Task 1a - Sequenced Arrangement

The details for this task are published on the Edexcel website as part of the AS portfolio tasks in September.

Key Points

It is an aural task primarily so analyse the piece, and explore the equipment to be used and performance techniques.
Keyboard skills are important, especially for the melody.
Shaping and editing of data will be required.
Use of samples and effects is desirable.
20 hours max. including creating the stereo mix.

Try and attain a reasonable degree of skill on a keyboard – Grade 1 keyboard books are suitable. You should play the melody live and use step input to record a drum part.
Research the equipment and sounds used. This may include trawling the Internet and patch libraries on the equipment for suitable timbres.
Set the tempo and tempo track if required.
Use a marker track to identify the structure of the song.
Identify any repetitive motifs or hooks that can be sequenced and copied.
Sequence the harmony then bass.
Record the melody, tempo may need to be slowed down for this. Use the locators in the sequencer to record short sections.
Use appropriate quantize for the style.
Apply effects, pan and extra performance data such as expression and modulation .
Mixdown to stereo .wav file.
Master and burn.

Task 1a – Tutorial on completing a past 1a task from 2010/11