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No Ordinary college. Full Time Music Tech Courses
Vol 1.0
THE FRONT DOOR TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
WE TAKE MUSIC SERIOUSLY.
Don’t worry... Jim (left) may look like he’s just walked off the set of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Guitars, but he’s a pussycat really - as friendly and open as anyone on the dBs team. However, also like the rest of us, he takes his music technology seriously. He has to, because like most of our tutors, he is a long standing music industry professional. If you’re interested in a career as a music professional then there is no better place to start than a full time course at dBs Music.
But don’t take our word for it. Why not come and see our multi-million pound facilities and meet our fabulous team. Through our partnerships with various organisations (including City College Plymouth, Tor Bridge High and University of Plymouth) we are able to offer fully accredited courses from BTEC to Foundation Degrees and beyond. Our partners provide the excellent educational framework whilst we focus on providing the best industry knowledge and facilities. Contact: info@dbsmusic.co.uk or call us on: 01752 210801 to arrange a visit.
NO ORDINARY TUTORS. Here are some of our fabulous team of tutors. They may all look like mean pop divas, but they are actually some of the most friendly people around and absolutely passionate about sharing their knowledge with their students. Between them they’ve worked with the likes of Joss Stone, Led Zeppelin, Dave Stewart, Belleruche, Jonas Brothers, All Saints, Elton John, The Baker Brothers, George Michael, Queen, Radiohead, Rik Nowels, and the list goes on and on... Some have released albums of their own (one has a gold disc), others work on major tours/festivals (including one who has headed up Glastonbury Main Stage FOH for the last 3 years)... What they all have in common is they’re crazy about music production. To find out more about them and other members of the team, head over to dbsmusic.co.uk
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FULL TIME TRAINING, GET IN. AN Introduction to FE Courses.
Why You?
Life at dBs Music
Flexible Attendance
Everyone Welcome
In an industry like the music business, focus, aptitude, knowledge and tenacity go a long way towards success.
dBs is nothing like a standard college or sixth form. Our dedicated facilities support a learning community dedicated to the creation of music and sound. We pride ourselves on our supportive, friendly, inspiring, creative and fun learning environment.
To fit in with your busy lives we offer several possible attendance patterns. Choose from a compact but intense 2 days per week, 2 evenings and a Saturday for those in full time work, or a more relaxed 3 days per week.
Course entry for FE courses is by interview only, with no specific qualification requirements. The prospect of an interview may seem intimidating but please don’t worry, our interviewing team really don’t bite. It will just be a friendly chat to understand better what you are hoping to get out of the course.
All of our courses provide the facilities and the knowledge base to allow you to develop these qualities. Our dedicated team of tutors, technicians and support staff will do everything they can to get you going in this tough business. But you should only enter into it if you really love it. We do.
All applications should be made directly to dBs Music. Please download an application form from our website: //dbsmusic.co.uk
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// FE Courses
WELCOME TO YOUR CLASSROOM.
This is one of several fully equipped studios to which you’ll have loads of access. We also have over 140 iMacs fully loaded with the likes of Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic, Reason and much more.
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
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Decks, Beats & Rock & Roll. CREATIVE SOUND ENGINEERING & Music technology (BTEC) This, our flagship course, is a broadbased 2 year programme covering all aspects of sound engineering, music technology and music production. Successful students will achieve a BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology (equivalent to 3 ‘A’ levels) AND a BTEC Extended Certificate in Music. The course suits all types of students interested in this subject area. Some students have no previous experience of the subject area, whilst others have extensive prior experience. Some will use the course to launch themselves into the music business, whilst others will use it to provide a portfolio of skills suited to a more general jobs market.
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
Subjects covered include studio recording, remixing, film sound, live sound, sound for picture, acoustics, TV, theatre & radio. Equipment knowledge will cover everything from microphones and mixing desks through to samplers & software. You will work with many software packages including Logic Studio, Pro Tools, Reason, Ableton Live, Ozone Mastering Suite & Native Instruments Komplete. Though we focus on building your technical know-how and listening skills you will also be encouraged to develop your own creativity & ways of working.
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// FE Courses
DJ & Electronic Music Production (btec) * This new and exciting 2 year DJ & Music Production course covers many aspects of music technology & music production but focuses on the skills relevant to students interested in electronic music & DJ Production. Successful students will achieve a BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology (equivalent to 3 ‘A’ levels) AND a BTEC Extended Certificate in Music.
What is the course about? Cutting Edge Dance Music Production DJ Performance Remixing (Live and in the studio) Electronic Music Composition Techniques (Audio & MIDI Sequencing) Genre-specific production techniques and secrets • Dubstep • Drum & Bass • Hard Dance • Hip Hop • Techno • House • Breakcore and more
What will I do in college? Your time will be spent between learning how to perform live using DJ and Performance technologies and developing the techniques and skills required to produce contemporary electronic music across a wide range of genres. Each and every classroom and IT suite at dBs Music features the latest Mac-based computer systems. With the very latest industry leading software packages, including: • Logic Pro • Ableton Live • Native Instruments: Massive, Reaktor and Kontakt • Izotope Ozone • Plus various other industry standard software effects and processors
*Subject to accreditation check our website for details
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
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BECOMING PRO. Full Time Foundation Degrees.
Our foundation degrees offer some of the best hands-on music technology training you can get.
Music Technology FDA.
Live Sound FDA.
Audio Music Production FDA.
2 YEARS
2 YEARS
2 YEARS
This flagship course is one of the best equipped and well staffed creative music technology, music production and sound engineering degree courses in the country and we only accept the highest calibre of student onto this course.
This is the most hands on live sound engineering degree in the UK. The dBs Live Sound facility is based in a 450 capacity commercial venue, but also takes place at a range of other venues and festivals during the year.
The modules are geared towards individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a creative artist or producer.
[ Optional 3rd Year BA(Hons) Degree* ]
The course focuses on developing all of the practical and theoretical skills required for a career in live sound engineering.
This brand new music production degree course focuses on all of the technical and creative skills required to become a successful music producer and/or sound engineer. Our industry experienced tutors will teach you all the tricks of the music production trade. which help and inspire artists to produce their greatest works. See our website for more details on these and more courses: //dbsmusic.co.uk
*Subject to accreditation check our website for details
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
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// HE Courses
Applying for Degrees. Course entry for HE courses is set at a theoretical 180 UCAS points. In practice, entry is by interview. The prospect of an interview may seem intimidating but please don’t worry. Our interviewing team do not bite and will just be having a friendly chat to better understand your requirements. What we are looking for is genuine enthusiasm, previous experience or knowledge of the area and/or a Level 3 course demonstrating your ability to express yourself. MORE INFORMATION E // degrees@dbsmusic.co.uk T // 01752 210801 W // dbsmusic.co.uk
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
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MAKING IT REAL. For those serious about a career in the music industry, we provide a host of real world platforms that enable students to totally immerse themselves in their work...
dBs Studio
dBs Live (formerly The Hippo).
With our flagship music technology and sound recording courses you’d expect that we have an excellent commercial studio well, we do-a cutting edge facility with a very decent artist roster from Joss Stone to Rick Mayall.
A real live and kicking 450 capacity venue in the heart of the city, bringing in national touring acts. And of course students are given the opportunity to work on these ‘real world’ shows.
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dBs Radio.
dBs Records/Deep Pool Publishing
As if a commercial studio and venue weren’t enough, we also have a fantastic new radio station... producing regular shows and visiting festivals far and wide.
Yes, that’s right, we have our very own record label and publishing company. This gives students the opportunity to be involved in the whole process of releasing a record and getting a true taste of the music industry.
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YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE.
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD For IT. Here is a small sample of what dBs Music students say about us.
Many of our students end up working for the ever growing dBs empire. Sam Whitney-Morris completed 5 years of study here at dBs Music and now combines his work as a senior technician with that of resident designer (this brochure is a fine example of his handy work).
After graduating from dBs Music, Jay Auborn went on to work in LA, Paris and London as a freelance beat programmer working with the likes of super producer Rick Nowels (famous for his work with Dido, John Legend, Nelly Furtado and Madonna). Following an exciting couple of years, Jay has returned to dBs Music to manage our Commercial Studio working inhouse with the likes of Joss Stone, Rik Mayall, Tony Platt and a host of major record labels. He is currently wrapping up his own solo record and an album with multiinstrumentalist Steve Strong.
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
“I couldn’t recommend dBs highly enough to anyone who is keen to learn more about audio and music production/ technology. I had a great time there.” - Rich Robinson “If it wasn’t for you guys I wouldn’t be in a sick job doing what I love whilst making music that if I hadn’t attended dBs Music, would have taken several years to teach myself to produce. So thanks!!” - Morison Bennett “Just wanted to say how great things are going for me at the moment down at dBs and as I’m on nights I’m pacing up and down my flat in the afternoons because I can’t wait to get there.” - Current student.
dbsmusic.co.uk
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Soon you’ll be able to get the dBs experience from the comfort of your own home with our fantastic new online training. Check dbsmusic.co.uk for further details.
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12
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6 Elizabeth Court Higher Lane Plymouth PL1 2AN 01752 210801 For more information on anything in this booklet check out: // dbsmusic.co.uk You can also Follow us on: // www.facebook.com/dbs_music or if you’re a tweeter : // www.twitter.com/dbs_music Portrait Photography // Emmanuel Louis Design & layout // Sam Whitney-Morris
dBs Music Full Time Courses // 2011/12