CertHE Music Production & Vocal Performance
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | - |
| 2024-01-08 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The CertHE Music Production and Vocal Performance course is for those looking to develop their vocal abilities while learning to record and produce their own music to a high standard. The programme has been designed by industry professionals who have worked with Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna, so if you’re looking for the best industry training and practices, you’re in the right place. Upon completing the programme, you’ll have gained a network of connections and a wealth of industry knowledge to springboard your career into action.
You will learn: Music Production (Ableton Live or Logic Pro), Vocal Performance, Music Composition, Vocal Musicianship, Sound Engineering, Music Industry.
Point Blank classes are small to ensure you receive ample 1-2-1 time with your lecturers. Our studios are located in Shoreditch—a global hub of London music venues and bars—and include industry-standard, state-of-the-art technology, from microphones to mixing desks.
The CertHE Music Production and Vocal Performance course is the equivalent of year 1 of our 3-year degree programme. On successful completion of this course, you can contininue studying our 3-year degree programme.
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Program Outline
Modules
TERM 1
Module 1:
1.
One of the following modules:
Music Production (Logic)
This module aims to develop your fundamental understanding of contemporary music production. You will learn technical production skills within a DAW that are central to the realisation of musical ideas: recording and editing MIDI and audio, pre-production considerations, drum programming, mixing, audio effects processing, automation and arrangement techniques.
You will have the opportunity to conceive and execute a production project, applying creative, technical, project management and reflective skills to aid your development as a producer and for professional life beyond.
Music Production (Ableton)
This module aims to develop your fundamental understanding of contemporary music production. You will learn technical production skills within a DAW that are central to the realisation of musical ideas: recording and editing MIDI and audio, pre-production considerations, drum programming, mixing, audio effects processing, automation and arrangement techniques.
You will have the opportunity to conceive and execute a production project, applying creative, technical, project management and reflective skills to aid your development as a producer and for professional life beyond.
Module 2:
2.
Vocal Performance
Learn to harness your vocal talent and develop your technical skills whilst keeping yourself safe and healthy. Build a practice routine to improve your consistency and range. You'll work on your intonation and note production to enhance the accuracy of your performance. Unlock meaning and emotion in your performances using phrasing and articulation. Develop your breathing techniques to control your voice and your nerves. Understand how to pick repertoire that suits your voice and style.
TERM 2
Module 3:
3.
Music Composition
Compositional proficiency is a core skill for contemporary producers and artists, equipping them with the ability to realise their creative ambitions and make more informed production decisions, whilst helping them become professionally competitive.
This module will explore the core elements of musical composition: rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, and arrangement. You will develop compositional techniques through practical application of music theory using music software.
This module focuses explicitly on commercial western popular musical styles, genres and their aesthetics. You will have the opportunity to investigate technical and stylistic aspects of these styles and genres, developing their confidence and abilities in composition. You will gain experience in composing original musical elements and arranging these elements into a full composition.
Module 4:
4.
Vocal Musicianship
Listening is the key to developing your vocal performance and honing your songwriting craft. Understand musical language and familiarise yourself with musical notation. Develop musical techniques and build your keyboard skills to get your ideas down and communicate them to others. We'll analyse key genres and iconic artists in the history of vocal music to give you loads of inspiration to bring to your sets and your songs.
TERM 3
Module 5:
5.
Sound Engineering
This module aims to develop technical skills in studio recording, explaining the basic requirements of signal flow, microphone placement, and corrective editing. You will have access to industry-standard studios and a range of specialist equipment to record, edit and manipulate a range of audio sources. There will be opportunities for you to work as an integrated member of a team whilst working in a variety of vocational contexts.
By focusing on modern engineering essentials, you will acquire knowledge and skills that you can apply in a variety of studio environments, from small home-based setups to large professional facilities.
Module 6:
6.
Music Industry
This module aims to provide an overview of the music industry: what are the different components and how do they operate and interlink?
You will develop an awareness of different revenue sources, analysing areas including record labels, publishing, independent artists, digital distribution, and the varied ways that money flows through the industry. The importance and value of copyright will be explored, along with different music industry deals and agreements.
The knowledge, skills, and understanding developed in this module will provide you with the foundation for a successful and sustainable career within the music industry.
Teaching & Learning
On our higher education programmes, students take part in a variety of intimate lectures (up to 16 students) and workshops. When not attending these sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently. Independent learning is about taking control of your work, finding out what you need to know and deciding how you are going to study.
During this time, you can take advantage of:
A degree course consists of academic levels 4, 5 and 6. Each level consists of 120 credits. Each module is worth 20 credits and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module (4 hours of lectures and 6 hours of independent learning).
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Career Opportunities