BA (Hons) Music: Creative Music Technology with Foundation Year

Program Overview

Through a blend of technical training, creative work, and theoretical study, graduates develop expertise in studio recording, audio production, and music composition using industry-standard software and hardware. The program emphasizes practical skill development, creativity, and industry preparedness, providing students with the necessary skills for successful careers in various music technology fields.

Program Outline

Students will receive a full specialization in music technology through a blend of technical training, creative work, and theoretical study.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in various music technology careers. This includes developing expertise in studio recording, audio production, and music composition using industry-standard software and hardware.

Description:

• Program length: Four years, including a one-year foundation year for those requiring additional preparation.
• Emphasis: Music technology, with theoretical and practical training in recording, production, composition, and performance.
• Coursework: Combines individual instrument tuition, ensemble rehearsals, lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
• Industry focus: Access to industry-standard facilities, guest lectures from professionals, and opportunities to showcase work in Manchester and beyond.
• Learning outcomes: Graduates will be prepared for professional careers in music technology, with strong skills in composition, performance, studio recording, and production.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Modules:
• Foundation Musicianship Skills
• Introduction to Music Theory
• Case Studies
• Foundation Performance Studies
• Music Theory and Compositional Techniques
• Introduction to Music Technology

Year One:

• Modules:
• Fundamentals of Composition, Arranging and Technology
• Popular Music Style and Genre
• Performance Studies
• Applied Composition and Technology
• Interpreting Popular Music
• Musicianship Skills - Creative Music Technology

Year Two:

• Modules:
• Studio Composition
• Audio for Media
• Studio Recording and Production
• Professional Development in the Creative Industries
• Advanced Studio Composition
• Advanced Studio and Location Recording

Year Three:

• Modules:
• Project Scope
• Negotiated Major Project
• Professional Practice

Structure:

• The program is divided into four years, with the first year serving as a foundation for those requiring additional preparation.
• Students will progress through modules covering different aspects of music technology, with a focus on practical skills development and creative work.

Individual Modules:

• Year One
• Fundamentals of Composition, Arranging, and Technology:
Develops composition and arranging skills, explores musical acoustics, and introduces studio recording technology.
• Popular Music Style and Genre: Surveys the history of English-language popular music and examines genre concepts.
• Performance Studies: Focuses on performance using interactive technology and introduces MIDI, synthesis, and sampling.
• Applied Composition and Technology: Explores advanced music theory and compositional techniques alongside advanced synthesis and sound design.
• Interpreting Popular Music: Analyzes social, political, and economic influences on popular music production.
• Musicianship Skills - Creative Music Technology: Develops instrumental proficiency through Tech Performance Workshops and Session Musicianship rehearsals.
• Studio Recording and Production: Develops studio engineering and production skills, exploring microphone techniques, signal flow, and historical recording practices.
• Professional Development in the Creative Industries: Explores concepts of copyright, authorship, and ownership, and examines the UK creative economy.
• Advanced Studio Composition: Composing for and within a 5.1/7.1 surround environment, exploring electroacoustic compositional techniques and historical parallels.
• Advanced Studio and Location Recording: Focuses on multitrack recording projects and live public performance recording techniques.
• Year Three
• Project Scope:
Conducts a comprehensive project in one or more specialist areas, developing creative work and honing artistic and academic skills.
• Negotiated Major Project: Completes two major projects in chosen areas of specialization, showcasing skills and building a portfolio for professional or postgraduate endeavors.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
lectures, seminars, workshops, individual supervision, and one-to-one instrumental tuition.
• Faculty: Experienced academics and industry professionals with expertise in music technology.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: Studio engineer, producer, musician, composer, arranger, events organizer, promoter, music educator, entrepreneur.
• Graduate success: Graduates have successfully forged careers in music recording, performance, composition, education, and related fields.
• Career links: Direct links with professional institutions and local venues provide internship and career opportunities.

Other:

• The program places a strong emphasis on practical skill development, creativity, and industry preparedness.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including recording studios, computer labs, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues.
• The program offers opportunities for performance assessments, public concerts, and masterclasses in various spaces on and off campus.
Through a blend of theoretical and practical training, students will develop the skills and expertise required to succeed in a range of music-related careers.