FdA 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.