Music Technology

Music Technology is eclectic in its support of commercial music styles, including traditional rock and pop performances, DJ sets, programming and production, EDM and music for media, together with more experimental forms of music-making. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to gain real experience of performing and sound engineering at College-organised events.

Music Technology is taught in a Mac Suite, equipped with Logic Pro, to allow pupils to undertake individual production projects. Students are also taught in the brand new (Jan 2022) acoustically designed Recording Studio where they have access to industry standard equipment.

The A level Music Technology course is split into two main disciplines: sequencing and recording. Pupils should ideally be interested in a variety of popular styles of music, from the 1950s to the present day. Each year, pupils produce two assessed recordings and there are two final exams; one covering the technical aspects of sequencing and recording, and the other the analysis of production techniques throughout music history.

Pupils will develop skills in:

• Sequencing, synthesis and sampling;
• Multitrack recording, mixing and mastering;
• Composing and arranging;
• Listening and analysing styles most common in popular music.

The Department supports a range of in-house music-making, including termly Rock and Pop Concerts, Battle of the Bands, and a range of informal performances and open rehearsals. In the summer term, there is a Music Technology concert, where pupils can display their creative work and recordings.

The wider Music Department affords pupils the opportunity to record College ensembles including the Symphony Orchestra and Chapel Choir, engaging with the challenge of capturing and mixing live sound in real time. Each year the College will aim to invite ex-pupils and other industry professionals to give workshops and talks.