Music Technology Projects - Foundation

Rationale

Music technology is the process of recording, acquiring, generating, manipulating and editing audio elements. It is employed in a variety of disciplines including film-making, television production, theatre, sound recording and reproduction, live performance, sound art, post-production and video game software development.

Music Technology Projects - Foundation is designed to allow learners opportunities to develop foundation skills across a wide range of aspects of audio design. Learners will carry out tasks and activities that involve developing a range of knowledge and skills, including some basic theoretical and/or technical knowledge and skills relevant to the wider audio/music technology industry.

Aims

This course aims to provide learners with:

a basic understanding of the music technology production processes and post-production skills
practical skills in music technology
an understanding of the role audio production and music technology has in the contemporary arts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

employ a range of fundamental audio production techniques and select appropriate equipment to meet the requirements of given musical styles and audio products
plan, organise and complete simple audio-related tasks, demonstrating time management and basic negotiation skills
identify and interpret audio requirements for a range of musical styles and audio products
identify and respond to the needs of clients, musicians, and production personnel involved in audio production tasks
identify workplace safety issues and safely set up and operate basic audio systems in line with workplace requirements.

Pathways

This foundation course provides knowledge and skills that prepare learners for the University Connection Program course Music Technology Projects 1 (UCP008), Music Technology Projects 2 (UCP009), Diploma of Music (F2W)

Resource Requirements

Delivery of this course will require learner access to, and use of specialised equipment including:

a selection of dynamic and condenser microphones and appropriate hardware including pop filters, mic stands, acoustic screen/barriers
DAW that includes: an audio mixing console; hard drive recording device; AD-DA converter (e.g. Mbox; computer editing software (e.g. Protools/Cubase)); software or hardware processors (e.g. WAVES plugins, compressor/noise-gate units); monitoring systems (e.g. speakers and headphones); and purpose built isolation options
music technology applications (such as sampling, virtual instruments loop based composition software and MIDI sequencing)
live sound equipment including: an audio mixing console; front-of-house speakers and stage foldback monitors; amplifiers; signal processors (e.g. equalisers, reverberation units, noise gates and compressors).

Course Size And Complexity

This course has a complexity level of 2.

For a full description of courses at a complexity level of 2, please refer to the Levels of Complexity - Tasmanian Senior Secondary Education document on the TASC website.

This course has a size value of 15. Upon successful completion of this course (i.e. a Preliminary Achievement (PA) award or higher), a learner will gain 15 credit points at Level 2 towards the Participation Standard of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).

Course Requirements

This course has five (5) areas of compulsory study:

The Physics of Sound
Microphone Characteristics and Techniques
Signal Flow and System Use
Mix Aesthetics
Professional Practice.

The five areas of study will be delivered and assessed in the order in which they are listed.

It is recommended that the areas be given the following approximate percentage of delivery time:

Area	Topic	%
1	The Physics of Sound	10%
2	Microphone Characteristics and Techniques	20%
3	Signal Flow and System Use	30%
4	Mix Aesthetics	30%
5	Professional Practice	10%

Course Content

AREA 1 – THE PHYSICS OF SOUND

Learners will study how sound is:

created – vibration, waveforms (compression and rarefaction), timbre, pitch (frequency)
transmitted – soundwaves, how humans hear, sources of sound
measured – decibel/amplitude/loudness, frequency.

AREA 2 – MICROPHONE CHARACTERISTICS AND TECHNIQUES

Learners will study:

how microphones work – transducer types – dynamic, condenser, ribbon
microphone characteristics and design features – pick up patterns, sensitivity, frequency response, diaphragm size
using microphones in an appropriate manner – mic placement and suitability for various applications, stereo imaging, accurate reproduction of sound.

AREA 3 – SIGNAL FLOW AND SYSTEM USE

Learners will study:

how audio systems are constructed – correct components and patching/connection
how to safely power up and power down audio systems
how signal flows through a system – pathway and gain structure.

AREA 4 – MIX AESTHETICS

Learners will study:

mixing techniques – instrument balance, stereo placement, editing
signal processing – compression, noise gates, effects
awareness of audio requirements of a selected range of musical styles.

AREA 5 – PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Learners will study:

work place safety procedures relevant to the audio industry including:
- the identification of potential hazards/sources of injury (such as electrical hazards)
- correct lifting of equipment
- appropriate placement of equipment and leads
- hearing health
- potential consequences of hazardous situations
- procedures for the reporting of potential hazards/sources of injury
- emergency procedures (such as evacuation plans)
- the obligations of employees and employers regarding workplace safety issues (including legal and ethical obligations)
problem solving
- anticipate, identify and resolve a range of audio issues
- justify choices when preparing for, and engaging in project work
working effectively with other people including:
- liaison skills
- sensitivity to the needs of others
- observing WHS protocols
- using appropriate etiquette
- appropriate care of equipment
- communicating effectively
- providing required technical support
- developing skills in relation to the organisation of self.
production briefs
- purpose and role of a production brief in audio contexts
- key components (purpose, audience, technical requirements, timelines, expected outcomes)
- how to interpret and respond to a production brief to guide project work.

Work Requirements

Learners must engage in - and respond to - a range of audio tasks including:

stereo recording
audio product creation (such as a radio commercial)
individual instrument miking (including but not limited to voice, drum kit, acoustic/electric guitar, piano)
sound design (for example electronic music production using MIDI virtual instruments, soundtrack to video, preparation of dance tracks, sound effects)
small ensemble recording (using close and distant/multi-miking miking techniques)
sound reinforcement system set up and operation (for example: vocal in a rock band, background music, playing of sound effects).

Learners must complete two finished products for final assessment negotiated from the range of audio tasks suggested and provide supporting documentation encompassing intent, process and evaluation. Documentation may include:

description and evaluation of sound design
time sheets, running sheets or production schedules
reflective journal
reflective essay
workplace safety check sheets and evaluative reports
briefs for clients
production briefs^Δ for clients.

^Δ production briefs are documents that outline the purpose, audience, technical requirements and timelines of an audio task provided by, or developed with, a client (real or simulated), to guide production.

Assessment

Criterion-based assessment is a form of outcomes assessment that identifies the extent of learner achievement at an appropriate end-point of study. Although assessment – as part of the learning program – is continuous, much of it is formative, and is done to help learners identify what they need to do to attain the maximum benefit from their study of the course. Therefore, assessment for summative reporting to TASC will focus on what both teacher and learner understand to reflect end-point achievement.

The standard of achievement each learner attains on each criterion is recorded as a rating ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’, according to the outcomes specified in the standards section of the course.

A ‘t’ notation must be used where a learner demonstrates any achievement against a criterion less than the standard specified for the ‘C’ rating.

A ‘z’ notation is to be used where a learner provides no evidence of achievement at all.

Providers offering this course must participate in quality assurance processes specified by TASC to ensure provider validity and comparability of standards across all awards. To learn more, see TASC's quality assurance processes and assessment information on the TASC website.

Internal assessment of all criteria will be made by the provider. Providers will report the learner’s rating for each criterion to TASC.

Quality Assurance Process

The following processes will be facilitated by TASC to ensure there is:

a match between the standards of achievement specified in the course and the skills and knowledge demonstrated by learners
community confidence in the integrity and meaning of the qualification.

Process – TASC will verify that the provider’s course delivery and assessment standards meet the course requirements and community expectations for fairness, integrity and validity of qualifications TASC issues. This will involve checking:

learner attendance records; and
course delivery plans (the sequence of course delivery/tasks and when assessments take place):
- assessment instruments and rubrics (the ‘rules’ or marking guide used to judge achievement)
- class records of assessment
- examples of learner work that demonstrate the use of the marking guide
- samples of current learner’s work, including that related to any work requirements articulated in the course document.

This process will usually also include interviews with past and present learners.

It will be scheduled by TASC using a risk-based approach.

Criteria

The assessment for Music Technology Projects – Foundation Level 2 will be based on the degree to which the learner can:

1. use fundamental techniques to shape an audio product
2. apply time management, planning and negotiation skills to audio tasks
3. identify audio requirements of a given range of music styles and audio products
4. respond to needs of audio production projects
5. apply workplace safety practices in audio production environments

Standards

Criterion 1: use fundamental techniques to shape an audio product

The learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Sound production techniques^Δ	employs a range of sound production techniques^Δ and provides clear and appropriate justification for choices made	employs sound production techniques^Δ and provides clear justification for choices made	employs fundamental sound production techniques^Δ and can provide justification for choices made
E02 - Volume and pan for sonic depth	uses of volume and pan to create a sonic picture with width and depth	uses volume and pan so that all mix elements are clear, well-spaced and audible	uses volume and pan so that most mix elements are clear and audible
E03 - Equalisation and compression for clarity	appropriately uses equalisation and compression on all necessary elements to improve clarity across mix - as required by style and instrumentation	uses equalisation and compression on elements to improve clarity across mix - as required by style and instrumentation	uses equalisation and compression to change mix elements, as directed
E04 - Editing techniques	uses simple and some complex editing techniques to shape an audio product with strong flow and structure.	uses a range of simple audio editing techniques to create a structured soundbed.	uses simple editing techniques to shape an audio product.

^Δ sound production techniques include, but are not limited to, use of signal processing equipment, compression, noise gates, equalisers and effects.

Criterion 2: apply time management, planning and negotiation skills to audio tasks

The learner uses time management strategies, planning and negotiation skills to complete audio tasks. The learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Planning	identifies time, materials and equipment needed to complete audio tasks, and employs a systematic and planned approach to their use	identifies time, materials and equipment needed to complete audio tasks, and employs a planned approach to their use	identifies time, materials and equipment needed to complete audio tasks
E02 - Goal setting	identifies, proposes and negotiates complex goals which are measurable, achievable and realistic	proposes and negotiates complex goals which are measurable, achievable and realistic	negotiates goals which are measurable, achievable and realistic
E03 - Planning tools	evaluates, selects and uses planning tools and strategies to achieve objectives and manage activities within proposed audio times	selects and uses planning tools and strategies to achieve objectives and manage audio activities within proposed times	uses planning tools to achieve objectives within proposed times
E04 - Reflective practice	reflects – orally and in writing – on progress towards meeting goals and timelines, assesses progress and plans effective future actions	reflects – orally and in writing – on progress towards meeting goals and timelines, assesses progress and plans future actions	reflects – orally and in writing – on progress towards meeting goals and timelines, and articulates some ways in which goals will be met in the future
E05 - Meeting timelines and requirements	meets specified/negotiated timelines and addresses all required task characteristics^Δ with a high degree of accuracy.	meets specified/ negotiated timelines and addresses all required task characteristics^Δ.	meets specified/negotiated timelines and addresses most aspects of required task characteristics^Δ.

^Δ required task characteristics may include requirements given in a production brief; mode of response; and presentation requirements.

Criterion 3: identify audio requirements of a given range of music styles and audio products

The learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Balance dynamics and tone colour	describes balance, dynamics and tone colour requirements across all given music styles and specified audio products	identifies balance, dynamics and tone colour requirements across a given range of targeted music styles and specified audio products	identifies basic balance, dynamics and tone colour requirements across a given range of targeted music styles and specified audio products
E02 - Technical elements	explains technical requirements across a given range of music styles and specified audio products	describes technical requirements across a given range of music styles and specified audio products	identifies technical requirements of some given music styles and specified audio products
E03 - Signal processing	uses appropriate signal processing across given music styles and specified audio products	uses appropriate signal processing across some given music styles and specified audio products	uses simple signal processing across some given music styles and specified audio products
E04 - Recording environments	appropriately selects or modifies a recording environment for given music styles and specified audio products.	selects or modifies a recording environment for some given music styles and specified audio products.	modifies a recording environment as directed.

Criterion 4: respond to needs of audio production projects

The learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Professional conduct in production settings	demonstrates effective liaison, workplace safety expectations and applies professional etiquette in production environments	follows relevant liaison and workplace safety expectations and uses appropriate etiquette in production environments	follows routine instructions related to liaison, workplace safety and etiquette in production environments
E02 - Protocols and etiquette	uses appropriate protocols and etiquette to meet the requirements of a production brief	uses fundamental protocols and etiquette to respond to needs of a production brief	uses provided protocols and etiquette when responding to a production brief
E03 - Provision of technical support	provides consistent and effective technical support to meet requirements of clients, musicians and production personnel	provides appropriate technical support to meet requirements of clients, musicians and production personnel	provides technical support with guidance to meet the requirements of clients, musicians and production personnel.
E04 - Resolving challenges in sound production environments	clearly communicates ideas and information to production personnel.	clearly communicates basic ideas and information to production personnel.	communicates basic ideas and information to production personnel.

Criterion 5: apply workplace safety practices in audio production environments

The learner:

Standard Element	Rating A	Rating B	Rating C
E01 - Hazards	recognises and appropriately re-acts and reports hazards and potential hazards in sound production environments	recognises hazards in sound production environments and re-acts appropriately	recognises hazards in sound production environments and re-acts as directed
E02 - Emergency procedures	correctly describes steps of common emergency procedures in sound production environments, and explains their significance	correctly describes steps of common emergency procedures in sound production environments	correctly identifies steps of common emergency procedures in sound production environments
E03 - Safety procedures	follows established safety procedures for use of audio equipment and facilities	follows established safety procedures for use of audio equipment and facilities, with some direction	follows established safety procedures for use of audio equipment and facilities, as directed
E04 - Safe use of processes and materials	safely uses techniques, processes, tools and materials to make audio products.	safely uses techniques, processes, tools and materials to make audio products, with some direction.	safely uses techniques, processes, tools and materials to make audio products, as directed.

Qualifications Available

Music Technology Projects – Foundation Level 2 (with the award of):

EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT

SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT

PRELIMINARY ACHIEVEMENT

Award Requirements

The final award will be determined by Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification from 5 ratings.

The minimum requirements for an award in Music Technology Projects - Foundation Level 2 are as follows:

EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
4 ‘A’ ratings, 1 ‘B’ rating

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT
2 ‘A’ ratings, 2 ‘B’ ratings, 1 ‘C’ rating

COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT
3 ‘B’ ratings, 2 ‘C’ ratings

SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT
4 ‘C’ ratings

PRELIMINARY ACHIEVEMENT
2 ‘C’ ratings

A learner who otherwise achieves the ratings for a SA (Satisfactory Achievement) award but who fails to show any evidence of achievement in one or more criteria (‘z’ notation) will be issued with a PA (Preliminary Achievement) award.

Course Evaluation

The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) will develop and regularly review and revise the curriculum. Course evaluation is informed by the experience of the course’s implementation, delivery and assessment. More information about course evaluation can be found on the Years 9-12.

Course Developer

The Department for Education, Children and Young People acknowledges the significant leadership of the Conservatorium of Music, the University of Tasmania, and Simone Cunliffe in the development of this course.

Expectations Defined By National Standards

There are no statements of national standards relevant to this course.

Accreditation

The accreditation for this course has been renewed from 1 January 2026.

Version History

Version 1: Accredited on 26 June 2019 for use from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. This course replaces Music Technology Projects - Foundation (AUD215115) that expired on 31 December 2019.

Version 1a: Accreditation renewed without amendment for use from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 without further changes.

Version 2: Accreditation renewed with minor amendments from 1 January 2026. Changes made to align Learning Outcomes 1:1 to Criteria; use of ‘production’ in place of ‘engineering’; addition of element titles and updating of Criterion 4. Minor administrative updates have also been applied.

Supporting documents including external assessment material

AUD215115CourseAccreditation.pdf (2017-07-21 01:05pm AEST)