Modules

The modules covered in the first year include:

Recording Technology: You will explore techniques used by sound engineers and music producers when using technology to record audio sources. This involves fundamental recording techniques, as well as how to use recording technology in creative ways. Studio setup procedures will also be explored as well as the factors that affect the quality at which audio is recorded.

Applied Music Theory: This covers the basic principles that contemporary music is built upon. You will then put these theories to use, creating original compositions in different music genres and demonstrating concepts on the keyboard or other instruments.

Composing using Technology: This module examines different music software types and the set-up of a modern Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). You will also learn the theoretical and practical issues of recording, within the context of the historical development of electronic music.

Instrumental Technique (option for performers): This unit will encourage you to investigate the technical skills required by a professional musician before applying this knowledge into your own practice. Skills developed through this unit include musicianship, music theory, technical exercises, and practice schedules.

Applied Sound Principles (option for producers): This unit consolidates a basic knowledge of the physics of sound and applies it to spaces where music is recorded, produced and performed. You will also learn how to construct and build acoustic treatments to improve your own home and project studios.

Year 2
Building upon the skills and techniques developed in your first year you will then progress to study the following modules:

Music Industry : This unit looks at the business and industry requirements placed on the modern musician to harness your skills and focus them to positively impact your career. The music industry and its components rely heavily on individual skills; music makers need to be aware that their own skills in this area are the major driving force behind their success.

Marketing and Promotion for Musicians: You will investigate and research the relative merits of current music marketing techniques, helping you to evaluate the most suitable marketing activities for your area of practice.

Professional Development: In this unit, you will explore the many potential avenues of employment that relate to your specialism, build an awareness of how to present yourself to the market place and embark on the journey of professional development. This unit will allow you to be assessed in your own specialist area – presenting a portfolio or production work or performances.

Live Sound Techniques (option for producers): In this unit, you will work in the college’s own 250 capacity commercial music venue, studying equipment and techniques involved in live music production.

Live Music Performance (option for performers): This unit is designed to help you gain a range of key musical skills. You will study playing together in groups and improve your aural awareness, as well as learning how to critique your own music-making and the performances of others.

Assessment methods

You will be set regular assessments across a range of activities for each unit and we will provide you with supportive feedback. The feedback given to you in relation to your progress will highlight your strengths, weaknesses and potential attainment in relation to the learning outcomes identified, which helps you develop your skills throughout the course.
To achieve your HNC, you will study 60 Credits per year. You will also be asked to submit a piece of course work that is graded and counts towards your final mark for the unit and overall programme. Each module may contain one or two assessment component for which you will either achieve a pass, merit or distinction.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay: