How Music Technology is taught at Hurtwood
At Hurtwood House this shift in musical emphasis was recognised some years ago when we built and equipped our recording studios for those wanting to produce and compose using hi-tech equipment as well as traditional instruments. We have stayed true to our commitment of being one of the best equipped departments in the country and now have 4 purpose built digital recording studios including 2 Pro Tools systems. Students work in the same environment as top recording artists, creating then translating ideas into a finished and marketable form.
Facilities
As befits a modern, technological subject, the equipment levels and facilities available to students are state-of-the-art. Our A2 studios have a large acoustically-treated live room and two independent control rooms each with a Pro Tools system running on Mac with Control 24 mixing surfaces. The whole complex has been acoustically designed by “Acoustic Architecture”, one of the finest acoustic design companies in the country, and is fully sound-proofed with floating floors, suspended ceilings and magnetically-sealed acoustic doors. The two AS studios are again purpose built and fully soundproofed and are each equipped with a 16 Track digital Multitrack as well as a host of outboard equipment.
In addition to the 4 recording studios there is a dedicated MIDI/Audio Suite with 12 PC based Audio Workstations running Cubase SX software. The facilities in this suite enable students to work individually on compositions, arrangements and recording projects. The MIDI Suite is also the main teaching room and has an interactive whiteboard and comprehensive sound system so that work can be demonstrated to the whole class during lessons and tutorials. The room runs on its own dedicated network which includes comprehensive audio and video resources.
All of these facilities are reserved for the sole use of Music Technology students and with the studios open in the evenings and weekends, there is plenty of studio time available for coursework and personal projects throughout the year.
Instrument + Voice Lessons
Of course, all of this technology needs a constant flow of musicians producing high quality performances and students from the whole school community are encouraged to get involved in the musical life of the school. As such, Hurtwood has a dedicated team of instrument and voice teachers offering their experience in one to one lessons to ensure that everyone reaches their musical potential. Lessons take place in the 5 dedicated practice rooms that are nestled in the woods that surround the campus.
Album + Shows
Studying Music Technology at Hurtwood will mean being part of one of the best equipped and highest achieving departments in the country, but this is only part of the story! As well as studying the A level course, you will have numerous opportunities to test your skills in various extra curricular projects. As a musician you will have the opportunity to perform in the various shows and concerts, often alongside professional musicians straight from the West End. Music Technology students form the Sound Crew for all of the school shows meaning that you will be involved in every aspect of live production from Sound Design through to Fitting Up, Backstage and operating Front of House sound. If you are serious about a career in the music or theatre industries then this kind of experience is invaluable.
The Hurtwood Album is another chance to showcase the talent, both musical and technical, in the school and this exciting and dynamic project is produced by Music Technology students. The highest standards are expected and you can hear some of the results by going to the Music Gallery.
Specification
Students will be examined under the following areas
a |
Sequencing, Recording and Producing
Throughout the A-level course students will have the opportunity to use music technology including digital multitrack recorders and sequencers to produce high quality pieces. These will utilise the latest techniques and equipment and will involve different musical styles from classical, to modern pop and dance music. This part of the course gives an insight into the practical skills that are now so important to success in the music world today.
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b |
Composition and Arrangement
Composition and Arrangement form
an integral part of the specification with students being encouraged
to develop their own writing skills. Students will use technology
as well as more traditional methods to create four pieces of
music in a number of styles. These include pop, dance and jazz,
as well as the writing of scores for film and television.
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c |
Listening and Analysing
Students will be expected to listen to and analyse music from a technical, stylistic and musical standpoint. The assessments will take the form of listening assignments where students will be asked to identify the various musical features contained in a piece of music as well as highlighting the recording and production techniques used. The recording skills learned during the two years are tested in a practical mixing and production exam using audio and sequencing software.
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In order to equip them for the musical aspects of the course, students
should be capable of achieving the Associated Board of Music grade
5 Musical Theory examination in Year 1.
What skills do I need?
Music Technology will appeal to students who are interested in getting to grips with the technology that drives today’s music industry. This can be from the point of view of a musician, composer or producer/engineer. There are music theory elements to the course and students will need to have a reasonable level of score reading and notation under their belt. Commitment is paramount as much of the experiential learning occurs outside of normal lesson time. Students must be willing to work in their own time at evenings and weekends, take pride in the presentation of their work and have a high degree of critical judgement. In order to equip them for the musical aspects of the course, students should ideally have a rudimentary knowledge of music theory equivalent to Grade 3/4 and should be able to read a score.
After A-level
It is expected that students taking Music Technology will be looking to continue with an Arts, Creative or Technological course after A-levels, and there are a large number of Universities which offer courses that would enable a student of the subject to continue his or her studies at degree level. It is a subject that would combine well for the creative student with Theatre Studies, Media Studies, Art or English; for those who are interested in the business side with Economics or Business Studies or Accounts;’ and on the technical and scientific side with Maths or Physics.
Suggested reading
Future Music magazine
Sound on Sound magazine
Computer Music magazine
Listen to all types of pop music
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