The course provides a wide theoretical and practical grounding across all the key areas of music technology. This one-year programme provides practical, hands-on training in computer music production, studio recording techniques and sound design for media in addition to covering theoretical topics, including the Music Industry, Professional Development, Marketing & Promotion, Applied Sound Principles and Music & Society. You will learn to use the three most prevalent software programs found in the music industry today ? Logic, Pro Tools and Ableton Live.
Teaching staff all have considerable music industry experience and will guide students, depending on whether they wish to pursue a career as a technician/sound engineer, composer, producer or further their studies with a second year on our HND Music Production programme.
Students will study eight units at level 4 (HNC) and will be expected to attend all classes. HNC/HND music students have exclusive twilight and evening access to the department?s rehearsal booths, venue, recording-studios and computer music suites in order to complete practical work outside of lesson time. Students will also be expected to complete individual research and written work outside of timetabled class times, writing reports or essays to accompany practical work.
Special course features:
- Teaching staff all have extensive music industry experience
- The music dept. has extensive industry-standard facilities including three recordings studios, three computer music suites, six rehearsal booths and a live venue with full PA system
- Successfully passing the HNC course will give you an automatic progression place on our HND in Music Production course (Level 5)
- If you complete our HND, this can be ?topped-up? to a degree (level 6) at a large number of different UK universities, including the University of Northampton
- HNC courses are, on average £3,000 cheaper per year than degree courses
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What will I study?
The units you will study are:
- The Music Industry
- Marketing & Promotion for Musicians
- Professional Development
- Music and Society
- Applied Sound Principles
- Recording Technology
- Creative Software techniques
- Sound design fundamentals
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Who is this course for?
This course is for anybody who wants to gain employment in the technology side of the music industry or who wants to progress onto further study at level 5 in a related topic.
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How is the course assessed?
The course is unit-based and assessed through a combination of practical assignments, written reports/essays and presentations. There will be a variety of assessed productions of original pieces of music that you have produced, throughout the programme.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
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The professional music industry, learning fundamental production and performance theories including history and context and The development of music theory
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A range of music-based activities and competences through in-depth study, enabling the development of professionally planning and releasing music
- Subject specific context; for example warrens of equality and diversity in music, health and safety in a variety of professional music spaces, roles, responsibilities, characteristics and attributes needed in music.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
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Explore creative development through practical and research-based study including composing, arranging, performing and producing music in different genres and styles
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Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including critical listening, communicating ideas, enhancing your musicianship, individually and collaboratively
- Understand and utilise music technology and music equipment and problem solving through application of theoretical and technical learning to a range of settings and vocational scenarios.
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Behaviours
What is required?
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Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to music and transferable to a wider range of employability skills; such as time keeping, organisation, respect and communication skills
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Taking responsibility in the management of an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline, utilising independent study skills and collaborative working/learning/study
- Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network; including taking initiative, developing resilience, communicating effectively and taking responsibility for self-motivated organisation.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Progression routes include:
- Music industry employment ? including sound engineering, music production, composition/sound design for media/games
- Automatic HND progression here at Northampton College
- University progression following HND
- Further post-graduate study
- Teaching/training
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Entry Requirements for new students
48 UCAS points which are equal to two D Grades or above at A Level, pass grade at BTEC Extended Diploma Level or Merit Pass at Level 3 Diploma, plus a 4 Grade in English & Maths GCSE and complete the practical tasks that will be sent to you. Applicants aged over 21 who do not have the entry requirements may be eligible for acceptance based on application and interview.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
