MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
S3 COURSE
S3 Music Technology is suitable for anyone who enjoys music and wants to further their knowledge of using Technology to create music. You do not have to play any instruments to take this course.
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
If you enjoy creating music and working and audio and sound then this is an ideal course for you.
There are many opportunities to develop transferable skills though practical and written tasks in groups and on your own.
You may be asked to operate the sound for any school events.
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Working solely on MacBooks, you are not required to be able to play an instrument but if you wish to use your instrument skills then you can.
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You will use Garageband to create projects such as a Radio Show, TV Adverts, Dance Track, Audio Books and a Film Soundtrack.
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Collaborative learning: learners can work independently and with others to learn how to record live instruments as they would in a studio, learning about different microphone techniques and how to mix tracks.
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Learners will be required to complete short reports on different genres such as Punk, Hip Hop, Dance/Electronica and Celtic Rock. We will also explore copyright law.
The course assessment consists of:
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Short listening quizzes to assess knowledge and understanding of 20th and 21st Century Popular Music.
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Practical tasks, self and peer assessed to assess understanding of Music Technology Skills.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Homework
Homework could be in any of the following forms:
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Completion of short reports on different genres of music such as Punk, Hip Hop, Dance/Electronica and Celtic Rock.
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Collecting objects to create and record Foley sounds.
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Explore Intellectual Property and Copyright.
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Interviewing Family/friends about Music and pop culture when they were growing up.
How you will be assessed
Your work may be assessed in many different ways e.g.:
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Practical tasks may be assessed by yourself, your peers or your teacher.
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Your understanding of 20th and 21st Century music will be assessed through short listening quizzes, questions and class discussion as well as end of unit assessments.
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
Some typical careers that you might immediately think of include music teacher, music therapist, music critic, session musician, Foley artist, theatre technician, DJ, radio presenter, sound engineer, agent, film scorer, and video game composer.
However, most careers will suit a course in music technology, as even if not directly linked to performing arts, music technology will allow young people to become more rounded individuals. Primary teacher, lawyer/solicitor, doctor, nurse, dentist, orthodontist, beautician, vet, nursery nurse, journalist, IT Analyst, librarian, events management, advertising, local government project officer, mathematician, banking, management positions, web designer and college/university lecturer are only some examples.
Skills developed through Music Technology:
Problem Solving: working independently, resilience, time management, positive work ethic.
Leadership: building confidence, organisational skills. All music courses require you to complete coursework which demands you take responsibility for your own learning and have a proactive, motivated attitude towards your studies.
Teamwork: recording assignments.
Communication: presenting, interaction with others, using clear and concise language to effectively express your thoughts and ideas when both analysing music and reviewing your composition.
Other: dexterity , fine motor skills and memory skills.
S4 and beyond
The course in S3 will cover some of the National 3 music and technolgoy concepts. You will also begin to look at National 4/5 work in preparation for further study in S4. The courses available in S4 are National 4 or National 5 Music and National 4 or 5 Music Technology.

STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.