Non-examined assessment (A Level Code: 9MT0/01. AS Code 8MT0/01): externally assessed
20% of the qualification
60 marks

Content overview
Production tools and techniques to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording.

Assessment overview

• One recording, chosen one song from a list of 10 artists / songs provided by Pearson Edexcel
• Consisting of compulsory instruments and additional instruments,
• Released 1st June in the preceding year in which the qualification is to be awarded.
• Keyboard tracks may be sequenced.
• Total time must be in the range specified in the brief.
• Logbook and authentication form must be supplied.

Non-examined assessment (A Level Code: 9MT0/02. AS Code 8MT0/02): externally assessed
20% of the qualification
60 marks

Content overview
Creating, editing, manipulating and structuring sounds to produce a technology-based composition.

Assessment overview

• In the A Level you choose one technology-based composition from three briefs set by Pearson Edexcel released 1st September preceding the year in which the qualification is to be awarded.
• In the AS you compose the brief set by Pearson Edexcel, using the 2 samples supplied
• Released 1st September preceding the year in which the qualification is to be awarded.
• Synthesis and sampling/audio manipulation and creative effects use must be included.
• Total time must be 3 minutes for A Level and 2 1/2 mins for AS.
• Logbook and authentication form must be supplied.

A Level
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (Code: 9MT0/03)
25% of the qualification
75 marks

AS
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes (Code: 8MT0/03)
25% of the qualification
60 marks

Content overview

• Knowledge and understanding of recording and production techniques and principles, in the context of a series of unfamiliar commercial recordings supplied by Pearson.
• Application of knowledge related to all three areas of study:
  • Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes
  • Principles of sound and audio technology
  • The development of recording and production technology.

Assessment overview

• This paper comprises two sections: A and B and all questions are compulsory.
• One audio CD with the unfamiliar commercial recordings to accompany questions on the paper will be provided per student.
• Section A: Listening and analysing
• Section B: Extended written responses

A Level
Non-examined assessment (Code: 9MT0/04): externally assessed
35% of the qualification
105 marks

AS
Non-examined assessment (Code: 8MT0/04): externally assessed
35% of the qualification
85 marks

Content overview

• Knowledge and understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques, to be applied to unfamiliar materials provided by Pearson in the examination.
• Application of knowledge related to two of the areas of study:
  • Recording and production techniques for both corrective and creative purposes
  • Principles of sound and audio technology.

Assessment overview

• This paper comprises two sections: A and B and all questions are compulsory.
• Each student will be provided with a set of audio/MIDI materials for the practical element of the examination, to include:
  • Audio files relating to three instrumental/vocal parts.
  • A single MIDI file from which a fourth instrumental part will be created or synthesised.
• Students will correct and then combine the audio and MIDI materials to form a completed mix, which may include creating new tracks or parts from the materials provided.
• Section A: Producing and analysing
• Section B: Extended written response