Music Technology

RSL Subsidiary Diploma

Is this course for me?
If you have an interest in the technology side of music - such as the recording studio, live sound and creating music on computers - then this is the course for you. There are no formal exams on this course. There are elements of performing music on the course, however, the emphasis is on using technology to capture, create, edit and manipulate sounds. There is also a unit of work that's sole purpose is to inform you of careers in the music industry and how to further your skillset to enable you to have a career in the industry.

What qualifications do I need?
The College entry requirements plus a grade 5 or above in GCSE music. However, if you have not done GCSE Music and are interested in the course, it is essential that you contact the course tutor before signing up.

What does the course involve?
Digital Recording and Production
This unit has two aims:

To develop skills in effectively planning the recording process and recording instruments and voices.
To edit audio samples for future use.

The purpose of this unit is to enable the students to record instruments and or vocals in the studio, and manipulate and edit them to be sample patches for future projects. This involves learning the controls and functions of the recording studio as well as computer software. The unit also focuses on the ability to plan and manage the recording process.

Music Sequencing and Production
The aim of this unit is to develop skills in using music sequencing software. The digital Audio Workstation Cubase gives ultimate control to users to create synthesized sounds as well as programming pre-recorded samples. MIDI editing and functions are also a large part of this unit.
The purpose of this unit is to enhance the learner's ability to utilise the advanced functions of a sequencing package (Cubase) and put them into practice.

Live Music Performance
The aim of this unit is to refine live performance skills and to develop the students' capacity to take ownership of the entire performance process, in context, from a personal perspective. This will involve planning and executing rehearsals and performance opportunities, as well as gaining an understanding of image, stage persona and communication with both audience and band members.

Live Sound Recording and Sound Reinforcement
(Externally Assessed Unit)
Exact details of this unit of work are released by the exam board shortly before delivery, however, from previous briefs set by RSL, the purpose of the unit is to enable students to:

Plan a live recording of a piece of music.
Set up a performance-level PA system for a live music event.
Create a live recording of a piece of music.
Evaluate the success of the installation of sound reinforcement equipment and the completed recording.

How will my work be assessed?
There are no formal exams on this course. Units of work are marked by the subject teachers, with the opportunity for students to re-submit work after receiving feedback from teachers. There is an exception of one unit which is sent to RSL (the exam board) to mark. This unit has a set amount of time dedicated to it in the school calendar, and the brief is released by RSL shortly before delivery.

What can I do afterwards?
This is a very rewarding course that would lead on to further studies down the music technology route. An entire unit of work is dedicated to getting work in the industry and this may help inform your career choice and your chosen pathway to succeed.