MUSIC

Level 5

CREATIVE MUSIC AND AUDIO PRODUCTION BA (Hons) DEGREE (2 YEAR TOP-UP)

Overview

The BA (Hons) in Creative Music and Audio Production (TopUp) is an innovative and contemporary course designed to develop creativity and skill for the music sector.

This course is for the practitioner: if you are a gigging musician, engineer, producer, technician, teacher, promoter or manager.

The aim of this BA (Hons) Degree is to address the needs of the music industry. Working closely with music professionals we will help prepare graduates with the range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to meet current and future evolving needs of this creative industry.

The course will produce graduates of the highest quality who can demonstrate an advanced understanding of the music industry.

You will be able to make sound judgements on creative music project design and implementation and will have a depth of new knowledge, practical skills and theoretical understanding in a range of specific creative music practices in your chosen field.

You will also have a self-critical awareness of your professional capabilities and strategies for continuing personal and professional development.

Developing creativity with new concepts and approaches will ensure each student can respond to the requirements of this sector and transfer these skills to new and innovative working practices.

Ongoing engagement with industry will ensure appropriate skill level and advice are available to guide the student on their chosen career pathway. This course will bring a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the music industry in the form of direct interaction with a wide range of industry experts mentoring and guiding your future career. Modules are not taught but facilitated by a very experienced team of music producers, performers, technicians, engineers, promoters and composers who will tailor their delivery to your unique needs. You will study 8 hours in college with additional independent study of approximately 14 hours per week.

Entry Requirements

• Entry to the BA (Hons) Creative Music and Audio Production (Top-Up) requires applicants to have successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Creative Music and Audio Production or a HND in a Music related discipline with an overall Merit, or equivalent.

• Applicants should have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above.

• Applicants should have reached the age of 18 on admission.

• Applicants who do not meet the above criteria must provide evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industry skills, which have not been formally assessed. Refer to College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and

Armagh Campus

2 years part -time

Accredited by: Open University (subject to validation)

Higher Education

Learning (APEL) Policy at: www.src.ac.uk/about-us/ policies

• A portfolio of work will be required at interview with a short, written explanation on how you see this course enhancing your career.

What Will I Study?

Year One

You’ll start this year reflecting on your own professional skills and create a plan and establish your intended direction of travel. From there you will devise a service for a client and complete this within an agreed timeframe. Finally, you will seek professional feedback and guidance on your next steps.

This year will include 3 modules:

• Professional Practice

• Enterprise Project 1

• Industry Feedback

Year Two

Major Project - you’ll start a year-long significant project that you directly establish, carry out and deliver in accordance with your own talents, interests, and goals - with criteria and milestones you design yourself - by putting the various skills you’ve mastered to use. You will apply for funding for your project and use this to realise your new enterprise.

This major project will encompass 3 phases:

• Proposal

• Enterprise Project 2

• Industry Feedback

How Will I Be Assessed?

Students will be assessed by a combination of practical assessments and coursework that contribute to an overall portfolio.

Tuition Fees

Course Fee £1,178

Exam/Awarding Body Fee TBC*

Total Fee TBC*

Fees Payable Each Year

*Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 23/24. This fee will be published on our website as soon as it becomes available

Contacts

FacultyCDAC@src.ac.uk

028 3025 9686

Creative Music And Audio Production Level 5 Foundation Degree

• QUALIFICATION ENDORSED BY:

Nikki McCrea, Help Musicians UK

My experiences of working with Patrick Craig have always left me feeling immensely encouraged about the future of music education in Northern Ireland. Myself and my colleagues all agree that the passion Patrick Craig feels for his work is palpable and clearly shows in all that he does within SRC. The students I know that have had the fortune of taking Patrick’s course have all transitioned beyond their time at the college with a healthy understanding of the music industry, enthusiasm to continue and the knowledge that they have a great team of support behind them at SRC when they need it. For young people hoping to enter the world of music I highly recommend that they look to SRC and the fantastic encouragement that they will receive from Patrick.

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Creative Music and Sound Production is an innovative and contemporary course. Designed to develop creativity and skill for the Music sector. The aim of this Foundation Degree is to address the needs of the music industry and prepare graduates with the range of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to meet current and future evolving needs of this creative industry. The course will produce graduates of the highest quality who can demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the music industry and identify the core skills required for this multi-disciplined world.

Developing creativity with new concepts and approaches will ensure each student can respond to the requirements of this sector and transfer these skills to new and innovative working practices.

Ongoing engagement with industry will ensure appropriate skill level and advice are available to guide the student down whatever career pathway they choose. An integral part of this course will be the developing relationship with the music industry in the form of work based learning.

Modules are taught by a very experienced team of music producers, performers, technicians, engineers, promoters and composers.

You will study 17 hours in college with additional independent study of approximately 12 hours per week.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

• Applicants should have obtained a minimum of 48UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications

• Applicants should have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. This must include GCSE English Language Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 and GCSE Mathematics Grade C or Essential Skills Numeracy Level 2. In addition,

Armagh Campus

Accredited by: Open University (subject to validation)

2 years full-time Higher Education applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language

• Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Policy at: www.src.ac.uk/about-us/policies

The College’s Admissions policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access (Nov 2018).

Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/ A Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

What Will I Study?

Year One

There are 3 areas of learning across year one. They are:

• Music Creation

• Studiocraft

• Stagecraft

Within each theme of learning there will be a range of assessment designed to focus the learner to develop fundamental skills in each area. Each area will also include an industry context to ensure understanding of the relevant considerations.

Year Two

The focus for year two will be the implementation of the skills developed in year one.

Through a series of “live” projects you will create and produce a wide range of work that contribute to your own portfolio. These industry-based projects include:

• Composing for the Armagh Planetarium Dome Show

• Pantomime Production

• Snow Show Concert

• Student Devised Project*

• Aspire Academy

• Showcase Concert in Market Place Theatre

* The student devised project will provide a focus on work-based learning. In partnership with Help Musicians

NI you will follow your intended pathway in music and create a public facing event / production that will be guided and mentored by industry experts. This project will result in a dissertation being created to present your area of interest within this project.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Students will be assessed by a combination of practical assessments and coursework that contribute to an overall portfolio.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTION LEVEL 3

Tuition

*Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 23/24. This fee will be published on our website as soon as it becomes available.

Other Fees

Each year students attend various workshops, conference and music events as opportunities arise. You will be asked to contribute £25 each year for these events.

Further Study

Students can progress to the BA (Hons) Creative Music and Audio Production offered by SRC (in collaboration with the Open University - subject to validation).

Students can also progress to other degree programmes subject to entry requirements.

Contacts

FacultyCDAC@src.ac.uk

028 3025 9686

EXTENDED DIPLOMA Armagh Campus

• QUALIFICATION ENDORSED BY:

Declan Legge Producer & Artist Manager –Jealous of the Birds/Atlantic Records

The SRC music dept. has produced some of the best young musicians and technical crew, I have worked with in Northern Ireland. The teaching staff, many of whom still work within the music industry, help to nurture a sense of professionalism and creativity that can only help us to continue to punch above our weight.

Overview

Today’s musician needs a broad range of skills. Music performance and production is at the centre of all activity. If you are a performer, you need to understand live sound systems and microphones. As a composer you will use software to notate and create. The music producer, of course, uses a wide range of technology in the realisation of work in the recording studio. This course is designed to introduce you to all these elements and guide you towards whatever aspect of the music industry you are interested in.

The course will be taught in the state-of-the-art performance and recording studios in the new Armagh Campus. You will delve into software such as Avid Pro Tools, Reason & Ableton Live and use hardware such as Focusrite Rednet, Audient ASP8024 and much more.

The course is awarded through the University of the Arts, London (UAL) and is equivalent to three A-Levels. It will introduce you to a range of skills needed to start your career in the music industry. You will be taken through the creative process of composing, performing and recording music. Emphasis is placed on your development as a music professional through the use of industry relevant projects.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

• 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR

• BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR

• NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR

• Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level

Applicants may be required to undertake an audition and listening test to ensure their suitability for undertaking the technical requirements of the course.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

2 years full-time

Accredited by: University of the Arts, London (UAL)

Further Education

Please note in certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

What Will I Study?

Year One

• Studio Skills 101 - Live Recording, Studio Recording, Podcasting, Critical Listening

• Live Skills 102 - Performance, Event Management, Critical Listening

• Composition Skills 103 - Composing for TV & FILM, Sound Design, Foley, Sequenced Music

• Production Skills 104 - Songwriting, Music Production, Music Industry

• Final Major Project 105 - Collaborative student devised project - Live Gig Showcase

Second Year

• In Your Element 201- Songwriting, Sound Design, Performance, Composition, Professional Practice

• Explorations 202 - Music Contextualisation, Research

• Pathways 203 - Music Business, Music Industry , Preparing for progression

• Final Major Project - Extended Student Devised Project How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment is ongoing by coursework.

Further Study

On successful completion of this course, your career opportunities in the music industry are wide and varied, from music performance, composing, music production, live sound to music publishing.

Careers

You can gain employment in the music industry or progress to the Foundation Degree in Music, which is offered at SRC, as well as many other higher education courses including music, music technology/production or music management at other institutions.

Contacts

FacultyCDAC@src.ac.uk

028 3025 9686