Music Production & DJ Performance Certificate
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | - |
| 2024-01-08 | - |
| 2024-07-08 | - |
| 2024-09-30 | - |
| 2025-01-13 | - |
| 2025-03-17 | - |
| 2025-04-14 | - |
Program Overview
Point Blank's 6-month Music Production & DJ Performance Certificate prepares students for careers in music production, DJing, and music-related roles. The program covers essential skills like DAW proficiency, production, composition, DJ techniques, and sound design. Taught by industry professionals, students receive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology and exclusive masterclasses. The program offers multiple class times and includes a copy of industry-standard software.
Program Outline
Outline:
The program is a 6-month Music Production & DJ Performance Certificate designed to prepare students for various industry roles like music producer, composer, sound designer, resident/touring DJ, or A&R/label manager.
Content:
- Mastering the preferred DAW (Ableton Live or Logic Pro)
- Production
- Composition
- Essential DJ Skills
- Sound Design
Structure:
- Delivered in person at the Point Blank LA campus in Miracle Mile.
- Taught by expert instructors who have worked with artists like Pharrell, Skrillex, and Amy Winehouse.
- Students can apply to transfer directly into the second year of a 3-year BA (Hons) degree program at Point Blank's London School.
Course Schedule:
- Four 4-hour classes per week for 20 weeks.
- Daytime, evening & weekend slots available.
Modules:
Term 1:
- Course 1.1: Music Production: Ableton Live:
- Introduction to Ableton Live
- MIDI & Making Beats
- Melody & Harmony
- Audio Warping, Recording & Editing
- Audio Effects & Controllers
- Push
- Introduction to the Instruments
- Sampling
- Track Arrangement & Automation
- Mixing Tools: EQ & Compression
- Finalizing the Mix
- Live's Extended Capabilities
- Course 1.2: Music Production: Logic Pro:
- Drum Programming
- Drummer & MIDI Editing
- Drum Machine Designer & Drum Synth
- Music Basics & MIDI Effects
- Virtual Instruments & Other Features in Logic X
- Audio Processing & Quick Sampler
- Flex Time & Flex Pitch
- Live Loops & Step Sequencer
- Creating Parts & Structure
- Mixing & Final Mixdown
- Apple Certified Pro Exam
- Course 1.3: Music Composition:
- Music & Time
- Rhythm & Beats
- Harmony 1
- Melodies & Creating Riffs
- Basslines
- Hooks
- Harmony 2
- Structure & Arrangement
- Applying Vocals
- Finishing Tracks
- Creative Tactics & Workflow
- Intro to Copyright & Publishing
- Course 1.4: DJ Skills - Level 1:
- Equipment Overview
- Cueing
- Drop Mixing
- Analog Turntables
- Beat Matching
- Equalization
- Transforming
- Back to Back Mixing
- Rekordbox (Export Mode)
- Music File Formats
- Programming Mixes
- Recording a Mix
Term 2:
- Course 2.1: Sound Design:
- Introduction to Sound
- Subtractive Synthesis
- Wavetable Synthesis
- Frequency Modulation Synthesis
- Creating Multi-Sample Patches
- Sampling & Drum Design
- Processing & Layering
- Resampling
- Intro to Reaktor
- Reconstructing Patches
- Using Reaktor as an Effects Plugin
- Synthesis with Absynth
- Course 2.2: Production Styles:
- Technology & Electronic Music
- The Roots of Dance Music: Dub & Disco
- The Rise of the Machines
- Sample Culture
- Hip Hop, Turntablism & Rap
- UK Urban Beats
- Bass Music & MCs
- D.I.Y. Culture
- Underground Pop Music
- Dance Music Now
- Critical Listening
- Course 2.3: Music Business:
- Music Industry Basics
- Record Companies
- A&R
- Copyright
- Publishers & Collection Societies
- Synchronization
- Digital Distribution
- Artist Management
- The Live Industry
- Business Models & Opportunities
- Planning for Business
- Professional Development
Teaching:
- Students receive one-to-one support from instructors.
- The program utilizes the latest industry technology including Ableton Live, Push, Logic Pro, NI Komplete, Roland Cloud, and Pioneer DJ gear.
- Includes exclusive masterclasses from industry professionals like Mark de Clive-Lowe, Laura Escude, Daddy Kev, and Jimmy Mac.
Careers:
- Resident Club DJ
- Touring DJ
- Radio DJ
- Music Producer
- Sound Designer
- Mixing Engineer
- Solo Artist
- Electronic Music Performer
- Music Composer
- Music Director
- Sound Designer
- Agent/Manager
- Record Label Owner/Manager
- MIDI Programmer
- Remixer
Other:
- Classes are limited to 16 students per class.
- Point Blank offers exclusive features and partner discounts to students in their LA School.
- Students are entitled to receive a copy of Ableton Live 11 Suite or Apple Logic Pro X software.
- The program features a fully equipped Pioneer DJ studio.
- Point Blank offers a 20% discount on all LA, London & Online Professional Programs using code EARLYBIRDSUMMER, valid until June 17, 2024.
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.
