Program Overview
Music Production Diploma
Level 3 Extended Diploma
Overview
ACM’s Level 3 course in Music Production is designed to give its students a focused learning experience, providing the skills and knowledge necessary for continuing study at Higher Education level or building a career as a Music Producer. Students are given access to a host of world-class Music Production facilities, including our Apple MIT suites and state-of-the-art recording studios. Lectures, tutorials, workshops and masterclasses are led by the same world-class music industry professionals that teach on our Higher Education programme offerings and our unique relationship with Metropolis, Europe’s largest creative complex, means that students of this course share their time at ACM with the grammy award-winning producers and engineers resident at the Studios.
Course Units
Level 3 (Year 1)
- Unit 1 – Principles of Music
- Unit 2 – Creating Music
- Unit 3 – Understanding the Music Industry
- Unit 4 – Cultural Awareness
- Unit 5 – Music Production in Context
- Unit 6 – Music Performance in Context
- Unit 7 – Preparation for Specialist Study
- Unit 8 – Collaborative Project
- DAW Techniques
- Recording Workshop
- Music Theory and Ear Training
- Collaborative Workshop
Level 3 Extended (Year 2)
- Unit 9 – Advanced Music Performance and Production Skills
- Unit 10 – Specialism Study
- Unit 11 – Progression Preparation
- Unit 12 – Extended Project Proposal
- Unit 13 – Extended Project
- DAW Techniques
- Recording Workshop
- Music Theory and Ear Training
- UCAS
- Industry Insight
- Marketing and Promotion
- Further Personal Development
- Experiential Tasters
Course Details
Award
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production
Modes of Study
- Full time
- Blended
Study Level(s)
- Diploma
Campus Delivery
- Guildford
Duration
- 2 Years
UCAS Points
- Up to 168 (equivalent to three A-Levels at A*)
Progression Options
- Students can enrol directly onto a two year Degree programme
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age: 16
- 4 GCSEs (A* – C or 9 – 4 grade) or equivalent level 2 qualification
- English and Maths GCSE (A* – C or 9 – 4 grade)
- Suitability for the programme will also be assessed through interview/audition
Fees
- View course fees
Ready for ACM?
Jump over to our Apply Now page and fill in our online form. Learn More
ACM News & Events
Sign up to receive news & updates:
Information
- About Us
- UCAS
- ACM Term Dates
- Fees and Financing
- Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries
- Accommodation
- International Students
Experience
- Industry Link
- Metropolis
- Student Services
- Additional Needs and Disabilities
- Safeguarding
- Tutors
- The Buzz – Student Press
- ACM Moments
Get in touch
- Jobs @ ACM
- College Partnership Programme
- Report a Safeguarding Concern
Useful Links
- MyACM (Student Portal)
- Privacy & Cookies
- FAQs
Governance
- Governance
- OfS Registration
- Policies
- Academic Standards
Did You Know?
- Did you know you can do a three-year degree in just two years? … Ask about ACM’s two-year accelerated undergraduate programme.
- Did you know that at ACM you can apply to do a Masters in just 3 years as an option for all our creative industries courses? Read more
- Did you know outside of learning discipline-specific skills, students most want to practice, connect and collaborate and perform.
- Did you know just ahead of you in London we are preparing our new flagship campus, and it will have more studios, more production rooms and more space to create and collaborate than in any other comparable institution anywhere in London? Read more
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
ACM’s Level 3 course in Music Production is designed to give students a focused learning experience, providing the skills and knowledge necessary for continuing study at a Higher Education level or building a career as a Music Producer. The program offers access to world-class Music Production facilities, including Apple MIT suites and state-of-the-art recording studios. Instruction is provided by world-class music industry professionals who also teach on ACM's Higher Education programs. Students share their time at ACM with Grammy award-winning producers and engineers resident at Metropolis Studios, Europe’s largest creative complex. The program aims to develop not only musicality and technological competencies but also analytical, time management, presentational, and interpersonal skills necessary for a well-rounded and employable music professional. The overall objective is to help students transform their passion for music into a profession. Further education study programmes at ACM Guildford are delivered as part of a sub-contract with East Surrey College.
Outline:
The Music Production Diploma is a Level 3 Extended Diploma, offered as a 2-year full-time or blended learning program. The curriculum is divided into units, varying slightly between Year 1 (Level 3) and Year 2 (Level 3 Extended).
Year 1 (Level 3):
- Unit 1 – Principles of Music: Introduction to music performance, production, technology, and collaborative activity.
- Unit 2 – Creating Music: Development of listening and compositional skills.
- Unit 3 – Understanding the Music Industry: Overview of roles, responsibilities, employment, and progression opportunities within the music industry, including health and safety considerations.
- Unit 4 – Cultural Awareness: Investigation of historical and contemporary contexts influencing music performance and production.
- Unit 5 – Music Production in Context: Critical analysis and application of knowledge acquired in previous units, focusing on production and design skills.
- Unit 6 – Music Performance in Context: Critical analysis and application of knowledge acquired in previous units, focusing on performance skills.
- Unit 7 – Preparation for Specialist Study: Critical analysis and application of knowledge, exploring skills for personal practice.
- Unit 8 – Collaborative Project: Application of skills and knowledge through a collaborative project, promoting self-directed learning and long-term goal clarification.
- DAW Techniques: Comprehensive training in Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) workflow, MIDI instrument use, collaborative project setup, remixing, creative mixing techniques, synthesis, and other production skills. Logic and Ableton software are utilized.
- Recording Workshop: Development of understanding of the studio environment, mic techniques, signal flow, advanced recording techniques, overdubbing, and mixing skills.
- Music Theory and Ear Training: Development of music theory and ear training skills, applicable to coursework and general musicianship.
Year 2 (Level 3 Extended):
- Unit 9 – Advanced Music Performance and Production Skills: Formal dialogue for identifying strengths, enthusiasm, and ambition within a specific pathway, developing artistic, professional, and vocational skills.
- Unit 10 – Specialism Study: Understanding critical and contextual perspectives, demonstrated through a personal research project.
- Unit 11 – Progression Preparation: Research, dialogue, reflection, and evaluation to identify and prepare for Higher Education or employment progression.
- Unit 12 – Extended Project Proposal: Reflection on personal progress and presentation of a rationale for the choice of discipline and final project.
- Unit 13 – Extended Project: Independent project demonstrating skills acquired throughout the course, preparing for Higher Education or employment.
- DAW Techniques: Advanced skills in Logic and Ableton DAWs, including layout, key commands, automation, controllers, mixing, editing, synthesis, and sound design.
- Recording Workshop: Advanced studio environment understanding, mic techniques, signal flow, advanced recording techniques, overdubbing, and mixing skills.
- Music Theory and Ear Training: Continued development of music theory and ear training skills, building a foundation for Higher Education.
- Industry Insight: First-hand insight into the music industry from music professional tutors.
- Marketing and Promotion: Implementation of marketing and promotional activities for connecting with an audience, exploring DIY artist models and new business models.
- Further Personal Development: Personal and professional development, focusing on self-awareness, confidence, and transferable skills.
- Experiential Tasters: Short project-based modules exploring areas like Music Video, Broadcast Media, and Collaborative Music Performance.
Teaching:
Lectures, tutorials, workshops, and masterclasses are led by world-class music industry professionals. Students who lack GCSE passes in English or Maths will be given the opportunity to complete these alongside their course. ACM has a unique relationship with Metropolis Studios, providing students with access to Grammy award-winning producers and engineers. The program also offers support for students applying to Higher Education through UCAS. A two-year accelerated undergraduate program and a three-year Masters program are also mentioned as options available at ACM.
The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) is a premier institution specializing in music and creative arts education, with campuses in Guildford, Surrey; Birmingham; and London, England. Established in 1997, ACM offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for careers in the creative industries.
Programs and Courses
ACM provides diverse courses across several academies:
- Music Academy: Focuses on ensemble skills, recording techniques, technical development, collaboration, and artist development.
- Game Academy: Offers instruction in design, programming, audio, business, and art animation.
- Business Academy: Covers areas such as artist and tour management, creative entrepreneurship, marketing, and distribution.
- Film Academy: Includes training in podcast and radio broadcasting, live radio studios, branding, audience engagement, digital marketing, and social media strategy.
- Live Sound: Emphasizes touring, venue operations, lighting/AV, rigging, and backline management.
- Sound Technology: Focuses on hands-on learning in recording, mixing/mastering, and collaboration with industry professionals.
- Postgraduate Programs: Designed for advanced industry engagement, leadership development, and project planning to launch careers.
Industry Partnerships
ACM maintains strong ties with the industry, notably through its exclusive association with Metropolis Studios in London. This partnership offers students unparalleled access to a working commercial studio environment, bridging the gap between education and industry.
Campuses
Students can choose to study at one of ACM's three campuses:
- London (Brixton): Located in the heart of the city's vibrant music scene.
- Birmingham: Situated in a dynamic and culturally rich urban center.
- Guildford: The original campus offering a blend of historic charm and modern facilities.
Notable Alumni
ACM boasts a roster of successful alumni, including:
- Newton Faulkner: Singer-songwriter known for his album "Hand Built By Robots."
- Amelle Berrabah: Member of the pop group Sugababes.
- Ben King: Lead guitarist of The Yardbirds.
- Matty Healy: Lead vocalist and guitarist of The 1975.
- Ed Sheeran: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum age 16; at least 4 GCSEs (A – C or 9 – 4 grade) or equivalent level 2 qualification, including English and Maths GCSE (A – C or 9 – 4 grade). Suitability will also be assessed through interview/audition. Students lacking a pass in English or Maths GCSE will be given the opportunity to complete it alongside the course; those needing to resit both may be required to first complete the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Music Performance and Production, or a Functional Skills level award (depending on assessment).