2. Understanding Standards National 5 and Higher Course Event
Music Technology

3. Aims of the Day
To support Teachers, Lecturers and Assessors in their understanding of national standards by:
Reviewing candidate evidence
Discussing this evidence and associated Marking Instructions with colleagues
Asking questions and seeking clarification about national standards
Discussing course implementation with colleagues

4. Review of National 5 Music Technology
Component 1 - Music Question Paper
The Question Paper performed reasonably well during year three.
The paper contained a wide range of music excerpts and provided suitable challenge and demand for this level.
Most candidates performed well in the Question Paper and it was evident that candidates were well prepared.

5. N5 Music Technology Question Paper
Areas in which candidates performed well
Question 1 (a), (b), (c): Candidates are assessed on styles of music and related concepts, most candidates were well prepared and able to identify the correct answers.
Question 2 (c): Candidates are assessed on microphone selection, type of polarity and placement, most candidates were well prepared and able to identify the correct answers.

6. N5 Music Technology Question Paper
Areas in which candidates performed well
Question 3 (a), (b), (d): Candidates are assessed on a range of technological and musical concepts. Most candidates were able to identify the correct answers.
Question 5: Candidates are assessed on identifying instruments/voices and linking these to controls and effects. Most candidates were able to identify the correct answers.

7. N5 Music Technology Question Paper
Areas in which candidates performed well
Question 6 (a): Candidates are assessed by linking an instrument/voice with an effect and another instrument and voice with panning on two versions of the one song. Most candidates were able to identify the correct answers.
the correct answers.

8. N5 Music Technology Question Paper
Questions which candidates found demanding
Question 1 (d): Some candidates had difficulty identifying the correct music concept.
Question 3 (c): Some candidates found difficulty commenting on two production features common to a musical, in some cases candidates listed performance features instead.
Question 3 (e): Some candidates found difficulty identifying a concept best describing the guitar part.

9. N5 Music Technology Question Paper
Questions which candidates found demanding
Question 4 (a) (i) and 4 (a) (ii): Some candidates found difficulty identifying the correct time signature and Italian string term.
Question 4 (b): Some candidates found difficulty listing two settings on a reverb effects processor. In some cases candidates listed types of reverb rather than a setting.
Question 6 (b): Some candidates found difficulty answering the correct tonality of the song.

10. Review of Higher Music Technology
Component 1 - Question Paper
Many candidates performed well in this component, and it was clear that centres had prepared them well.
Candidates were presented with a wide range of music excerpts which provided suitable challenge and demand for this level

11. Higher Music Technology Question Paper
Areas in which candidates performed well
Question 1: Candidates identify a musical genre and associated music feature. The majority of candidates accessed the full range of marks.
Question 2b: Candidates identify a music feature. Almost all candidates answered successfully.
Question 5b: Candidates identify a musical genre and an associated music feature. A high number of candidates accessed the full range of marks.
Question 7: Candidates identify five music/production features from a list of ten. Candidates were well prepared for this question and a high percentage of candidates were able to access the full range of marks.

12. Higher Music Technology Question Paper
Questions which candidates found demanding
Question 3 (a) (i) and (ii): Candidates identify a fault and describe a solution. Some candidates had difficulty in answering this question.
Question 5b: Candidates describe mic’ing techniques. Some candidates found difficulty in adapting their knowledge and understanding to the given context of the question.
Question 6 (part 3): Candidates identify a process applied to a vocal track. Some candidates were unable to identify the process.
Question 6 (part 5): Candidates identify the setting being manipulated on a high pass filter. Many candidates found difficulty with this question.

14. Review of National 5 Music Technology
Component 2 - Music Technology Assignment
The Music Technology Assignment was successfully completed to a high standard.
Candidates opted to submit a variety of assignment briefs.
Most candidates followed the design briefs and effectively completed this component.
The average mark for the assignment was 50/70.

15. National 5 Music Technology Assignment
Areas in which candidates performed well
For the assignment brief most candidates demonstrated a secure knowledge of:
Stage 2(a) ‘implementing the production’ - audio capture
Stage 2(b) ‘mixing skills’
Stage 2(c) ‘creative and appropriate use of sound and/or music’

16. National 5 Music Technology Assignment
Areas which candidates found demanding
Some candidates had difficulty with stage 1 ‘planning the production’.
Some candidates had difficulty with stage 3 ‘evaluating the production’.

17. National 5 Music Technology Assignment
Sample of the work of five candidates
Multi-track - exemplar
Audio book - exemplar
Foley - exemplar
Sound design for a computer game – marking exercise

18. Review of Higher Music Technology
Component 2 - Assignment
The assignment was completed successfully, with many centres submitting high quality material which showcased candidates’ creativity.
Candidates submitted a wide range of material, from radio broadcast, through audio books to Foley and sound design for film, animation or gaming.
In most cases, candidates successfully followed the sample briefs or briefs adapted by their centre.
Centres are confident in adapting Assignment briefs successfully.

19. Higher Music Technology Assignment
Areas in which candidates performed well
Candidates performed particularly well in this component, with many achieving excellent marks.
The average mark for the assignment was 51/70.
In most cases the Music Technology Assignment was completed successfully. Evidence suggests that centres are comfortable in implementing a variety of assessment briefs, and in adapting sample briefs to suit their own candidates.

20. Higher Music Technology Assignment
Areas in which candidates performed well
The majority of candidates demonstrated a secure knowledge of Stage 2: Implementing the production, comprising:
2 (a) audio capture, including mic placement and techniques
2 (b) manipulation and sequencing skills
2 (c) creative and appropriate use of sound and/or music

21. Higher Music Technology Assignment
Areas in which candidates performed well
There is strong evidence that centres are preparing candidates well for Stage 2.
Centres are using appropriate resources and are providing candidates with good experiences at this level, in working both with hardware and software.
Candidates are generally adept at the practical implementation of acquired skills, knowledge and understanding.
Centres are demonstrably confident in preparing candidates and in adapting Assignment briefs.

22. Higher Music Technology Assignment
Areas which candidates found demanding
Some candidates had difficulty with Stage 1: Planning the production. Some candidates did not submit sufficiently detailed planning following the criteria in the Course Assessment Task document and Course Assessment Specification.
Some candidates had difficulty with Stage 3: Evaluating the production. Some candidates did not submit sufficiently evaluative reports following the criteria in the Course Assessment Task document and Course Assessment Specification.

23. Year 2 of Higher Music Technology
Sample of the work from five candidates
Radio broadcast – exemplar
Audio book – exemplar
Sound design for gaming – exemplar
Radio broadcast – marking exercise

25. Important Dates Uplift dates for Music Technology Assignment
National 5 Music Technology 22/03/17
Higher Music Technology 27/04/17
Music Technology Exam dates
National 5 Music Technology 10/05/17
Higher Music Technology /05/17