Music and Sound Production

The FdA Music and Sound Production is for individuals who are serious about being multi-skilled and highly employable electronic music producers, live sound engineers and recording engineers. All students will gain core skills in audio analysis and production, synthesisers, samplers, an understanding of the music industry, events planning & promotions, and the impact of music within society. There are also two specialist pathways through the programme, Electronic Music Production and Live Sound and Studio Recording. In addition to the core skills, Electronic Music students will gain skills and knowledge of Electronic music production, remixing, DJ Technology, modular synthesis, and live electronic performance. Live Sound and Studio Recording students will gain additional skills in sound reinforcement, studio and venue maintenance, advanced audio production, rigging and advanced audio recording techniques. All students will develop academically over the duration of the programme, gaining skills in English for academic purposes, research, and inquiry. At Level 5, each student will conduct a creative project, designed to feed into professional development. Delivery of the programme is face-to-face, with taught sessions taking place in our purpose-built Performance Academy building using specialist resources such as recording studios, music venues, and specialist IT. As part of our work ready guarantee, you will learn in real working environments such as recording studios and a working theatre and music venue. There will be regular opportunities to attend workshops and meet industry guests. There is also a close bond with the other programmes in the Performance Academy, meaning there is opportunity for collaboration and the development of a broad social network of creative individuals. The FdA Music and Sound Production programme is for individuals who are serious about a career in Music Production, Live Sound, Events, DJing and those who wish to progress onto further undergraduate study Academic progression beyond the FdA could top-up to a full honours degree BA(Hons) Music and Sound Production (Top-up). Career paths for graduates include FOH Sound engineer, Monitor mix engineer, Stage crew, Studio Technician, Studio Manager, DJ, Tour Manager, Events Promoter, Music Producer, Remixer, Theatre Technician, Teacher/Lecturer

Course Modules

Year One: The Music Industry (Academic Skills), Industry Practitioners (Personal Development), Introduction to Synthesisers, Introduction to Samplers, Audio Production, Production Analysis (Work Related Learning). Pathway Specific Modules: DJ & Technology in Performance or Electronic Music Production or Sound Reinforcement or Studio and Venue Set-up and Maintenance. Year Two: Creative Project (Professional Development), Digital Media and Production, Events Promotion (Work-Based Learning), Music, Society and Culture. Pathway Specific Modules: Remixing or Modular Synth or Hardware and Live Performance or Advanced Live Sound or Advanced Audio Production or Rigging for the Entertainment Industry.

A variety of methods will be used to assess this programme, including practical demonstration, reports, essays, observed assessments, academic posters, presentations, portfolios, and audio/video recordings.