
Public learning track
Digital Audio Theory and DAW Editing
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
8 lessons
Goal
Master digital audio fundamentals and perform precision editing, comping, pitch correction, and time-stretching in a DAW.
8 lessons
0 of 8 done
- 1Sampling Rate, Nyquist Theorem, and AliasingUp nextStart
- 2Bit Depth, Dynamic Range, and DitherPremiumNot started yet
- 3Audio File Formats: Uncompressed, Lossless, and LossyNot started yet
- 4Non-Destructive DAW Editing and CompingNot started yet
- 5Time-Stretching and Pitch-Shifting AlgorithmsNot started yet
- 6Manual and Automatic Vocal Pitch CorrectionNot started yet
- 7Audio Quantisation and Transient AlignmentNot started yet
- 8Restoration Tools: De-Clicking, De-Noising, and Spectral RepairNot started yet
Standards Covered
- MUSTECH-24.4General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11digital recording and sequencing (c.1980 – present day)
- MUSTECH-24.12General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11describe the technical function and operation of recording equipment identified through the eras
- MUSTECH-24.10General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11DAW
- MUSTECH-24.11General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11recording media from a number of significant eras
- MUSTECH-24.5General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11digital audio workstations (DAW) and emerging technologies (c.1996 – present day)
- MUSTECH-25.2General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11manipulate existing sounds and music with technical control and style to produce recordings and technology-based compositions
- MUSTECH-25.8General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11use music production tools and techniques to create new sounds and music with technical control and style
- MUSTECH-25.11General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11apply the additional A level knowledge and understanding listed in paragraph 8 to extend the skills developed at AS level with increased sensitivity and technical control
- MUSTECH-25.7General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11use aural discrimination to identify and evaluate music technology elements in unfamiliar works and to refine recordings
Curriculum Framework
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
1
9 lessons
Acoustics, Microphones, and Audio Capture
Capture acoustic and electronic instruments with precision using appropriate microphones, polar patterns, placement techniques, and signal flow.
2
8 lessons
Digital Audio Theory and DAW Editing
Master digital audio fundamentals and perform precision editing, comping, pitch correction, and time-stretching in a DAW.
3
8 lessons
Dynamic Processing and Envelope Shaping
Control and shape the dynamic range of individual tracks, sub-mixes, and full mixes using compressors, limiters, gates, and expanders.
4
7 lessons
Equalisation and Frequency Sculpting
Shape the tonal balance of individual instruments and entire mixes using parametric equalisation, filtering, and dynamic EQ.
5
8 lessons
Time-Based Effects and Spatial Processing
Create acoustic space, depth, movement, and width using delays, reverberation, modulation, and stereo imaging tools.
6
8 lessons
Synthesis and Sound Design
Design original electronic sounds and musical textures using subtractive, additive, wavetable, and frequency modulation synthesis.
7
7 lessons
Sampling, MIDI, and Virtual Instruments
Utilise hardware and software samplers, MIDI sequencing protocols, and multi-sampled virtual instruments to compose music.
8
8 lessons
History and Evolution of Recording Technology
Analyse the historical development of recording media, studio equipment, production styles, and their impact on musical culture from 1950 to the present day.
9
8 lessons
Mixing, Mastering, and Production Analysis
Mix and master multi-track projects into balanced, commercially viable audio productions whilst critically deconstructing genre-defining recordings.
10
6 lessons
Analysing Audio Equipment Specifications and Data
Evaluate, select, and justify audio equipment choices by interpreting frequency response charts, polar pattern plots, dynamic transfer curves, and technical specification data.