FdA Music Production

FdA Music Production course overview

FdA Music Production provides an in-depth preparation for a diversity of careers in the recording industry. Content will cover studio production in professional studios, computer music production using a variety of industry standard software, compositional work, and audio visual media production. Modules will explore academic research, music business, web-based applications, creative music sequencing and studio/music recording through both academic study and practical application.

The FdA Music Production course duration is either 2 years full time, run over 30 weeks per year, or 3 years part-time. Attendance is over 2-3 days per week and includes individual studio time. The whole course is delivered at SSR with tutors from Accrington and Rossendale and SSR. Travel to Accrington site will be necessary for enrolment each year, and use of college facilities will also be available at Accrington and UCLan in Preston (our validating university). The course is delivered in professional studios, computer suites and teaching classrooms at SSR, and all training takes place with a combination of lectures, workshops, work-based activities and practical sessions.

FdA Music Production detailed course description

Units studied include:

• Music in Context 1 – This module aims to introduce skills vital to establishing and articulating links between artistic work, culture, history, politics and society. Focussing on the introduction of analytical skills, explorative approaches will be applied to case studies to enable students to acquire the skills necessary to locate work in both an artistic context and in its wider social and historical contexts. Skills of analysis and interpretation are introduced not only as a means of placing the work of others in context, but also as a way in which creative practitioners inform and enrich their own practice.
• Production Skills 1 - This module is intended to guide you through basic studio and recording procedures, to underpin knowledge and skills on other subject-specific modules. As well as guiding you to acquire or improve specific productions skills, it will support you in developing a professional approach to studio procedures and etiquette, and provide elements of work-based learning.
• Creative Industry Practice 1 - This module raises awareness of what professional attributes are necessary for those working in the performing arts and media. It is designed to develop understanding of the ways in which commercial structures operate, and to apply that knowledge to practical exercises in marketing products and services within the industry.
• Music for the Media 1 - This module will look at audio visual applications in both web based and film/video media. Students will be given opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge on file formats and understand the language and compositional techniques in today’s audio visual industry.
• Creative Music Technology - This module aims to provide practical and theoretical knowledge of computer music production. Students will explore software used currently in computer music production: Reason, Cubase and Pro Tools. Students will develop creative arrangement skills in the building of a portfolio of original compositions. The module will identify the creative potential of sampling, sequencing and recording techniques within various computer music software packages and will provide the underpinning knowledge required to support work in other practical modules. The Pro Tools 101 certification exam is embedded into the module.
• Music in Context 2 - This module builds upon methods of contextual study introduced within year one, developing the skills necessary to make intelligent, accurate and supported analyses and interpretations of artistic product. Students will negotiate their own personal topics for research and will be encouraged to explore areas and questions that truly diversify and extend their knowledge.
• Studio Production Skills - Students will be set a series of increasingly challenging assignments designed to progressively improve their technical, creative and organisational competencies. While developing studio skills to produce professional multitrack recordings using Pro Tools and Logic, students will also learn appropriate skills for mix-down, editing, mastering, and meeting industry standards for producing work of professional quality.
• Creative Industry Practice 2 - Within this module, students will explore the operation of the commercial interests, organisations and structures by which the arts, entertainment and broadcasting are owned, controlled or regulated. The origins of the present structures and organisations will be investigated, as will their potential futures. Particular consideration will be placed upon developing effective strategies for managing your future career within this complex and fast-changing professional environment.
• Music for Media 2 - This module will further develop skills acquired within Music for Media 1 and will give students the opportunity to explore the practical application of audio visual processes. Various media based formats will be examined and students will encounter the process of converting live sound into correct formats and mixing in studio and sequence environments.
• Major Project - This is an entirely student-centred module. Students will be expected to explore the real world of music making by initiating and realising a project of your own devising. You will undertake to find a client group or public outlet for your work; plan and structure the development of the project; compose and realise music to a brief developed with the help of the module tutor; and present your work within the public domain.

FAQ

Who is this FdA Music Production course for?
This course is designed for those hoping for a career in creative and music-related industries. The course will train you in all aspects of music production from basic studio engineering and production, to advanced mic’ing and mixing techniques; music technology including AVID Pro Tools, Reason and Logic; audio mastering, and music production for a range of media including web design. The course provides an in-depth preparation for a diversity of careers in the recording industry, providing the professional skills needed within all areas of music production.

It’s suitable for beginners, and those with relevant industry experience or previous training.

Are there any pre-requisites?
See the applications tab for UCAS requirements. Some aptitude for musical ability is required, but you don’t have to be an accomplished musician. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

When will I study?
Normally you will attend lectures 2 - 3 days per week. The days change each semester. The rest of the time is for your own individual research and practical work – SSR’s generous opening hours fit in with our students’ lives:
Monday-Thursday – 8.30am-10.00pm (and on occasions we can extend to midnight)
Friday 8.30am-6.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10.00am -8.00pm

How much will the FdA Music Production course cost?
Please contact SSR on 0161 276 2111 for up to date information on tuition fees.

Who will teach me?
You will be taught by industry active tutors who are currently working with leading musicians and bands. In addition, our tutors are world expert instructors in Pro Tools and Logic.

Where will the FdA Music Production course lead me?
As a successful graduate of this course the Foundation degree provides a route to a BA (Hons) Degree in Music Production, based at UCLan in Preston (Year 3 top-up), as well as a wide range of BA (Hons) degrees nationally, and other professional qualifications. You will have a number of career options available to you - many freelance sound engineers work in studio recording or production, film and television post production, TV broadcast, theatre, audio post production, computer games; radio, events and studio management, or a combination of these areas.

What is the success rate of FdA Music Production course?
Our pass rate on this course is impressive. Of those who complete the course 95% will successfully pass all exams and meet the professional standards that the course demands. Students emerge with a Foundation degree in Music Production, and an impressive showreel to take to employers. Our careers department offers support to students, and through our impressive industry connections and creative partners we are able to successfully place students into some impressive jobs working for companies such as WIGWAM; Granada; BBC; Sumners; GMAZ; Hummingbird sound; MUTV, as well as leading bands and musicians such as Radiohead, Girls Aloud, Take That; Amy Winehouse and Westlife.

As one of our students recently commented: “Other organisations have got a toe in the water of the industry SSR is fully immersed.” For more information on student success stories click here.

What facilities and studios will I use?
We have some impressive and highly professional equipment and resources that are used within the industry including:

• 9 introduction and intermediate studios
• A dedicated post production facility which includes a foley studio, the only one in the Northwest
• DJ booths
• Computer facilities including a dedicated Mac Suite
• The Green Room – the student common room

In addition to the teaching what extra features does the FdA Music Production course have?
Students on this course can expect to have field trips to highly exciting music venues and events, recording studios and media companies to see what goes on behind the scenes and meet key people in the industry. Some recent examples include ELBOW; Girls Aloud and Westlife, as well as trips to Granada. We also have regular guest lectures from key experts from the Music industry, and the TV and film world. Some examples are; the sound engineers for Prince, Def Lepard, and Ian Brown, and the post production staff for Peter Kay and Steve Coogan. The Pro Tools 101 certification exam is also embedded into the course in Year 1.

Will I be expected to buy software?
Our studios and computer suites are all fully equipped for everything you need on the course. If however you want to continue studying and practising at home, then it would be advisable to buy some software – but ask us first! SSR students get enviable discounts on lots of software and plug-in packages. As part of your course, you will of course be expected to buy some books (just like studying at any university), especially Pro Tools books.

Once I leave is that it?
We have a saying at SSR: "Once an SSR student always an SSR student" and through our Graduate Support Programme you can expect to receive additional services from SSR. This includes continued access to our careers service and introductions to our creative partners; information on job opportunities; use of studios and edit suites at heavily discounted rates; special discounted rates on continued training courses such as Pro Tools and Apple software.

FdA Music Production course entry requirements & applications

For more information, please click here to visit the Accrington and Rossendale College website

Applications for this course must be made via UCAS. To apply, you will need the following information.

Award - FdA
UCAS code - J930
Institution Code - A44
Mode of attendance - Full-time
Duration - 2 Years
Start dates - September

We welcome applications from a wide spectrum of potential students with a combination of recognised awards and relevant experience. We will take into account your motivation, ability, industrial experience and educational background. If you are under 21 years of age the entry requirements are:-

• BTEC National Diploma in appropriate vocational area (minimum merit), or
• GCE A level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject, or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject
• This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A – C
• Other related Level 3 qualifications.

If you are over 21 years of age, we require evidence of any of the following:

• Open College Level 3 qualification at 50 or above
• NVQ Level 3 in relevant vocational areas.
• Relevant work experience/professional qualifications.

TO START YOUR UCAS APPLICATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE