Program Overview

BA (Hons) in Music Production

Overview

The BA (Hons) in Music Production course is run in partnership with Pulse College and has uniquely been designed by the industry, for the industry. The aim of the course is to equip you with a high level of competence in specific skills for the areas of studio recording, live sound, music technology and much more.

Course Details

Course Modules

Year 1

• Music Technology: You will learn how to set up the hardware and software of a music production suite to record, edit and mix music. You will learn how to programme Drums and Beats, and how to use Samplers and Synthesisers.
• Applications Technology: You will learn how to use industry standard Digital Audio Workstation software (Pro-Tools and Logic Pro X) to record and edit audio and MIDI. You will learn how to produce music from conception to final mix-down, including the use of effects and automation, in a professional workflow.
• Recording Studio Principles: You will be introduced to the operating principles of modern recording studios and the issues in operating a recording system from microphone choice and placing techniques to basic editing and mixing techniques for final mix down.
• Music Theory/Aural Training: You will develop your understanding of musical theory, analyse musical structure and form (from Rock and Pop music to Classical and Jazz) and Aural Training skills. You will develop your notational skills using Sibelius notation software to convey musical ideas to musicians with musical vocabulary.
• The Music Industry: You will get a broad understanding of the music industry, its various roles and structures within the industry; the commercial, the regulatory environment, and the wider music culture.
• Sound Reinforcement: You will be introduced to the theory, techniques and practices involved in implementing appropriate sound reinforcement for a live performance event.
• Critical Listening & Audio Analysis: You will be introduced to the principles of sound, estimating changes in sound frequency, sound level, band limitations and irregularities, distortion, noise, etc.

Year 2

• Advanced Music Technology: You will develop your competence and confidence in programming Samplers, Sequencers and Synthesisers You will learn advanced automation and synchronisation techniques in Post-production and to technically manage the interchange of projects between recording studios.
• Music Production And Recording: You will work in the role of a modern music producer utilising technical and interpersonal skills to facilitate a project from pre-production to completion.
• Sound Design: You will gain an understanding of the theory, the technologies, and practical skills central to the production and postproduction of sound for virtual environments, and the role of sound design effects in other media.
• Music and Image: You will learn the processes involved in composing music for TV and Film; It also aims to expand your musical vocabulary and analytical skills through studying the craft of composing to image. Emphasis is placed on developing your own compositional techniques.
• Live Music and Performance Technologies: During this module you will be introduced to the technical aspects of live performance. You will work with stage set-ups and learn about the connectivity between music technology software and performance hardware.
• History of Music Production and Recording: You will work in the role of a modern music producer utilising technical and interpersonal skills to facilitate a project from pre-production to completion.

Year 3

• Dissertation: You may select to present an academic dissertation or a dissertation by practice. You will explore new ideas through research; develop independent research and learning skills; develop the skills necessary to plan and produce an extended, formally written document; and develop creativity through independent practical work and expand knowledge in areas of personal interest.This module will be the culmination of your study. You will explore, through research and writing, subjects deemed worthy of academic investigation, or the development of new ideas through practice based project work.
• Advanced Music Production and recording: You will develop your recording skills to a professional industry standard including pre and post-production elements, recording large acoustic ensembles, You will manage the studio environment with an orchestra or large ensemble, and develop your communication skills required to liaise with clients.
• Studio Design and Installation: You will learn the practical and theoretical knowledge in the main areas of studio design and related industries. You will become familiar with various systems and operations using industry software currently used in acoustic analysis.
• Professional Practice: You will be equipped with a working knowledge of the ethical and fiscal standards of the professional bodies and the practical understanding of the complex legal implications of intellectual property in the music industry. You will develop skills in presenting, creating an industry cv and applying for industry jobs aswell as developing your digital presence online.
• Songwriting/Arranging for music producers: You will develop further knowledge in music theory and application. Learners will analyse different forms and genres of music and develop their compositional and transcription skills.
• Professional Client Project: You will work at a professional level in the role of a modern Music Producer in a professional recording studio. You will source a client and plan and develop a project through negotiation with your tutor to facilitate the smooth flow of a project through its various stages from pre-production to completion.
• Mixing, Remixing & Mastering: You will create professional quality mixes, remixes and master audio across a wide range of genres and listening platforms. You will explore all aspects of the mixing process, in-depth analysis and comparison of analogue versus digital mixing with focus on technical processes along with aesthetic and genre considerations. The final element of this module focusses on the mastering stage.

Entry Requirements

• Irish Citizen Under 23 Years of Age:
  • Entry onto our Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:
    • 2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
    • Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
    • To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English
  • Or:
    • FETAC Level 6 / HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media or similar
    • Or:
      • a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar.
• Applicants will also be expected to fulfil the following requirements;
  • A proven interest in audio and/or music technology, and to display some interest in related creative media arts
  • Basic knowledge of computers (Mac/PC, and audio software): helpful but not essential

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland:
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Dublin: EUR 8,950.00
• Irish/EU citizens, living abroad:
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
• International:
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Dublin: Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
• A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted.

Progression

• Academic Progression:
  • Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Music Production programme are eligible to be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree.
• Career Progression:
  • Previous graduates of the BA (Hons) in Music Production programme have found employment in a variety of sectors within music industry. Some of the many great artists or facilities past pupils have worked with are: Prince, Kings of Leon, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, U2, REM, Kylie Minogue, Windmill Pictures, Brown Bag, Ardmore Studios, RTE, FM104, TV3, RTE Radio, The Apprentice, Masterchef, Little Brittan, Rivercottage, Harry Potter, Casino Royale, MTV X-Factor, The Voice, Slane, Oxygen, O2, Electric Picnic, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.