Music Technology

Designed as an introduction to our Audio Engineering Techniques & Technology course, Music Technology covers the basic principles of sound and audio, mixing desks, recording technology, Fx and dynamic controllers.

Included in the course is official AVID Pro Tools 101 and 110 certification.

Students who successfully complete the 6 month Music Technology course can, if they wish, continue their studies on the later phases of our Audio Engineering Techniques & Technology course. This option allows students to top up to a full SSR Advanced Diploma, with the additional option of NCFE Level 5 (equivalent to an ordinary bachelors Degree) also available with the Audio Engineering course.

Music Technology course overview

Sound engineers record, mix and edit audio for studio recordings and live performances. This is a vital role and an integral part of the music industry. As recording technology advances, the role of the sound engineer becomes evermore dynamic. This six month course is designed to prepare students for a range of environments.

Combining theory with a vast amount of practical time, the course provides a fundamental knowledge of how to record music in studio environments. Music Technology is a useful and valid introduction to the recording industry, covering a range of subjects including microphone techniques, mixing desks and multitrack recording and current industry specific software. No prior knowledge or experience is required as the course teaches from a beginner’s level.

As a steppingstone to further studio-based training, Music Technology provides an excellent platform on which graduates can build their knowledge and skills. Alternatively, the course can be beneficial to bands and musicians who wish to learn more about the recording process and the studio environment

Music Technology detailed course description

The Music Technology course teaches the essential basic principles of sound recording, along with the fundamental elements of the recording studio environment. Using professional studios, you will work individually or in groups, with additional support available from experienced studio technicians. The course also includes AVID Pro Tools certification (101 and 110 levels).

Music Technology Course Modules Covered:

• The Recording Chain
• The Principles of Sound
• The Mixing Desk
• Recording Techniques
• Critical listening
• Media Storage and Documentation
• Pro Tools 101 & 110
• EQ and Equalisation
• The role and use of Fxs
• Dynamic Controllers
• Basic Studio Maintenance

FAQ

Who is the Music Technology course for?
If you want to bring your skills up to date or expand on your current skills as a sound engineer, then this course is for you. Suitable for beginners, degree post graduates and those with relevant experience or education, the course starts from first principles and requires little or no prior knowledge.

Are there any pre-requisites?
No formal qualifications are required just a passion for sound.

When will I study?
Afternoon or evening study - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-6pm or 7-10pm, 2 x 3 hour lectures plus flexible weekly studio time, same day or pre-booked to suit your availability. SSR’s generous opening hours fit in with our students’ lives.
Monday-Thursday – 8.30-10.00pm (and on occasions we can extend to midnight)
Friday 8.30-6.00
Saturday and Sunday 9.00 -8.00pm

Who will teach me?
You will be taught by industry active tutors who are currently working with musicians, TV and film companies, computer games companies. Our tutors have worked for Snow Patrol; the Doves; Warner Brothers; Granada; 3sixtymedia; LioneyesTV; BBC; Peter Kay; The Royale Family. In addition our tutors are world expert instructors in Pro Tools.

Where will the Music Technology course lead me?
As a successful graduate of the Music Technology course you will have a number of career options available to you. Many freelance sound engineers work in live sound, recording or production, film and television post production, TV broadcast; computer games; radio or a combination of these areas. You may also continue on to Phase 2 of the Audio Engineering Techniques and Technology course.

What is the success rate of the Music Technology course?
Our pass rate on this course is impressive. Of those who complete the Music Technology course 98% will successfully pass all exams and meet the professional standards that the course demands. Students emerge with an SSR diploma and a showreel to impress 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 in the industry including:

• 5 introduction studios
• Editing Suites
• 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 this 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.

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 including our Neve facility at heavily discounted rates; special discounted rates on continued training courses such as Pro tools and Apple software.

Music Technology 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.