Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Music Production program at Leeds Arts University provides a comprehensive education in music production, equipping students with practical skills in recording, mixing, and sound design. Through hands-on workshops, studio sessions, and live sound engineering experiences, students develop a deep understanding of the industry and prepare for careers as music producers, recording engineers, and live sound engineers. The program emphasizes individual creativity and collaboration, fostering the development of artistic and technical talents.
Program Outline
BA (Hons) Music Production at Leeds Arts University: A Detailed Extraction
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
This program aims to equip students with a comprehensive skillset to become successful music producers and artists in the contemporary music industry. This is achieved through a blend of practical experience in studio recording, live sound engineering, and sound design alongside the development of theoretical understanding in music composition.
Overview:
The BA (Hons) Music Production program at Leeds Arts University offers a 3-year immersive experience in the heart of a vibrant music scene. Students delve into various facets of audio production, including recording, mixing, mastering techniques for music and other media formats like video games. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach with practical workshops, recording sessions in well-equipped studios, live sound engineering experiences, and original composition for different media. Students are encouraged to showcase their creative and technical talents through individual and collaborative projects.
Outline:
Year One:
Focuses on foundational principles of music production across different workflows including studio recording, live sound, composition, and sound design. Students actively participate in hands-on activities like workshops, sound engineering for performances, studio collaborations, and creating music for various media, with guidance from experienced faculty.
Year Two:
Builds upon the first year, with deeper dives into specialist skills and areas of interest within the field. Students gain practical experience through projects like live recording, producing electronic music, creating sound effects, working in different studio environments, and collaborating on multimedia productions.
Year Three:
Offers students the opportunity to specialize and pursue individual artistic and professional ambitions. They independently work on their final year projects, culminating in the creation of a portfolio showcasing their production expertise. Students can choose between various areas like studio engineering, music production for games, sound design for film, amongst others.
Assessment:
Assessment in this program utilizes various methods to evaluate the learning outcomes, including practical projects, assignments, presentations, and written work. Specific assessments include the creation and analysis of audio products for specific briefs, participation and contributions in group activities, individual projects demonstrating the student's skills and knowledge in chosen specializations, as well as written tasks that demonstrate critical understanding and reflection.
Teaching:
Teaching Method:
The BA (Hons) Music Production employs various teaching methodologies to foster an engaging and dynamic learning environment. The program combines theoretical knowledge acquisition through classroom lectures and seminars with hands-on practice in workshops, studios, rehearsal spaces, and other dedicated facilities. Individual tutorials are also available to provide personalized feedback and guidance to each student.
Faculty:
Experienced and industry-connected professionals lead the teaching, providing expertise, and mentorship. These instructors have a strong track record in their respective areas within the music production industry and contribute real-world insights into the program.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
The program equips graduates with skills and expertise to pursue diverse and fulfilling careers in various areas of music production and sound engineering, such as:
- Music Producers: Creating, recording, and shaping musical soundscapes across diverse genres.
- Beatmakers: Crafting rhythmic backbones of electronic music, hip-hop tracks, and more.
- DJs: Selecting and playing music, creating engaging and dynamic performances for various audiences.
- Recording Engineers: Mastering the technical processes and equipment required to capture audio in studio and live settings.
- Live Sound Engineers: Ensuring optimal sound for live events, performances, concerts, and more.
- Educators: Transmitting their expertise and skills to future generations in academic institutions.
- Mastering Engineers: Applying specialized techniques and tools to enhance the final quality of recorded audio.
- Graduates are also equipped for further academic pursuits in postgraduate programs related to music and audio technology.
Leeds Arts University
Overview:
Leeds Arts University is the only specialist arts university in the North of England, with award-winning facilities and expert tutors dedicated to the study of creative arts subjects. Students study in a close-knit, diverse and creative community and prepare for a successful career in the creative industries.
Founded in 1846 as the Leeds Government School of Art and Design, the university has contributed significantly to the development of arts education in Britain and across the world. Leeds Arts University invests heavily in its award-winning, industry-standard facilities, and in 2021, the University appointed acclaimed musician Skin to the role of Chancellor. Ten percent of our students are international, representing over 70 different nationalities globally.
Student Life:
Leeds is one of the UK's fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a safe and friendly feel. International students are warmly welcomed, bringing new ideas and wider perspectives into the vibrant student community.
The city has a thriving arts scene with major galleries e.g. The Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Arts Gallery existing alongside numerous independent creative spaces. In addition, there are several parks and green spaces including the beautiful Hyde Park and a thriving nightlife including many bars and cinemas.
Leeds is famous for its variety of shops and markets, from leading designer shops, the Grade I listed Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange which is full of independent brands, to the stunning Victorian arcades.
The University’s Students’ Union team works hard to ensure that every student gets the most from their time at Leeds Arts University. They host various events throughout the year making sure everyone has every opportunity to relax and have fun including activities, campaigns, events and fundraising, run our student magazine as well as supporting societies, sports teams and the Student Representatives.
Student Support:
The University supports students throughout their degree to maximise their chances of success after graduation. Opportunities are available to connect with industry, attend specialist workshops, access support for freelancers, and meet 1:1 with a careers consultant who has specialist knowledge of the creative industries.
Access to the Careers, Employability and Enterprise team is available for up five years following your graduation, with a range of activities and guidance to suit alumni including the Freelancer Summer School, alumni workshops, and 1-2-1 careers guidance. Alumni can also apply to the Creatives in Residence scheme on campus, or for a residency in a funded studio space.
The University’s support teams include Student Advice and Wellbeing and Academic Support. The Student Advice and Wellbeing team provides inclusive support to the diverse student community. They work directly with individuals to find the best support for you. Academic Support provides a hub of support for students with learning differences, conditions, and disabilities. Leeds Arts University has a diverse mix of creative students with a variety of learning styles and differences which enriches both our student population and the learning environment.
University Facilities:
Leeds Arts University prides itself on its state-of-the-art resources and libraries. All buildings have been designed and built for specialist arts education, whether this was the Vernon Street art school in 1903 or Blenheim Walk which was completed in January 2019.
There are dedicated course studios for specialist disciplines and open working areas for students across courses to meet up, work and socialise together.
Resources are equipped to industry standards and are run by highly skilled staff who contribute significantly to teaching. Resources have a drop-in facility so students can carry on working in their own time.
An 800m² extension of the Blenheim Walk building opened in September 2024, providing a roof-top garden, more studios, informal working spaces and café facilities, and a 24-hour student hub.
Course and Lecturers:
Leeds Arts University offers 19 undergraduate and seven postgraduate courses, all taught by tutors who are highly experienced in their disciplines. Many are still actively working within the creative industries, ensuring students can access the most up-to-date practice and excellent industry links. Students are further supported by professional instructors.
Students learn through a combination of theory and application of practical skills, using specialist equipment and facilities supervised by expert technicians. Live industry briefs are incorporated into course modules when possible to set students up for working in industry.
Leeds Arts University’s strong links mean industry speakers visit throughout the year to give guest lectures and talk to students.
Entry Requirements: For National & EU applicants, entry requirements to BA (Hons) Music Production at Leeds Arts University involve meeting specific criteria, including academic qualifications and other relevant achievements or experiences.
Academic qualifications:
- Completion of high school with at least two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) with grades of at least C. Music or other relevant subjects are preferred.
- Applicants with other qualifications, including BTEC National Diplomas or Access courses, will be considered on an individual basis.
- A strong portfolio or demo of your music production skills is required. This can include your own original work, remixes of existing songs, or collaborations with other artists.
- A personal statement outlining your motivation for studying Music Production and your future career aspirations.
- An audition may also be required, where you will be asked to perform a piece of original work and answer some interview questions related to your musical knowledge and experience.
Additional requirements:
- Evidence of a good standard of English language proficiency, through GCSE English or equivalent qualification.
- A strong interest and passion for Music Production.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- The willingness to learn new skills and experiment with new technologies.
International Applicants (Non-EU):
For International applicants from outside the EU, additional entry requirements apply:
- You will need to demonstrate that your English language skills meet a certain standard, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
- You may also need a visa to study in the United Kingdom. You can find information on visa requirements from UK Visas and Immigration.
Note:
Entry requirements are subject to change. It's recommended to consult the official Leeds Art University website for up-to-date information: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/courses/music-production/ba/
Language Proficiency Requirement: For both national and international applicants, a good standard of English language skills is required. The university accepts a variety of English language proficiency tests, including:
English language tests accepted by Leeds Art University:
- IELTS Academic
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE),
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
- Trinity ISE II
- LanguageCert International ESOL The required score for each test varies depending on the applicant's program of study and home region, so it's essential to check https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/international/english-requirements/ for specific requirements. This information should provide you with a comprehensive overview of the entry requirements for BA (Hons) Music Production. Feel free to let me know if you have further questions.
