About the course
The course is suitable for learners who are interested in developing a career as an electronic music producer / composer. Electronic music is one of the largest growing areas of the music industry and the role of the home producer is becoming ever more popular. This course provides learners with the skills, techniques and opportunities to produce electronic music, using traditional and modern techniques, taught by industry professionals. The course will explore the theory and practice of sampling, synthesis, studio recording techniques, and composition for media using industry specialist software.
The course also encourages a wider understanding and appreciation of different styles of music and how these enhance employability through collaboration. Students will also learn about the music industry, how to produce high quality music projects and how to effectively plan and market their music to provide a solid foundation for a career or future study.
Entry requirements
At least five GCSE's Grade C or above, including maths and English at Grade C (4); or a suitable Edexcel (BTEC) Level 2 merit grade or higher in a related programme. Learners will be invited to attend a taster session and interview. This will help determine the suitability of the course for each candidate.
Qualifications
Conservatoire EAST offer a wide menu of Level 3 Diplomas. We will work with all learners in their first six weeks at College to place them on the most appropriate Diploma programme that meets their individual needs to ensure their success. Learners will complete this course with a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production (equivalent to 3 A-levels at A*)
Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
What you'll learn (core modules)
Students will attend College for a minimum of three days a week. They will be expected to work for an additional fifteen hours per week at home completing assignments, revising, researching, composing and preparing for lessons. The following subjects are covered as part of this course:
- Electronic music production techniques
- Logic Pro X / Ableton Live Sequencing skills
- Sampling
- Synthesis
- Composition techniques
- Music business for the modern world
- Sound design and foley
- Composing for film and media
- Listening skills
- Music theory
- Research skills
- Freelance techniques and career planning
- Visual design
- Science of sound
How will I be assessed?
Year one is graded as a Level 3 Diploma and year two as an Extended Diploma.
Your final grade for year one will be PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION.
For year two this will be PASS, HIGH PASS, MERIT, HIGH MERIT or DISTINCTION.
Throughout the course, you will be assessed in a variety of ways. There will be practical work including compositions, remixes and collaborative music projects, but also some essays, log books and portfolios. We make our assignments industry focussed and relevant - we don't ask you to do anything which doesn't develop the necessary skills to be successful within the industry. These assessments are formative, whereby you have to pass them, but they don't contribute to your final grade, but help prepare you for your final project which is graded.
Your grade for year one and year two is based upon a large project of your choosing. You work on this at the end of each year, and so long as it fits within the boundaries of the qualification. This could anything from writing an EP or an album, a large scale remix project, a film composition, to going on tour or marketing and promoting yourself as an artist - the list is as big as your imagination will allow!
Where will the course take me?
Learners completing the course will have sufficient experience to study on our BA (Hons) Creative and Commercial degree course, which is delivered on site. Some learners look to gain employment directly within the music industry, while others may consider continuing their study elsewhere.
We also offer a range of Level 4 courses which provide an ideal stepping stone in to Higher Education.
We ensure that every learner has a firm progression plan before they complete the course.
Will I need any materials or equipment?
Learners will be required to purchase high quality closed headphones (approximately £50), a USB 3.0 memory stick/hard drive and stationery before the course starts. Access to a personal Macbook/Laptop and software is ideal, but not a necessity. We will advise on the purchase of suitable music production equipment when the course starts.
Days & times
Starting September 2020