
In a friendly and focused atmosphere, you can improve existing skills and develop new ones. We operate with industry-standard equipment and all student workstations are Apple M1 Mac computers running Logic Pro. We also use many plugins and have a partnership with Acustica Audio to teach the course using their entire suite of audio tools. The department has rooms for recording, is fully equipped with tracking and mixing equipment and has a total tracking capacity of 32 channels able to be recorded at once on one project. All workstations are equipped with an audio interface, so students can record up to two channels on their own workstations.
Year 1
You will cover the principles and techniques of recording ranging throughout the 20th Century and present day, sequencing and mixing techniques along with a technology-focused understanding of popular music styles from 1910 to the present day, a portfolio of work including a multi-track recording, and a creative composition using synthesisers and sampling techniques will be achieved by the end of the year. You will also acquire technical skills for recording, working with industry-standard DAWs, and develop a fundamental understanding of production methods.
Year 2
Developing individual skills and styles as music producers through the production of a coursework portfolio and an examined commentary. The final exam is a production task carried out under exam conditions. You will also undertake an aural analysis of unfamiliar popular songs testing your historical and production knowledge.
Component 1
RecordingNon-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification 60 marks
Component 2
Technology-based compositionNon-examined assessment: externally assessed 20% of the qualification 60 marks
Component 3
Listening and analysingWritten examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 25% of the qualification 75 marks
Component 4
Producing and analysingWritten/practical examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes setup time) 35% of the qualification 105 marks
Course Essentials
PLUS
Some basic keyboard ability, an interest in popular music and technology.
You should also be able to competently play a musical instrument. Science GCSE at Grade 4 is also desirable.