Music Technology

UCAS code: W372

Here's what Leicester College says about its Music Technology course.

Join a unique degree programme which combines both creativity and technology to give you the ultimate skillset. Accredited as an Apple Pro Training Centre and with access to our modern recording facilities, you'll be able to study subject specialisms whilst developing a strong scientific understanding of the music industry.

The two-year foundation degree in music technology, in association with De Montfort University, is an industry-facing programme that offers a wide range of relevant music technology themes and subjects. During your study you will develop a strong scientific understanding of acoustics and various audio technology applications required by this dynamic sector. Vital industry skill sets will be developed via the unique work-based learning aspect of the programme, reinforcing individual subject specialisms in commercial environments such as live sound, studio recording, music production and programming.

Combining creativity and technology, the programme offers access to modern recording studios, production suites and live music venues. Leicester College is an Apple Pro Training Centre, a Roland Academy, and an Ableton Certified Training Centre. Graduates of the programme can study for a further year at De Montfort University to achieve a full honours degree in music technology following on from this course.

This modular course will develop your expertise in recording technology, composition, acoustics, electronics, live sound, multimedia, and sound manipulation via a range of industry-standard projects and academic work. You will also work closely with related discipline areas such as dance, acting, performing musician and media in a range of projects that promote professional development as well as subject specialisms.

You will use some of the best professional grade equipment in the Midlands, learn relevant work skills, get taught by industry active professionals, and experience specialist guest lecturers.

You can join the final year of the BSc (Hons) Degree Music Technology at DMU on successful completion of this course. You may also apply to other universities to complete related degrees. You will be able to work in music, sound technology, and associated industries, typically in a portfolio career. Graduates of the course have gone on to work as pro audio manufacturers such as Bang and Olufsen; sound designers for games companies such as Sony PlayStation; or as live sound engineers for local music venues and national tours. The work-based learning element of the course has been particularly successful in providing graduates with the opportunity to secure work in various aspects of the music industries.

Year 1: Music Business: The business associated with 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. Sound Creation Manipulation: Explores different music software types and the set-up of a modern Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This module also explores the theoretical and practical issues of recording and gives students a contextual grounding and experience in the historical development of electronic music. Creative Programming: Explores software design in a practical context. Learn how to use object-based programming environments to develop a range of music applications related to music production and performance. Studio Recording: You will work in modern recording studios to develop knowledge and understanding of the processes and techniques of audio recording and production. Develop a practical and theoretical knowledge of the production chain investigating theoretical and practical principles of digital formats, multi-track recording and mixing. Audio Electronics: Develops understanding basic electronic circuits work, practical skills in soldering connectors and building simple circuits and practical experience of the use of test equipment. Develop a logical approach to understanding and testing the types of circuits commonly encountered in music production. Principles of Audio: Consolidates a basic knowledge of the physics of sound and the technology used to record and manipulate it. Acoustic environments are analysed and evaluated and the basic physiologies of hearing and sound perception are explored. Live Sound Technology: Designed to develop knowledge of performance arts and associated systems and techniques. Work in a commercial/public facing venue in the Leicester to build your knowledge and develop technical skills through a range of related disciplines. Year 2 - Live Music Production: Work in a commercial music venue analysing the environment, procedures, equipment and techniques involved in the rigging and engineering of live music in venue environments. Through appraisal and practice, investigate a range of techniques for amplification and monitoring to a professional standard. Performance Technology: Develops an awareness of how technology can be integrated into a performance. It involves the study of hardware and software being used in events as well as examining the way artists employ this technology. Provides opportunity to combine these areas of hardware and software knowledge to stage your own performance in which technology plays a central role. Creative Entrepreneurship: Work off-campus in negotiated industry placements to create your work-based portfolio. You will be encouraged to pursue a pathway that is relevant to both the course and your own career. Sound and Vision: You will be introduced to the theoretical and practical elements of producing music and sound for a variety of media applications. This module explores the production of audio for a website, multimedia and synchronised visual works. Advanced Programming: Further develops principles and practices of application design and encourages you to experiment further by developing new and innovative applications. Learn advanced programming techniques in a range of industry-standard platforms to create a professional product. Studio Production: Analyse the environment, procedures, equipment and techniques involved in the production of music in the multi-track recording studio. Research: Provides you with a broad range of research skills that will be used to develop and support a variety of practical and theoretical applications. Develop research skills in an academic context complete of a piece of independent research.

Formative assessment is used to engage you in a range of activities within each module, providing ongoing supportive feedback. At this stage, no formal grading takes place that counts towards either a mark for the module or the overall programme. Feedback given to you in relation to your progress will highlight strengths, weaknesses and potential attainment in relation to the learning outcomes identified.

Summative assessment typically involves submitting a piece of course work that is graded and counts towards your final mark for the module and overall programme. Each module may contain one or two summative assessment components. For each assessment activity, there will be a clear brief that as a minimum will indicate the following:

• The task(s) you are required to complete
• context – the relationship between the module and the aims of the assignment
• Learning outcomes for the assignment – what you should have learnt as a result of successfully completing the task(s)
• Assessment/Grading criteria, i.e. how your work will be graded names of members of staff involved with the assignment
• References and source material – to help you complete your assignments
• Date set, submission deadline and grade/feedback turnaround time.
• What, how and to whom you have to submit your work.

The final grade on your DMU certificate at the end of this course follows the standard university foundation degree classification system of distinction, merit and pass.