Key features

• How does sound work?
• How do I record a range of instruments?
• How do I record, mix and master a track?
• How do I use MIDI for sequencing and arranging?

Music Technology From Scratch answers these questions, and more. Exploring both the theory and practice of music technology, it gives the reader clear information on how equipment works and how to get the best results from it.

Fully illustrated throughout, diagrams and photos provide step-by-step guides to using your equipment. It includes tips and hints on polishing your recordings and making sure your sessions run smoothly, 'test yourself questions' and 'projects' at the end of each chapter, and a full glossary explaining all technical terms and concepts. It is also enhanced by online videos with explanations of equipment and techniques.

This book will send you on your way to achieving a better grade for any of these courses:

• GCSE, AS and A2 Music and Music Technology
• BTEC Firsts and Nationals in Music and Music Technology
• The new Creative and Media Diploma

"This book is a must for anyone who is new to Music Technology. The sections are well broken down into each part of the Technology environment, covering the traditional equipment you would find in the studio as well as the software on your computer. In the first section of the book it provides a well presented, colourful, clearly and carefully presented explanation of how and why things work, covering the bits of equipment you both need and are likely to encounter. The second section, called 'Putting it into Practice' is a brilliant step by step guide to capturing and creating Music, covering each process / activity in a tried and tested, logical way.
I highly recommend this book - although it seems to be aimed at the Education market, 'Music Technology from Scratch' would suit anyone setting up a recording facility at home no matter what age of equipment and user!
For Music teachers, this is a fantastic resource that covers everything you need to cover right up to and including A level Music Technology - I've used it for AS/A2, GCSE and BTEC students very effectively. If you are a little 'techno-phobic', this is a great, user-friendly introduction to all aspects of Music Technology - it will break you in gently by explaining how, why and what each bit of a studio is used for. If you've been recording since the advent of the Phonograph, this book will help you explain what you know without Maths or Physics confusing your listeners - the 'how it works' diagrams are amongst the best I've ever seen. If you don't know something in this book, your students will be missing out on their Technological education! It really does cover all the basics in a non-scientific, musician-friendly way.
For students of any age, this book will act as both a reference / learning resource and a mini library of Technology - to dip into when you forget or need to know something about a piece of equipment or a process. Every student should buy one and keep it next to their recording equipment. Not all colleges or schools will be able to introduce you to the wide range of equipment and processes covered in this book, so make sure you cover all the bases and buy 'Music Technology from Scratch' - it's even small enough to slot into your tablet or laptop case!
And if you're neither a teacher nor student, if you are interested in how Music Technology works, this is for you. If you are thinking of setting up a studio in your home, buying some software to make your own Music or wondering what to equip yourself with next, 'Music Technology from Scratch' will answer most of your questions and help you get started.
There is nothing like it on the market. 'Music Technology from Scratch' is not linked to an exam syllabus (like the 'Study Guides') - it's open ended and thus fits many more situations. There are some great little 'projects and suggestions' at the end of each section that could be used as BTEC work, revision for GCSE or A level, or ways into exploring the ideas and equipment in each section more thoroughly. If you complete all the projects, you will learn to experiment and develop your skills as you grow in knowledge. Why not warm up that soldering iron and send off for some components - if you want to go that far, let 'Music Technology from Scratch' be your guide!"
         Matt Allen - Head of Music, Chessington Community College, Kingston