MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC (MUSIC TECHNOLOGY)

Assignment title/reference: T1.1 Composition 1
Unit: 12 Computer Music Composition and Production
Assessor: Matt Power I.V: Andrew Pettitt
th
Date issued: 9 October 2017
th
Formative assessment: 10/11/17 Submission date: 4 December 2017

The This project allows you to investigate the tools and techniques used in the creation, manipulation
project and production of music. The project requires ‘hands-on’ practice and experimentation, allowing
brief you to develop your skills and build a well-rounded theoretical understanding of computer music
practices. You will use computers to process sound and produce music, whilst fully
understanding the tools and protocols required to do so.
Scenario A music production house is looking to employ new composers and producers and has asked
applicants to provide a portfolio of their work, along with a guide as to how the work is made. The
role will involve training other new staff, and therefore the ideal applicant must have a solid
understanding of a variety of software and a wide range of skills and techniques to use them.
The music itself should be varied in style to demonstrate the flexibility and diverse working
methods applied to computer music composition.

Learning Outcomes

LO 1 Be able to use computers 1.1 Select appropriate sound editing and processing techniques
to synthesise and process 1.2 Label software and hardware processors correctly
sound 1.3 Describe various synthesis techniques
LO 2 Understand protocols 2.1 Explain MIDI protocols used by MIDI controllers
used to control music 2.2 Assess hardware controllers and their applications in the field of
software and hardware music and production
2.3 Categorise sound utilities encountered in the field of music
composition and production
LO 3 Understand the tools used 3.1 Evaluate a range of sequencers and host applications
for composing and 3.2 Review a range of composition and arranging techniques
arranging using
technology
LO 4 Be able to produce 4.1 Plan the production of a computer-based music piece
musical material using a 4.2 Compose using modern production processes
range of techniques and 4.3 Create mastered mixes of compositions
technology

Learner declaration

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully
acknowledged.

Student signature: Date:

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18


Grade Descriptor
M1
Identify and apply
strategies to find
appropriate solutions
M2
Select / design and apply
appropriate methods and
techniques
M3
Present and communicate
appropriate findings
Grade Descriptor
D1
Use critical reflection to
evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusions
D2
Take responsibility for
managing and organising
activities
D3
Demonstrate convergent /
lateral / creative thinking
This project will require you tow work with at least 2 different Digital Audio Workstations (this could
include ProTools, Logic 9, Logic X, FL Studio, Ableton).
Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18
Indicative
Characteristic/s
Complex problems with
more than one variable
have been explored.
A range of methods and
techniques have been
applied
Coherent, logical
development of
principles/concepts for the
intended audience
Indicative
Characteristic/s
Self-criticism of approach
has taken place
Activities have been
managed
Innovation and creative
thought have been
applied
MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18
This assignment gives you the opportunity to
achieve the following MERIT grades:
Contextualisation
You must propose potential problems that may
occur when using computer music systems, and
devise creative ways in which these can be rectified.
You must be able to demonstrate and explain the
sound processing functions of a DAW, and highlight
the importance of a range of corrective and creative
parameters found within.
There should be a step-by-step account of process
of using this software. The guide must be well
presented with annotated diagrams and illustrations,
and written in such a way that it does not have
expectations of the readers, nor patronise them.
This assignment gives you the opportunity to
achieve the following DISTINCTION grades:
Contextualisation
Throughout the process you should reflect upon
your approach and make changes where
appropriate. The guide should include a justification
of the methods you adopted.
Your sessions should be well planned and written
out. This document should indicate how you have
given yourself enough time to complete the various
tasks you undertake. The finished audio portfolio
must be evident that activities have been managed.
The audio portfolio must show that creative thinking
has taken place. The techniques employed could
be experimental or innovative in nature, but the
results should be of professional quality.
 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC (MUSIC TECHNOLOGY)

Assignment title/reference: T1.1 Composition 1
Unit: 12 Computer Music and Composition and Production
Assessor: Matt Power I.V: Andrew Pettitt
th
Date issued: 9 October 2017
th
Formative assessment: 10/11/17 Submission date: 4 December 2017

The This project allows you to investigate the tools and techniques used in the creation, manipulation
project and production of music. The project requires ‘hands-on’ practice and experimentation, allowing
brief you to develop your skills and build a well-rounded theoretical understanding of computer music
practices. You will use computers to process sound and produce music, whilst fully
understanding the tools and protocols required to do so.
Scenario A music production house is looking to employ new composers and producers and has asked
applicants to provide a portfolio of their work, along with a guide as to how the work is made. The
role will involve training other new staff, and therefore the ideal applicant must have a solid
understanding of a variety of software and a wide range of skills and techniques to use them.
The music itself should be varied in style to demonstrate the flexibility and diverse working
methods applied to computer music composition.

TASKS EVIDENCE
Task 1 Prepare for a number of computer music recording sessions. Determine the hardware Introduction
1.1, and software required, and propose the techniques you will employ for sound editing. to written
1.2, 1.3 In your written guide describe various synthesis techniques. Set up the computers and ‘Guide’.
demonstrate a number of exercises that show sound processing. Audio.

Task 2 Plan for the production of a computer-based music piece. Ensure that the composition Audio
4.1, is using computer music technology, then mix and master the music. Portfolio
4.2, 4.3
Task 3 Produce a guide that explains in detail how you produced your compositions and what Written
2.1, techniques you undertook. Explain MIDI and its devices/protocols. Assess a range of Guide.
2.2, hardware controllers and what the parameter’s devices and software allows. With
2.3, reference to your recordings, evaluate the tools and the techniques employed.
3.1, 3.2

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18

 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY AND FEEDBACK

BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) – MUSIC

Assignment title/reference: T1.2 MIDI Music
Unit: 12 Computer Music and Composition
Assessor: Matt Power I.V:
Learner: Date Submitted:

Criteria The evidence shows you are able to: Achieved (tick)
1.1 Select appropriate sound editing and processing techniques

1.2 Label software and hardware processors correctly

1.3 Describe various synthesis techniques

2.1 Explain MIDI protocols used by MIDI controllers

2.2 Assess hardware controllers and their applications in the field of music and
production

2.3 Categorise sound utilities encountered in the field of music composition and
production
3.1 Evaluate a range of sequencers and host applications

3.2 Review a range of composition and arranging techniques

4.1 Plan the production of a computer-based music piece

4.2 Compose using modern production processes

4.3 Create mastered mixes of compositions

Merit Distinction

Grade Descriptor Achieved (tick) Grade Descriptor Achieved (tick)

M1 D1
Identify and apply Use critical reflection to
strategies to find evaluate own work and
appropriate solutions justify valid conclusions
M2 D2
Select / design and apply Take responsibility for
appropriate methods and managing and organizing
techniques activities
M3 D3
Present and Demonstrate convergent
communicate appropriate / lateral / creative thinking
findings

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18

 MISKIN MUSIC - ASSIGNMENT BRIEF 2017/18

Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor Signature Date

Student Signature Date

Qualification: BTEC HNC in MUSIC 2017/18