CertHE Music Production & DJ Performance
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | - |
| 2024-01-08 | - |
| 2024-09-30 | - |
| 2025-01-13 | - |
| 2025-04-14 | - |
| 2025-10-06 | - |
| 2026-01-12 | - |
Program Overview
The CertHE Music Production and DJ Performance program offers a professional introduction to DJing and music production, including essential skills in studio production, beat matching, music industry knowledge, and sound design. Designed by industry experts and featuring small class sizes, the program prepares students for careers as DJs, producers, sound designers, and other music industry professionals. Students benefit from private practice spaces, industry-standard studios, and discounts on music software and equipment.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The CertHE Music Production and DJ Performance course is equivalent to the first year of the three-year degree program, offering a professional introduction to DJing and performing. Designed by industry professionals who have worked with artists like Pharrell Williams, the Chemical Brothers, and Massive Attack, the program focuses on practical skills to help students fill dance floors with their music.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with essential skills in music production, DJing, composition, music industry knowledge, sound design, and production styles. It also provides students with ample one-on-one time with lecturers and access to industry-standard studios in Shoreditch, London.
Outline:
Duration:
1 Year
Available Start Dates:
- 2024: September 30th (limited availability), January 13th, April 14th, October 6th
- 2025: January 12th
- 2026
Weekly Timetable:
2 classes per week
UCAS Code:
WW66
Modules:
- Term 1:
- Module 1: Music Production (Logic or Ableton)
- Logic X or Ableton Live Overview
- Rhythm, Melody, and Harmony Production
- Drum Programming
- Pre-Production and File Management Techniques
- MIDI and Audio Processing Techniques (Flex Time/Flex Pitch, Warping)
- Introduction to Synthesis and Sampling
- Track Arrangement & Automation
- Mixing & Exporting
- MIDI Controllers and MIDI Mapping
- Module 2: Essential DJ Skills
- Equipment & Connections (Cueing, Drop Mixing, Analogue Turntables)
- Beat Matching
- Equalisation
- Transforming
- Back to Back Mixing
- Rekordbox (Export Mode)
- Music File Formats
- Programming Mixes
- Recording a Mix
- Term 2:
- Module 3: Music Composition
- Commercial Composition Techniques
- Use of Rhythm in Drum-Beats and Melodies
- Key, Modes, and Scales
- Use of Harmony: Chord Sequences and Modulation
- Use of Melodies
- Writing Basslines
- Composing Musical 'Hooks'
- Form, Structure and Arrangement
- Listening and Analysis
- Module 4: Music Industry
- Introduction to the Music Industry
- Music Copyrights
- Major and Independent Record Labels
- Music Publishers
- Music Distribution and Consumption
- Music Streaming
- The Independent Artist Route
- Artist Management
- The live sector
- Contracts & agreements
- Negotiation skills
- Synchronisation
- Term 3:
- Module 5: Sound Design
- Physics of Sound
- Signal Flow and Connectivity
- Synthesis Types (Subtractive, FM, Wavetable, Additive, Granular)
- Sampling and Resampling
- Use of Effects
- Creation of Sounds That are Representative of a Specific Type
- Terminology
- Module 6: Production Styles
- Production Roles and Artistry
- Landmark Productions Study
- Development of Music Technology
- Genre Studies
- Framework for Music Analysis
- Underground and Mainstream Culture
- Production Aesthetics
- Creative Sampling and Interpolation
- Cultural Recycling and Referentiality
Assessment:
Assessment includes a variety of methods:
- Exercises: Designed for feedback and improvement.
- Assignments: Measure achievement in each module and determine grades. Assessment formats vary depending on the course and can include:
- Compositions
- Creative projects
- Written work
- Reports
- Performances
- Presentations
- 1-2-1 discussions
- Recordings
- Timed music industry-based briefs
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Intimate lectures (up to 16 students)
- Workshops
- Independent learning through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- 1-2-1 tutorials with lecturers
- Studio Lab Time with support staff
- Extra workshops with music industry professionals.
Careers:
Potential career paths include:
- Resident/Freelance DJ
- Music Publisher
- Music Producer
- Sound Designer
- Producer/DJ
- Music Promoter
- Remixer
- Sound Engineer
- Artist/Performer
- Artist Manager
- A&R/Label Manager
- VJ Artist
Other:
- The program emphasizes small class sizes for personalized attention.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and private practice spaces.
- Point Blank students receive discounts on software and equipment from companies like Native Instruments, Ableton, Roland Cloud, Serato, Focusrite, and Adam Audio.
Fees (UK) Fees (non-UK) £9,250 payment in full £14,750 payment in full £3,083 per term
Point Blank Music School
Overview:
Point Blank Music School is a globally recognized institution offering music education in various disciplines. It has campuses in Los Angeles, London, Ibiza, Mumbai, and China, as well as an online platform. Point Blank specializes in music production, DJing, audio engineering, sound design, singing, songwriting, and music business.
Services Offered:
Point Blank offers a range of certificate and diploma programs, both in-person and online, across various music industry disciplines. These programs vary in duration, ranging from 3 months to 18 months. The school also provides access to professional-grade studios and Mac suites equipped with industry-standard software and hardware.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The school provides access to professional-grade studios and Mac suites equipped with industry-standard software and hardware. Students can expect to learn from experienced instructors and have opportunities to network with industry professionals.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry-leading instructors:
Point Blank boasts a faculty of experienced professionals working in the music industry.State-of-the-art facilities:
Students have access to professional-grade studios and Mac suites equipped with industry-standard software and hardware.Global network:
Point Blank has a global network of schools and alumni, providing students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals worldwide.Point Blank Record Label:
The school has its own record label, offering students a platform to showcase their work and gain industry exposure.Academic Programs:
Point Blank offers a wide range of programs, including:
Music Production:
Covers various aspects of music production, including mixing, mastering, and sound design.Audio Engineering:
Focuses on the technical aspects of recording and sound engineering.DJing:
Provides training in DJ techniques, mixing, and performance.Singing and Songwriting:
Offers vocal training and songwriting techniques.Music Business:
Covers the business side of the music industry, including marketing, management, and licensing.Sound Design:
Focuses on creating sound effects for film, television, and video games.Film Scoring:
Provides training in composing music for film and television.Other:
Point Blank offers scholarships and bursaries to support students financially. The school also has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in various music industry roles.
Entry Requirements:
Point Blank is looking for students who demonstrate both their passion for music and an ability to complete a Higher Education programme. Typical offers for EU home students are:
- A Level: CC
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP They also accept T Levels and consider a wide range of Level 3 and comparable international qualifications. For those without formal qualifications, they will consider relevant prior learning and experience. Applicants will need to provide a personal statement detailing any previous study or relevant experience in music. The Admissions Team will then assess each application, considering predicted or previously attained grades, examples of work, and relevant work experience. Interviews may be required for applicants who do not meet the typical entry requirements.
