Teaching & Learning
Music Technology
KS4
Sequencing and Sequencers
Your Sequencing Project
Music Theory and Composing
The Recording Studio
Your Recording Project
The Music Industry
Students will learn what a sequencer is and how to use its different features. Alongside this, they will learn about the different features of Logic Pro; this will enable them to build their own sequenced piece after half term. Students will also look over the basics of reading notation so that they can use this knowledge to work out sections of music in the creation of their sequenced piece. After half term, students will create, notate and input a piece of music into Logic Pro; selecting the instruments and effects.
Students will learn about scales, chords, rhythm and melody and how these are put together within popular music genres. Students will also develop their understanding of the elements of music as they look into dynamics, texture, pitch etc.… Students will submit a short composition at the end of the topic, where they will be assessed on the use of the skills and techniques.
In the summer term, students will begin learning about how to use the recording studio and all of the equipment that is used within the studio, safely and correctly. Students will be working in groups to create their own recording of a song. They plan the recording process, before recording and then mixing their songs ready for submission. After half term, students will begin learning about the music industry. This will include finding out about different companies and job roles that are in the music industry as well as how these different job roles and companies work together in the processes of recording, selling, performing and broadcasting music.
Skills:
Developing sequencing skills
Developing compositional skills
Developing recording skills, learning how to use the following:
Recording Hardware
Audio Interface
Patch Bay
Microphones
Cables
Amplifiers
Instruments
Auxiliary Equipment
Gaining an initial insight into how the music industry works.
Learning about mixing/effects
Learning about stereo fields
The Music Industry
Managing a Music Project
Recording
Students will spend the first term preparing for the Unit 1 exam; learning about job roles within the industry, companies and sectors within the music industry and real life scenarios within the music industry.
Students will build on the learning they have already done in preparation for this exam by working through each section of the exam and developing their extended writing skills in preparation for this exam. Following the exam in January, they will begin working on the other core unit, Unit 2: Managing a Music Product, working as a team to plan, develop, produce and review either an event or album.
Students are involved in recapping and developing their skills within the recording studio in preparation for their coursework in Year 11. Students will finish the topic fully prepared to use the studio, and will produce a recording as an end of term submission.
Skills:
Developing planning and preparation skills, ahead of January’s unit 1 examination on the music industry.
Working collaboratively to manage a music product. During this task they will gain skills in the planning, preparing and producing of a product that will be made available to the public.
Students are gaining an insight into how the music industry works.
Introducing Music Sequencing
Introducing Music Composition
Students will spend the first two half terms working through the music sequencing Btec topic. Students will be creating detailed instructions on ‘How to use Logic Pro’ before creating a sequenced version of an existing song.
Once the sequencing topic has been completed, students will begin work on their music composition topic. Students will be required to compose a number of pieces of music for a number of advertising campaigns. One of these pieces of music will then be extended into a full piece of music.
Skills:
Students’ skills will be further developed as they complete coursework topics on composition, sequencing and recording.