the Music industry, e.g. the live sound industry, solo or group professional performance, or music promotion and publishing.

Students can get behind the scenes as a production company for Unit 2: Managing a Music Product, and practically apply their learning to real live sound and recording situations.

Assessment:

Unit 1: The Music Industry (understand different types of organisations that make up the music industry and understand the job roles in the music industry)

Unit 2: Managing a Music Product (students plan, develop and deliver a music product, promote a music product and review the management process)

Unit 6: Introducing Music Recording (plan a recording session and use recording equipment safely to produce multi-track recordings)

Unit 7: Introducing Music Sequencing (explore music sequencing techniques and create tracks using Logic Pro X)

BTEC Music Production and Sound Production (KS5)

At ESA we have industry standard facilities to develop students practical skills in music technology. This includes a fully functional music studio and industry-standard microphones, mixing desks for live shows and the support of qualified alumni. This qualification enables learners to develop a core of knowledge around the music technology industry and the use of recording and technical equipment. It provides the breadth and practical application of music technology learning which will prepare learners for a number of job roles in the sector. Learners with this qualification could progress to the following job roles: • studio assistant • assistant sound designer • trainee sound engineer.

Assessment

The 5 units you will study are:

Year 12

Unit 6: DAW Production (externally assessed in April) (Learners will develop an understanding of how a digital audio workstation (DAW) can be used creatively to produce music, manipulate audio and mix music)

Unit 1: Live Sound (In this unit you will: A Examine live sound technology, equipment and roles B Carry out the set-up and soundcheck of a live sound system to meet the needs of performers and audience C Develop live recording and mixing techniques.)

Year 13

Unit 2: Studio Recording (In this unit you will: A Explore the equipment and processes used for a multitrack studio recording B Carry out music recording session planning to prepare for a multitrack recording C Carry out music recording using techniques and processes for a multitrack recording D Review the processes used in the recording of the multitrack recordings.)

Unit 13: Mixing and Mastering Techniques (In this unit you will: A Understand mixing and mastering software techniques B Develop a mixdown of a multitrack project C Carry out the production of a mastered stereo audio file.)

Unit 18: Working and Developing as a Production Team (In this unit you will: A Understand the different roles and responsibilities involved in the music production process B Undertake a music production project C Review the music production project.)