NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology

This course is for those candidates who are interested in music and the music industry and wish to develop and practice skills using a variety of sound equipment and software. No experience is necessary and students do not need any musical or instrumental skills that they have not learned in Key Stage 3 Music lessons. Students wishing to take this course should of course have an interest in music and enjoy the practical side of the subject.

Throughout the course students will use the department's recording studio and new computer suite as well as have the opportunity to go out to a local professional recording studio.

Course Content

Unit 1 - Application of Music Technology
• Students will identify the technology used to generate and record sound, identify developments in sound technology, develop awareness of health and safety in a recording studio environment.
Unit 2 - Midi Sequencing
• Students will use the departments new music specific PCs to create, then edit and arrange a MIDI sequence.
Unit 3 - Recording Techniques
• Students will select and use microphones, use an audio mixer and recording machine, learn to mix down, master and produce a recording.
Unit 4 - Employment in the music industry
• Students will explore job opportunities and types of employment contracts in the music technology industry, demonstrate awareness of business, prepare a personal career development plan.
Unit 5 - Multi-track recording techniques
• Students will use a multi-track audio mixer and recording machine, use effects processing, learn the skills required for multi-track mixing down, digitally master and produce an end product.

This course is the equivalent of 2 GCSEs at grade B.

Progression opportunities

Students may wish to go on to study AS and A Level Music Technology or Level 3 BTEC in Music Technology.