BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree (2 Year Programme)

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree is a 2-year accelerated program that equips aspiring music producers and engineers with industry-relevant skills. Delivered by experts with experience working with renowned artists, the program covers a comprehensive range of topics including production, sound design, composition, and the music industry. Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, the program prepares students for successful careers in various music industry roles, such as music producer, sound engineer, and composer.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree is a 2-year accelerated course designed for aspiring music producers and sound engineers. This program is delivered by experts who have worked with artists like Pharrell, Lily Allen, and The Killers. The course aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the music industry. It covers a wide range of topics, including music production, sound engineering, music composition, and the music industry. The program also features the introduction of spatial audio learning, utilizing the Point Blank's new facilities equipped with Dolby Atmos immersive technology.

Outline:

Year 1

• Term 1:
• Module 1:
• Music Production (Logic):
This module focuses on developing fundamental music production skills using Logic Pro X. It covers recording and editing MIDI and audio, pre-production techniques, drum programming, mixing, audio effects, automation, and arrangement techniques.
• Music Production (Ableton): This module is identical to the Logic Production module, but uses Ableton Live instead.
• Module 2: Music Composition: This module explores the core elements of musical composition, including rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, and arrangement.
Students will develop compositional techniques using music software and focus on commercial western popular musical styles. It also explores copyright, music industry deals, and agreements.
• Term 2:
• Module 4: Sound Design:
This module focuses on synthesis and sampling techniques through a practical exploration of modular software instruments. It covers building modular instruments and creating various sounds for electronic music production.
• Module 5: Sound Engineering: This module develops technical skills in studio recording, including signal flow, microphone placement, corrective editing, and professional recording practices.
• Module 6: Production Styles: This module aims to enhance students' understanding of how successful music is created through analysis, research, and practical application.
It covers key movements and developments in music production and artistry.
• Term 3:
It also delves into the concept of remixing, its industry practice, and its wider cultural context.
• Term 4:
• Module 9: Art of Mixing:
This module develops students' skills as competent mix engineers, covering mixing procedures, critical listening, signal paths, dynamic processing, and creative mixing techniques.
• Module 10: Marketing & Branding: This module explores the importance of branding and marketing for artists and businesses in the music industry.
Students will learn marketing theories, strategies, and tactics and develop their own brand.

Year 2

• Term 6:
• Module 13: Advanced Composition:
This module encourages students to develop their individual compositional voice through analysis and practice. It explores various musical forms, theories, and contemporary sonic manipulation methods.
• Module 14: Advanced Recording & Mixing: This module aims to further develop students' studio skills in recording, editing, and mixing at a professional level.
It also incorporates the use of Dolby Atmos-equipped studios for spatial audio learning.
• Term 7:
• Module 16: Professional Portfolio (I): This module encourages students to develop a specialist project showcasing their skills and linking their studies with intended career paths.
• Term 8:
• Module 17: Professional Portfolio (II):
This module continues the development of the professional portfolio, focusing on further refinement and presentation of the Final Major Project.
• Module 18: Music Entrepreneur: This module synthesizes concepts from the course and encourages students to develop self-directed plans, such as release plans, marketing strategies, or business plans.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Exercises: Designed to provide feedback and improvement opportunities.
• Assignments: Used to measure student achievement and assign grades.
Assessment formats vary depending on the course and may include:
• Compositions
• Creative projects
• Written work
• Reports
• Performances
• Presentations
• 1-2-1 discussions
• Recordings
• Timed music industry-based briefs

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, workshops, 1-2-1 tutorials, studio lab time, extra workshops, open mic nights, and Point Blank Choir.
• Faculty: The program boasts a faculty of experienced music industry professionals, including Anna Lakatos (Music Production), Kevin Kerrigan (Music Composition), Dave Stone (Music Production), Linton Bennett (Music Composition), Max Heyes (Sound Engineering/Mixing), and Bridget Amofah (Music Industry).

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the music industry, including:

• Music Producer
• Recording Engineer
• Mix Engineer
• Sound Designer
• Sound Editor
• Music Arranger
• Film/TV Music Composer
• Remixer
• Artist/Performer
• Singer/Songwriter
• Studio Manager
• A&R/Label Manager

Other:

• Facilities: Point Blank's studios are located in Shoreditch, London, and feature industry-standard, state-of-the-art technology, including a 48-channel SSL Duality Delta and an Audient 8024 mixing console.
• Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): The VLE offers bespoke downloadable resources to support lectures.
• Independent Learning: Students are expected to engage in independent learning, taking advantage of the VLE, facilities, tutorials, studio lab time, and workshops.
• Degree Structure: The degree course consists of academic levels 4, 5, and 6, with each level carrying 120 credits.
Each module is worth 20 credits, and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module.
• Discounts: Point Blank students qualify for discounts from Apple Education, Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ, and other industry partners.
• Student Life: The program provides opportunities for students to attend open mic nights, join the Point Blank Choir, and participate in various events.
• Global Alumni: The program boasts a network of successful alumni, including Patrick Topping, Arjun, Spoony, Madam X, Pete Tong, Goldie, Claude VonStroke, Aluna Francis, and Leona Lewis.
• Hardship Fund: Students experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for financial support.

Fees (UK) Fees (non-UK) £11,100 per year £15,750 per year £2,775 per term £3,938 per term