1. For use with WJEC Performing Arts GCSE Unit 1 and Unit 3 Task 1 Music Technology Technical issues

2. Task 1 – Making yourself familiar with the software It is essential that you become familiar with any new software packages before any performance or before you start recording. Working individually or with a partner, use the software package of your choice to familiarise yourself with the basic functions of the software. Try and record input music. Try and manipulate sounds / change instruments. Import loops, samples or sounds.

3. Task 2 – Health and Safety Before you start, it is essential that you make a Health and Safety check: Check all leads for any wear and tear / damage. Check that all pieces of equipment are working. Look after all pieces of equipment. Make a log of possible ‘Health and Safety’ issues when using Music Technology Resources. Make a set of rules when using equipment for yourself and others.

4. Task 3 – MIDI file Search for a MIDI file of a piece of your choice on the web. Import the MIDI file to the software package that you are using. Once you have opened the file, view a score of the chosen piece. Make changes to the score by: changing instrument pitch, dynamics, tempo of piece.

5. Task 4 – Audio formats Research on the web into different audio file formats, e.g. MIDI Mp3 Wav mpeg List the advantages and disadvantages of using different audio formats. You could consider quality, size and when each format is used.

6. Task 5 - Effects Experiment with reverb, eq, pan, delay and chorus effects on your composition / arrangement. This could be on live instruments or computer generated sounds. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using specific effects to enhance your recordings.

7. Task 6 - Microphones Research into different types of microphones. Use different types of microphones to record an acoustic instrument and try to recognise the difference between the quality of each recording. Research into different types of microphones and recording techniques used in live situations.

8. Task 7 – Mixing and mastering Record a live piece in three takes and decide which sections are best on which recording / takes before actually going through the process of cutting and pasting and joining the takes together. Mix and master the final track. Discuss how recent software and hardware developments make this process easier and less expensive than it has been in the history of making music.

9. Task 8 – Samples and Loops Use or develop your own set of samples to use as part of a composition / recording. Use loops as part of your composition / recording and evaluate the overall effect on the piece compared to creating your own. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic instruments compared to traditional / acoustic instruments as part of a recording process?