Electronic Music Production Manchester

From aspiring bedroom producer to professional songwriter and arranger, the course gives you the tools you need to create, record and produce music using the latest software and studio equipment.

Master Cubase and Reason. Learn to manipulate Audio and MIDI files, and combine the virtual studio with the professional recording environment.

Have your own tracks played on a professional sound system in our own live venue at the end of term with our custom designed graduation.

Regardless of your preferred style, EMP gives you the tools to enjoy total creative freedom.

Delivered over 2 sessions per week, the 24 week course comprises five areas: lectures, workshops, one-to-one tuition, drop-in sessions and studio time.

All SSR tutors are industry active and have invaluable experience both within their specialist fields and in the wider music business.

Electronic Music Production detailed course description

1) Production Techniques

Reason
• For 8 weeks the course focuses on Reason
• ReDrum & ReCycle
• ReWire: synching Reason with Cubase and other sequencing software
Sampling
• The art of sampling using software samplers including the NN19/NNXT
• Techniques such as recording, editing, looping and time-stretching
• Accessing sound libraries
Synthesis
• Shaping sounds using hardware and software synthesisers such as Hypersonic, Monologue, Subtractor, Roland Juno 106, Roland SH 101
Remixing
• An insight into the world of the remix artist
• Use of lay-offs
• Identifying keys and creating harmonies
• Adding 'your sound' to the track
• Tricks and tips

MIDI Sequencing
• Theory and practical uses of MIDI - communicating with hardware and virtual instruments
Structure & Arrangement
• Basic music theory
• How to build a song
• Understanding compositional techniques
• Dynamics, atmospherics, time signatures, tempo, meter, syncopation, verses, choruses, drops and fills
Wave Editing
• Using tools such as cut, glue, crossfade and automation to edit and blend waveforms

Studio Techniques
• Using a professional recording studio
• The basics of the mixing desk and recording
• Using a vocal booth
• Microphone types and using the correct studio equipment
• Working with an artist and getting the best from them in the studio
Audio Recording
• Recording live instruments and vocals
• Using Cubase as a studio tool
• Audio recordings as programmable and editable commodities
Audio Sequencing
• Using and manipulating samples of audio such as drum loops, a cappella vocals, hits and instrumental breaks

Mixing
• Learn to create a tonally and spatially balanced mix
• Develop your knowledge of EQ, levels and stereo placement and their importance to you as a producer
Effects
• Plug-ins - the virtual tools associated with today's production technology
• Learn to enhance your music with the use of studio effects and processors such as compression, gates & reverb
The Studio Environment
• What makes a good studio?
• Learn about spatial considerations, equipment and acoustics for both home and project studios
• Gain valuable experience in one of our professional studios

Principles of Sound
• What are the key skills of a music producer?
• Introduction to the concepts of audio and music production
• How to turn your creative ideas into sound
Critical Listening
• Listening to and analysing music
• nderstanding different approaches to music production
• Production values, arrangement and themes
• [Critical listening is used throughout the course]

Mastering
• Creating a professional sounding track, considering factors such as phase cancellation, maximisation and the use of finishing tools.
The Business
• The world of the professional producer
• Copyright, royalties and collection agencies
• Record and publishing deals
• Promoting yourself as an artist
• Guidance from industry professionals

Electronic Music Production entry requirements & applications

To apply for a course, you will need to print this application form.

Please then complete both pages of the form and return it, with the appropriate enrolment fee to:

Applications
SSR
65 - 69 Downing Street
Manchester
M1 7JE

Upon receipt of your application, we will contact you to arrange an interview or to confirm your acceptance onto the course.

If you require specific information about this course please contact Damion O'Brien on 0161 276 2100 or email damion.obrien@s-s-r.com