Music Technology is a dynamic and practical course in which students develop a range of skills and techniques relating to the creative use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio. The course is ideal for students interested in sound engineering, radio and broadcast production, or any career that combines creativity with technology.
Acting Curriculum Leader: Mrs L. Shearer / Ms H. Stygal (from Jan. 2026)
S5–S6
Music Technology is available at National 5 and Higher level. Entry to National 5 requires a pass at National 4 Music Technology (with teacher recommendation). Entry to Higher requires an A or B at National 5, or a grade C in agreement with the subject CL.
National 5 — Course Content
Assignment (Music Technology Skills and Music Technology in Context): Through two practical assignments, pupils learn about microphone placement techniques, setting input gain, monitoring levels, overdubbing and editing tracks. They learn how to use effects such as equalisation, compression and reverb along with mixing and mastering techniques. Pupils create assignments using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Examples include an audiobook, a foley video project or a radio broadcast.
Understanding Music in a 20th and 21st Century Context: Pupils develop skills in the analysis of music across a range of modern musical styles and genres. They also develop an understanding of the music industry, including intellectual property rights. Assessed by question paper in the exam diet.
National 5 — Assessment
Assignment 1: 35% (Deadline March)
Assignment 2: 35% (Deadline March)
Question Paper: 30% (Exam diet)
All evidence is submitted to SQA for external marking.
Higher — Course Content
Higher Music Technology builds on National 5, expanding abilities in the creative use of music technology hardware and software. This includes applying microphone-placement techniques; designing signal paths for multiple inputs; overdubbing and editing tracks; applying dynamics processing; time-domain and other effects; and employing a variety of mixing techniques.
Higher pupils complete one major project, demonstrating a deeper understanding of DAW-based processes including multitrack recording, stereo microphone techniques, advanced effects (phaser, flanger, parametric EQ, noise gates, limiters), MIDI use, and electronic multitrack recording.
Understanding 20th and 21st Century Music: Candidates develop knowledge of modern musical styles and genres, and the ways music technology has shaped innovations during this period. They also examine intellectual property rights and the implications of failing to protect them.
Higher — Assessment
Assignment: 70% (Deadline March)
Question Paper: 30% (Exam diet)
All evidence is submitted to SQA for external marking.
Career Paths
- Broadcasting/Film/TV
- Sound Engineer
- Music/Radio Producer
- DJ
- Musician
- Composer
- Music Manager
- Events Manager
- Music Publisher
- Music Therapist