| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | - |
| 2024-01-08 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
This is an intense course designed for those looking to perfect their vocals and create professional sounding tracks. The programme has been designed and delivered by industry experts who have worked with Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna, so you’ll know you’re in the right hands. After 9 months you’ll be ready to begin your career as a singer/songwriter, music producer, vocal producer, lyricist, composer and many other vocations within the industry.
You will learn: Music Production (Ableton Live or Logic Pro), Music Composition, Music Industry, Singing, Vocal Musicianship, Advanced Singing, Art of Mixing, Studio Vocal Production, Electronic Music Production, Advanced Composition, and Showcase.
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.
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Program Outline
Modules
TERM 1
Module 1:
1.
One of the following modules:
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.
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.
Module 2:
2.
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 3:
3.
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.
Module 4:
4.
Singing
Point Blank Music School's unique Singing module shows you how to deliver an accomplished vocal performance on stage and in the studio. Develop your vocal talents with professional warm up routines and learn vocal techniques to gain confidence in your performance. You'll learn to perform classic songs before exploring your own songwriting ideas with a Grammy award winning lecturer. And finally you'll get the chance to perform in a solo and group performance in a selected London venue. All styles are welcome and no previous experience is required.
TERM 2
Module 5:
5.
Songwriting
The Songwriting course teaches students how contemporary songs are put together and what makes them successful. If you want to sell your songs and make a living from your music, then it's essential that you have an understanding of music theory, composition and arrangement techniques. We also look at the music industry now and explore copyright, publishing and promotion. Practical exercises form an integral part of this course so students are expected to be able to either play an instrument, sing or have some experience in music production software such as Logic Pro or Ableton Live.
Module 6:
6.
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.
Module 7:
7.
Advanced Singing
The Advanced Singing module is designed to take your skill level to that of a professional vocalist. With an emphasis on developing your own unique voice, this journey shows you warm up routines to protect and stretch you, creative vocalising, covers jazz, blues, gospel, background vocals, duets, plus three studio sessions with professional producers. One of the benefits of studying at Point Blank as a singer is the access you gain to the UK's finest upcoming producing talent. If you're serious about your singing, apply now.
Module 8:
8.
Art of Mixing
Mixing is a crucial stage in the production process and this module aims to develop your skills as a competent mix engineer.
What are the processes, equipment, considerations, and techniques involved in creating professional sounding commercial mixes?
Critical listening will be developed alongside technical and creative skills which are essential to successful mixing and production. Mixing is a key skill for producers and offers a variety of potential career paths.
TERM 3
Module 9:
9.
Studio Vocal Production
This module will give you a deep dive into vocal production techniques to get your best performances onto your tracks. Build on your sound engineering knowledge by exploring specialist vocal hardware and recording techniques. To create a polished professional vocal performance we'll look at timing and pitch correction. Through collaboration you'll develop communication and editing skills to get great takes and learn how to process your vocals to put them right where you want them in the mix.
Module 10:
10.
Electronic Music Performance
As you journey deeper into the art of electronic music, the options for how to perform your music live are constantly multiplying. Find out how other artists make the leap from studio-based producer to DJing to live performance and learn how to build your own live set from scratch. This is a fascinating and innovative area and one which you need to master to make the most of your time in today's music scene. Watch an amazing Maschine performance from a PB student as part of this course.
Module 11:
11.
Advanced Composition
You will expand your knowledge base of stylistic, rhythmic, harmonic, and structural conventions and gain skill in their application through practice and analysis following the maxim described by Clark Terry as “imitate, assimilate, innovate”.
The module will focus on developing an individual compositional voice by examining and assimilating the features of acclaimed musical works and music that aligns with personal goals. You will challenge your notions of taste and aesthetics by asking such questions as: where is the line between music and noise? What is style? And questions that challenge our aims: why do I write this way? Why do I want to write this way?
This personal exploration will be underpinned by the technical study of musical forms, theories of rhythm and harmony, extra-musical stimuli, and contemporary methods of sonic manipulation.
Module 12:
12.
Showcase
As the culmination of your performance studies, it's time to showcase your talent to the world. Prepare an extended set which effectively sells your musical style and vocal technical expertise to the public. You'll hone your visual style and persona as an artist to effectively convey your brand. Keep your audience entertained and engaged during your performance Manage your set and lighting to create a dynamic performance.
Career Opportunities