Music Technology (Production)

This course can be combined with two A Levels and an Extend course to make a full programme.

This course is suitable for those who have some experience and/or a keen interest in song-writing, recording and music production. You will develop your skills in sound recording, composition and mixing, by applying them to a broad range of music styles and genres. In your first year you will study the Certificate progressing to the Extended Certificate in your second year.

This course is ideal if you are interested in creating and producing music but don’t necessarily want to perform on stage.

Assessment is by coursework and external assessment. Coursework will cover a range of DAW project work covering: Practical work e.g. designing sound effects, writing music to a brief, Vlogs, Written and Verbal Evaluations.

What topics will I study? 

The Level 3 Certificate in Music Technology comprises of 2 units of study:

• DAW Production
• Studio Recording Techniques

All units are largely practical but involve individual research and presentation. On successful completion of the Certificate, you can progress to the Level 3 Extended Certificate in year two, gaining a full A Level equivalent (60 units in total).

The three study units of the Extended Certificate are:

• Creative Synthesis and Sampling
• Music and Sound for Media
• Commercial Music Production

You will:

• Learn a range of production techniques and apply them to different music styles and genres
• Use music technology to support real media and performance projects
• Practise sound creation and manipulation
• Work in our industry standard recording studios and Mac suites
• Carry out individual research and presentation alongside your practical work
• Develop your knowledge of the music industry

This course goes well with A Level Music, Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance or any other A Level equivalent course.

Future Steps: In your second year, you can progress to the Level 3 Extended Certificate then you could go on to university level study in Music Technology or Production. Future job roles might include film composer, live sound technician, studio engineer, mixing and mastering engineer, music producer or sound designer.

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths).

The ability to sing or play an instrument to a comfortable standard is desirable. Previous experience with some form of sequencing and recording software is advantageous, for example, Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Garage Band and Fruity Loops.

Our Centre for Music and Performance includes recording studios, rehearsal suites, Mac computer suites (including Logic, Ableton, MuseScore) and performance area. You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre.

• Studio quality head-phones
• Memory stick or portable hard drive for backing up work
• Music Academy students wishing to specialise further and develop their instrumental/vocal skills are able to access subsidised individual instrumental/vocal tuition via the Music Academy.