FdA/BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production

This course aims to expose students to the diverse nature of the challenges faced by those who take on the role of music producer. The working producer may encounter different studio environments, different technologies, different client demands and many different forms of music. Therefore, students seeking a career in this role should prepare to develop skills that are entrepreneurial, freelance and independent – flexible to the needs of clients, creative and contributory with an awareness of culture, and firmly based in theory, practice, and later, experience. To this end, students will be studying a specialist programme focused on music production that offers a broad but interconnected selection of units. This course offers students opportunities to explore old and new technologies, different music forms, recording as documentary, sound as a function within other media artefacts, and music and sound as art and performance (commercial and otherwise).

We believe that the ‘craft skills’ of music production and the identity of the music producer should be founded on knowledge and learning through practical application. As part of this course, and in replication of the ’real world’ students will find themselves collaborating with their peers from other disciplines (Dance, Film and Events) to complete project work that places the music producer in a role that is less central than that experienced in the recording industry.

There'll be opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning to assure preparation for the wider artistic climate and the development of a clear perception of the role of the sound producer/practitioner within different contexts. The self-confidence required to contribute to collaborative, time-bound creative projects is developed through a secure understanding of the equipment, its function and application, and repeated practice in the working environment. Students will therefore be supported in the development of their strengths, the improvement of their weaknesses and the creation of new opportunities through exposure to a wide range of teaching methods, studio experiences, staff expertise and visiting professionals.

By the end of the course you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the intellectual, imaginative and practical skills needed for the creation of music and in response to briefs where music is required to meet a client’s need.
• Demonstrate and articulate your understanding of the relationships between different genres, trends and histories and a clear sense of where your own professional strengths lie and how you intend to launch your career in the industry.
• Communicate your ideas both in both a verbal and practical way.
• Articulate your understanding of the complex nature of music production, the forms that this may take and the target audience that you wish to reach.
• Collaborate with others effectively in the realisation of a performative and/or participative event within or across disciplines.
• Extend academic learning as an independent, self-reflective and creative practitioner, fully prepared for professional environments or postgraduate study.

The BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production top-up year primarily engages the student with technology but is intended to provide opportunities for any suitably qualified candidate with an established interest in writing, producing, collaborating in music production.

You'll begin with the "Arranging" unit, where you'll consider the relationships between mixing and orchestration. You'll study the ways in which musical elements are balanced against each other to create specific music effects and styles and practice re-arranging/re-mixing music to create new versions. The unit will also teach you how to create parts for session musicians. It's not uncommon for a producer to enhance the work of an artist through the addition of parts such as counter melodies, harmonies, brass and string pads, etc. To this end, you'll learn to create basic parts, fit for modification by the professional musician, using music notation software to meet the needs of the reader and assessment.

You'll simultaneously undertake the "Research Project" unit. In agreement with your tutor, you'll choose an area for close study and develop a full dissertation on the subject in question. The dissertation may be presented in a variety of forms, written work, verbal presentation, audio, visual production, etc. This major piece of work may utilise practical skills and experimentation but must conform with the notion of academic rigour. It should be substantial, draw on authoritative research sources (referenced using the Harvard system) and meet the objectives established with your tutor at the start. You'll need to propose a detailed plan prior to commencement.

Following these two units, you'll carry out your Final Major Project: a substantial project of your own choosing, which must be agreed with your tutor. It should lead to the creation of your highest-quality, exemplar work. The unit will begin with taught sessions on project planning and will incorporate sessions on business planning, event management, rights management, and budget planning. Your projects may involve members of the external music community, collaborations with peers, private clients, etc., or be completely directed at their own aims for future employment. Delivery will therefore move from the initial model of taught sessions in the early part of the year to regular one-to-one support through tutorials.

By the end of the course you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and experience of a wide range of techniques within music creation and production.
• Demonstrate an academic understanding of music and sound production in a variety of cultural, historical and current contexts.
• Articulate an understanding of notable practitioners and concepts within music and sound production and the ability to emulate, experiment and innovate.
• Collaborate with others effectively in the realisation of a performative and/or participative event within or across disciplines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of problem-solving, sustainable working practices and an awareness of the global environmental impact of music and sound production.