GCE Music Technology 2017 - Course Planner - A level in 2 years

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver

Course Planner for GCE Music Technology (2017) outlining an A level programme delivered over two years. The plan is organized by academic terms and components, detailing progression from recording and mixing, technology-based composition, and introduction to Component 3 exam practice. It then advances through MIDI, synthesis, analogue and digital impacts, vocal production, audio editing, automation, NEA set brief preparation, and final revision. Includes mock Component 3 & 4 exam sessions and highlights practical, research, and feedback-driven learning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatDOC

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Year One

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year Two

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

GCE Music Technology 2017:Course Planner – A level in 2 years Contents TOC \t " A head,1,B head,2,C head,3 " Overview PAGEREF _Toc336756316 \h 2 Year One PAGEREF _Toc336756317 \h 4 Year Two PAGEREF _Toc336756318 \h 9 This document is based on the latest information in the accredited Pearson Edexcel A level Music Technology qualification. Overview Year One Autumn 1 Component 1: Introduction to recording and mixing Component 2: Introduction to technology-based composition Component 3: Introduction to the Component 3 exam Component 4: Handling and mixing audio Autumn 2 Component 1: Recording acoustic/bass guitar and intermediate mixing skills Component 2: MIDI and synthesis essentials Component 3: Analogue technology and vocal production Component 4: Theoretical and practical tasks focusing on MIDI, dynamics and distortion Spring 1 Component 1: Exploring the mark scheme, recording percussion/keyboards and advanced mixing Component 2: Exploring mark scheme criteria Component 3: Detailed exploration of the question paper and focus on analogue synthesisers/electric instruments Component 4: Detailed exploration of the question paper and specimen long-response questions Spring 2 Component 1: Practice brief sessions, mixing practice and mastering Component 2: Practice brief sessions Component 3: Comparing analogue and digital effects Component 4: Specimen questions Summer 1 Components 1 & 2: practice brief project and logbooks Components 3 & 4: Final revision ahead Summer 2 A level students sit mock Component 3 & 4 exams Component 1: Drum recording and preparing A-level brief Component 2: Preparatory work towards A-level set brief Components 3 & 4: Exploring differences between the AS- and A-level papers Year Two Autumn 1 Component 1: Exploring the mark scheme, multiple mic techniques and preparing/starting the NEA set brief Component 2: Advanced MIDI and sampling and preparing/starting the NEA set brief Component 3: The impact of digital and sampling technology Component 4: Advanced MIDI in practice Autumn 2 Component 1: Mixing using advanced dynamics parameters and starting NEA brief Component 2: Advanced synthesis techniques and starting NEA brief Component 3: The impact of analogue technology Component 4: Studio interconnection, microphones and acoustics Spring 1 Component 1: Advanced audio editing, pitch/rhythm correction and continuing NEA brief Component 2: Automating parameters and continuing NEA brief Component 3: Identifying effects and their parameters Component 4: Audio editing and manipulating advanced parameters with automation Spring 2 Component 1: Supervised NEA sessions with skills-based starter activities Component 2: Supervised NEA sessions with skills-based starter activities Component 3: Mixing, mastering and comparing production techniques Component 4: Focus on essay questions and evaluating production scenarios Summer 1 Components 1 & 2: Moving towards completion with NEA brief and associated documentation Components 3 & 4: Focus on exam technique and final revision Summer 2 A level students sit Component 3 & 4 exams Year One Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Component 1 – Introduction to recording and mixing (1 lesson per week): Students will be introduced to the recording task and associated core hardware. Students will consider the placement of microphones and the influence of the room on the recorded result. Core mixing techniques will be explored and the half term will culminate in a short recording task that will be mixed and submitted for feedback from the teacher. Component 2 – Introduction to technology based composition (1 lesson per week): Students will be introduced to the composition task and learn about the core functions of their DAW software. A focus on sample manipulation techniques will allow students to produce a short piece for submission. Component 3 – Introduction to the Component 3 exam (1 lesson per week): Teaching will focus on the eras of recording and production technology and the sty

FAQs

What are the main components taught during Year One?

Year One covers recording and mixing, technology-based composition, an introduction to the Component 3 exam, and handling and mixing audio in practical exam contexts.

How does the plan prepare students for NEA in Year Two?

Year Two includes multiple supervised sessions that continue NEA brief preparation, with activities focused on advancing MIDI, sampling, synthesis, dynamics, and documentation toward completion.

When do students sit mock or final exams in this plan?

The plan schedules mock Component 3 & 4 exams in Summer 2 of Year One, and A level students sit Component 3 & 4 exams in Summer 2 of Year Two.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver