Candidate Learning Log

NCFE Level 2 Award in Music Technology

501/1177/2

Candidate Name:

Centre Number:

Centre Name:

Signatures

Candidate: Date:

Tutor/Assessor: Date:

Internal Moderator*: Date:

External Moderator*: Date:

* for completion if part, or all, of the evidence has been sampled by the Internal and/or External Moderator

1

Contents

Page No.
Section 1: Overview / 1
- / About this qualification / 1
- / What you need to cover / 1
- / Tracking your evidence / 2
- / How your evidence is checked / 2
- / How you get your certificate / 2
- / Opportunities for further education and training / 3
Section 2: Planning and tracking your assessment / 4
- / Completing your learning log / 4
- / Example unit / 5
- / Unit 01 Set up and operate audio/MIDI sequencing software / 6
- / Unit 02 Create music using audio/MIDI sequencing software / 8
- / Unit 03 Multi-track audio recording / 9
- / Unit 04 Use multi-track sound mixing techniques / 11
- / Unit 05 Using DJ skills / 13
- / Unit 06 Dance music production / 15
Section 3: Additional information / 17
- / Additional support requirements / 17
- / Appeals or complaints / 17
- / Malpractice / 17
About NCFE / 18
- / Enquiries / 18
- / Equal Opportunities / 18
- / Data Protection / 18

1

Section 1 - Overview

About this qualification

Thank you for choosing an NCFE qualification. This learning log is yours to keep and is a place to record your progress.

The NCFE Level 2 Award in Music Technology has been accredited by the regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland[1] and is part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 501/1177/2.

.

This qualification has been supported by Creative and Cultural Skills the Sector Skills Council for the creative and cultural industries.

What you need to cover

This qualification is made up of a set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria that describe what you need to be able to do, and things you need to know to achieve your qualification.

The qualification consists of 6 mandatory units.

Mandatory units

Unit 01 Set up and operate audio/MIDI sequencing software

Unit 02 Create music using audio/MIDI sequencing software

Unit 03 Multi-track audio recording

Unit 04 Use multi-track sound mixing techniques

Unit 05 Using DJ skills

Unit 06 Dance music production

To achieve the NCFE Level 2 Award in Music Technology you must achieve one mandatory unit. You must provide evidence to show that you meet all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria defined in the units.

Section 1 - Overview

Tracking your evidence

During your course your Tutor/Assessor will ask you to carry out work either in the classroom, in your workplace or at home which you’ll keep as evidence of your learning.

The work you produce (evidence) will be assessed by your Tutor/Assessor to make sure you’ve covered everything in sufficient detail. Your evidence could be made up of a combination of:

¨  written work or class notes

¨  products or samples of practical work

¨  case studies

¨  simulated activities or role play

¨  work placement diaries

¨  learning logs

¨  video or audio recordings

¨  other appropriate formats suggested by your Tutor/Assessor

When all of your evidence is gathered together in a file or folder, this becomes your portfolio.

Your centre and Assessor may have systems that they use to plan and monitor your assessment. These may be computer-based (eg using ‘e-portfolio’ software) or paper-based (using forms or checklists). These systems are designed to show how each piece of evidence meets which learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

How your evidence is checked

After your Tutor/Assessor has assessed your work, another member of staff - the Internal Moderator - will review it. An External Moderator from NCFE will visit your centre. The External Moderator’s role is to make sure your work has been assessed to NCFE’s requirements. They’ll do this by checking a sample of candidates’ portfolios – which may include yours. They also may wish to talk to you about the content of the course and the work you’re doing.

How you get your certificate

Once you’ve built up your portfolio of evidence and your Tutor/Assessor and the Internal and External Moderators are satisfied it meets the standards, you’ll be awarded the NCFE Level 2 Award in Music Technology.

Section 1 - Overview

Your centre will send a signed certificate claim form to NCFE when they and the External Moderator have signed off your completed portfolio. NCFE will send your certificate to your centre within 10 working days of us getting this form. Your centre will either forward the certificate to your home address, or tell you that it’s available for you to collect it.

Opportunities for further education and training

After successfully completing this qualification, you may like to go on to further study in the same or a similar subject. This might include:

¨  NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology

¨  NCFE Level 2 Extended Certificate in Music Technology

¨  NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Performance Skills using Music

¨  NCFE Level 2 Award in Podcasting

¨  NCFE Level 2 Radio Production qualifications

¨  Creative and Media Diploma

Section 2 - Planning and tracking your assessment

Completing your learning log

This section of the log will help you keep track of the work you’ve done and the work you still need to do to finish your portfolio.

It will also help your Tutor/Assessor, Internal and External Moderators find their way around your portfolio so they can assess it or check it. Your Tutor/Assessor will make sure you’re completing your log correctly.

Overleaf is a sample page similar to those you’ll find in the rest of this log. Use the columns to write down what evidence you’ve put in your portfolio and to show your Tutor/Assessor and the Internal and External Moderators where it’s located.

You and your Tutor/Assessor and/or an independent witness must sign and date the individual pieces of work in your portfolio. Once you’ve completed your portfolio, your Tutor/Assessor will sign the front of the log, to show that they’re satisfied you’ve completed it correctly.

Section 2 - Planning and tracking your assessment – Example unit – Customer Care

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Understand customer care
You can:
1.1 Demonstrate effective
‘customer care’ / Observation on placement / 3 / 21, 24
1.2 Identify the benefits of
good customer care / Report / 2 / 7
1.3 Describe the effects of
poor customer care / Project / 8-11 / 6

Range:

Unit 01 Set up and operate audio/MIDI sequencing software

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Be able to set up a software based audio/MIDI sequencing system
You can:
1.1 Select and launch appropriate sequencing software
1.2 Connect peripheral MIDI hardware to a computer using appropriate interfaces
1.3 Connect audio sources to a computer using appropriate interfaces
1.4 Configure software preferences to correctly route MIDI inputs and outputs
1.5 Configure software preferences to correctly route audio inputs and outputs

Unit 01 Set up and operate audio/MIDI sequencing software

You will: Be able to operate a software based audio/MIDI sequencing system
You can:
2.1 Create new sequencing projects
2.2 Add and delete sequencer tracks
2.3 Describe the key differences between audio and MIDI tracks
2.4 Load pre-recorded audio onto audio tracks
2.5 Record new audio onto audio tracks from external sources
2.6 Select instruments/voices for MIDI tracks
2.7 Record MIDI information to MIDI tracks using a MIDI controller

Unit 02 Create music using audio/MIDI sequencing software

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Be able to create music using audio/MIDI sequencing software
You can:
1.1 Select and configure sequencing software
1.2 Select audio and MIDI sound sources appropriate for the intended music composition
1.3 Arrange audio samples and MIDI parts into music sequences
1.4 Use sequencer mixing facilities to control arrangement tempo and volume levels effectively
1.5 Use audio editing functions effectively
1.6 Use MIDI editing functions effectively
1.7 Apply EQ and effects processing to the music effectively
1.8 Transfer a completed, mixed musical arrangement to an appropriate storage medium

Unit 03 Multi-track audio recording

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Know how to prepare for recording operations
You can:
1.1 Describe the layout of a mixing desk
1.2 Prepare a mixing desk for use
1.3 Prepare a multi-track recording device for use
1.4 Prepare recording media
1.5 Set up monitoring
1.6 Set up and connect microphones
1.7 Label and log recording media using agreed conventions
1.8 Identify and correct simple faults in the recording system
1.9 Observe appropriate Health and Safety procedures at all times during multi-track recording activity

Unit 03 Multi-track audio recording

1.10 Describe the signal flow path through an audio mixer from the recording device to the mixer’s output
1.11 Describe the stages involved in recording and overdubbing multi-track sound
You will: Be able to use a multi track audio mixer and recording device/software
You can:
2.1 Use mixing desk channels and groups to route audio signals to and from an audio recording device
2.2 Set and adjust recording levels to optimise gain without introducing distortion
2.3 Use EQ to enhance the sound quality of audio sources
2.4 Route audio signals to audio recording device or software
2.5 Set recording levels to optimise audio quality without introducing distortion
2.6 Record multiple audio sources sequentially to separate tracks of the recording device or software
2.7 Assess the sound quality of recordings against production requirements

Unit 04 Use multi-track sound mixing techniques

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Be able to use audio effects processing during a multi-track audio mix
You can:
1.1 Connect effects processors using ‘sends’ and ‘returns’
1.2 Connect effects processors using channel insert ‘send’ and ‘return’
1.3 Describe the basic functions of commonly used effects processors
1.4 Select an appropriate effect for a sound source
1.5 Justify the choice of selected effects on technical and/or artistic grounds
1.6 Apply effects to sound sources as part of the recording/mixing process

Unit 04 Use multi-track sound mixing techniques

You will: Be able to mix multi-track audio
You can:
2.1 Playback and monitor recorded tracks
2.2 Assess the quality of individual sounds
2.3 Add EQ to enhance audio quality
2.4 Apply effects processing to individual sounds
2.5 Balance sound sources
2.6 Record/save final mix
2.7 Observe appropriate Health and Safety procedures during mix down

Unit 05 Using DJ skills

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Know how to design a DJ rig
You can:
1.1  Describe the equipment required for a DJ rig that includes:
a) multiple sound sources
b) mixing technology
c) monitoring items
1.2 Describe the main technical features of the equipment in a DJ rig
1.3 Design a DJ rig suitable for a performance, including all connections and power requirements

Unit 05 Using DJ skills

You will: Be able to perform a DJ set to an audience
You can:
2.1 Select audio material appropriate for a DJ performance in front of an audience
2.2 Plan a DJ set to meet a specified running time
2.3 Set up a DJ rig that meets the needs of a performance
2.4  Perform a DJ set that includes:
a) fades, cross fades, layering and switching between multiple audio sources
b) a range of real-time
scratching techniques
c) creative use of deck controls
d) the creative use of effects
technology

Unit 06 Dance music production

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Understand key features of dance music styles and structures
You can:
1.1 Identify the main dance music styles
1.2 Identify musical and cultural developments that have influenced the main dance music styles
1.3 Describe the main rhythmic features common of dance music styles
1.4 Describe the main structural features common of dance music styles
1.5 Describe the sounds and instrumentation common of dance music styles

Unit 06 Dance music production

What you’ve done to show this / Portfolio page number / Additional links to evidence / IM/EM signature if sampled
You will: Be able to produce dance music using software sequencing techniques
You can:
2.1 Select sequencing software
2.2 Select musical elements appropriate for the creation of dance music
2.3 Organise musical elements into an effective arrangement to create dance music
2.4 Apply EQ and effects processing to a dance music arrangement
2.5 Transfer a completed, mixed dance music arrangement to a storage medium
2.6 Justify the arrangement as dance music

Section 3 - Additional information

NCFE is a leading provider of nationally recognised qualifications and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. We’re based in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you’d like to know more about us please visit our website at www.ncfe.org.uk.

Additional support requirements

NCFE recognises that you might require additional support in order to achieve your qualification. This might be if you’ve a permanent or temporary disability, medical condition or specific learning need.

Your Tutor/Assessor will discuss the most appropriate method of support to meet your needs and may need to notify NCFE of the support they’re going to give you. This could be facilities to support reading or writing needs, hearing, visual or physical impairment; facilities to support a medical condition or temporary injury; or facilities to support you if your first language isn’t English.