What is Music Technology?

Press start on your entry to this modern and creative digital course at Milne’s.  Music technology is capturing and manipulating audio to produce a range of creative works.  Video making and digital media has exploded with the development of user friendly technologies and the growth of video streaming platforms.  Music Technology – does not require you to play an instrument.  This course has given pupils the opportunity to work in the performing arts, media and digital gaming sectors both here in Scotland and internationally.

What skills are developed?

• Multi track recording, producing, editing and sequencing using industry standard software
• Hardware practical skills with microphones and other technologies
• Listening to music to develop auditory perception of music that uses music technology ie 20th and 21st century music
• Develop an awareness of basic electronics in relation to signal paths and sound waves

 What kind of person does it take?

Music Technology requires people to be:

• Curious – sound technicians need to inquire, research, try and self reflect on how best to capture sound and music from a variety of sources
• Imaginative – it is crucial that sound engineers are creative and can come up with imaginative ideas ie sound effect creation
• Open-minded – developing creative industry awareness requires you to become a better listener to appreciate a number of elements within each piece of recorded sound ie the bass and the acoustics
• Problem solving – sound technicians must identify, respond to and present solutions in creative ways

Horizons – where can this subject take you?

The Scottish Music Industry Association states for a nation so small, Scotland’s recording artists exert a disproportionate influence on the world of music.  There is a career for you in Scotland’s thriving creative industry, whatever your interests.  It’s one of Scotland’s most diverse sectors, covering commercial recording, digital advertising and the every growing gaming industry, something Scotland is a big player of the world stage ie Rockstar North games and Minecraft were developed in Dundee.

The industry is expected to grow by 2.40%, that’s an estimated 1,300 jobs being created per year.

Pathways – how can I make progression?

School

• NPA in Music Technology and N5 Music Technology
• Higher Music Technology

A working knowledge of computer use is required.

College

• Many diverse courses on offer at NESCOL and UHI Performing Arts, Creative Industries and media

Employment

• Opportunities in local employers that offer Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships

University

• Dundee is at the heart of the digital game creation in Europe with the University of Abertay offering a number of course to suite everyone’s interests and skill level.
• Aberdeen university

Related subjects Music Technology works well with:

Art, Modern Languages, Technology, Business, Maths, English