UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Assignment Brief for Music Technology Projects

DEVELOPMENTS IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Part 1

Assignment Brief for Music Technology Projects

Units 1 and 2 of UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and
Production

September 2016 to January 2017

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 1

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Developments in Music Technology (Units 1 & 2):

Overview

The projects within this assignment brief are designed to

allow you to develop your own skills within Music Technology,
understand the principles that underpin the industry, and
analyse the practices and practitioners that have came before.

The processes have been designed for you to meet the assessment
criteria of each learning outcome. Although projects are set to the
principles and themes of each unit, there are opportunities to meet
criteria across the spectrum with any given piece of work.

The 2 Units covered by the tasks in this assignment brief are:

Unit 1 Principles of Music Performance and Production

Unit 2 Critical Listening and Music Composition

Each task will indicate where each learning outcome and assessment
criteria can be met. All of the assessment criteria from these units are
listed at the back of this assignment brief. Although there are no
gradations of award other than pass, you are encouraged to work at your
highest level.

It is indicated where each task starts and where hand in dates fall within
this process. Feedback is both formative and summative.

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 2

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Task 1: An Introduction to Music Technology (Unit 1

Principles of Music Performance and Production)

Starts: 23 rd September 2016

Hand In Date: 21 st October 2016
Through group and individual sessions you will be introduced
to the principles behind sequencing music, in particular with
the software Logic X.

You will create a number of musical pieces in order to gain

experience of a range of applications on offer. In a group you
will focus on recreating one particular song.
A) Using the form of either a user guide or a series of instruction
videos (or a combination of both) demonstrate an understanding of the
techniques you used to create finished pieces.

B) Using the form of a written evaluation or audio recording,

discuss how you and your team worked together to create the song/s.

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 3

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Notes on Task 1

When completing the Logic X user guide you may want to

consider the following:
-

How do you start a new song/project?

What are software instruments?

You may wish to include notes on musical notes; the loop function; effects; tools;
automation.
-

What is involved in recording from a microphone?

How might you have used EQ or low cut filters on one of your projects?
How and why have you changed the tempo of your track?

What did you take into account when mixing your track?
How do you bounce your track?
How do you safely save you work?

You may wish to use these questions when completing the

evaluation:

How did you plan your project? Did you all agree on the chosen podcast topic?
If you were to do the project again, how might you change your process?
Why do you think it is important to plan ahead for any recording sessions?
What skills/talents did each member of your group bring to the sessions?
Did you work with any other musician? How effective was there involvement?
What problems did you encounter? Did you have to do anything again?

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 4

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Task 2: Producing a Series of Podcasts (Unit 2 Critical

Listening and Music Composition)

Starts: 23 rd September 2016

Hand In Dates: (1) 21 st October 2016, (2) 18 th November 2016,
(3) 13 th January 2017
This task demands that you must research an area of music,
analyse your findings, and present them through a series of
podcasts. Initially the podcasts will be group presentations,
however the final podcast in the series will be an individual
effort.

The three podcasts will each have a different focus:

Podcast 1: Within a group you must research an era of popular music
(your group will be assigned a particular era).
Podcast 2: In pairs you will research and present on a specific genre of
music.
Podacst 3: On your own you must investigate and present your findings
on one group or artist.

Each podcast should be between 5 and 10 minutes in length. You are

encouraged to conduct interviews, use appropriate music, and have both
scripted and ad lib segments.

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 5

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Notes on Task 2
As musicians and music producers it is important to know the
methods, technologies, and influential artists that have
preceded and influenced contemporary pop music.
You should be constantly questioning: how sounds were made; how
genres were invented; and what or who were the influences of a specific
artist.
By using research techniques effectively, and knowing where to find the
best resources, you will be able to analyse music, learn skills and
techniques, and be influenced yourself by the artists that have came
before.

What methods of research

are there? What resources
might you use, and why
must you use more than
one?

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 6

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

UNIT 1
Learning Outcomes
The student will:
1. Understand a range of activities in developing and producing a musical performance.
2. Understand the roles and relationships in a collaborative activity.
Assessment Criteria
The student can:
1.1 Critically compare and interpret activities used in performance and production.
1.2 Apply understanding of technical skills to support the delivery of a performance.
2.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of own and others roles in the production of a performance.

UNIT 2
Learning Outcomes
The student will:
1. Be able to analyse and research musical and production components in music performance.
2. Be able to analyse and research use of music composition.
3. Be able to apply and evaluate composition and critical listening skills.
Assessment Criteria
The student can:
1.1 Analyse a range of music production techniques applied in different genres and environments.
1.2 Apply research activities to support the use and application of production and musical techniques.
2.1 Analyse a range of compositions and techniques used for specified audiences.
2.2 Apply research activities to support the use and application of compositions for specified audiences.
3.1 Analyse the effectiveness of the use and application of compositions to communicate effectively to a
specified audience.

Miskin Music Technology 2016/17 7