International Music Production & Sound Engineering Diploma
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | - |
| 2024-01-08 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
This course has been specially designed for international students looking to study a diploma in London. The admissions process is fast and simple, and requires only a 6-month visitor’s visa.
This professional 9-month diploma is for those looking to take their production and engineering skills to the next level, in a short space of time. You'll learn from music producers who’ve worked with Armin Van Buuren, Bjork, and Depeche Mode and benefit from studio mentoring sessions with A&R Director Kwame Kwaten who has worked with Jay-Z, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones and Seal to name a few. After studying this course, you will be ready to step inside the music industry to begin a range of careers, including sound engineer, music producer, mix engineer, label manager, film/TV composer, sound designer, remixer, artist, studio manager and more.
You will learn: Music Production (Logic or Ableton), Music Composition, Music Industry, Sound Engineering, Composing for Media, Production Styles, Creative Production and Remix, Art of Mixing, Sound Design, Advanced Composition, Mastering, and Advanced Recording and Mixing.
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, including a 48-channel SSL Duality Delta and an Audient 8024 mixing console.
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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.
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 4:
4.
Sound Design
The Sound Design module is designed to facilitate your understanding of synthesis and sampling techniques through a practical exploration of modular software instruments.
The module will provide a solid grounding in the principles of sound creation integral to all aspects of electronic music production and will also build the knowledge and skills that are necessary for those aiming to work within a range of digital audio and media environments.
You will learn how to build your own modular software instrument, before using these to create a range of sounds that will be demonstrated within a compositional context.
TERM 2
Module 5:
5.
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.
Module 6:
6.
Creative Production & Remix
Creative Production & Remix aims to encourage you to start developing a signature sound whilst working with a top line vocal.
This module will give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to production. How can different creative approaches be combined with technical skills to develop a unique style?
The concept of remixing is explored, both as a music industry practice and in the wider cultural context as a means of creative recycling. How does ‘remixing’ manifest in both music and other creative mediums and how can we utilise this as a source of inspiration?
As a professional producer it is common to be asked to provide production or remix services for other artists whilst meeting a creative brief and deadline. This module is designed to prepare you for this scenario.
Module 7:
7.
Composing for Media
This module aims to develop your composition and music production skills in support of visual media.
You will develop vocabulary and understanding of the technical and creative workflow requirements when working within this environment. Composition and sound design techniques will be explored in the context of various media such as films, TV, branded content and video games.
Visual media is always in need of music and audio services, with these growing industries being a constant source of employment for composers and sound designers. This module will prepare you for working within these professional requirements: following a brief, meeting deadlines, responding to feedback etc.
Module 8:
8.
Production Styles
This module aims to develop your understanding of how successful music is created through a process of analysis, research and practical application.
You will develop an informed awareness of key movements and developments in music production and artistry through culture and technology.
Analysis of landmark recordings, genre and production process will facilitate your ability to create authentic musical examples which adhere to specific industry briefs.
What are the landmark production styles that underpin genres, how do they influence musical innovation and what can be learnt from this?
Career Opportunities