Music Production Level 6

Why choose Music Production?

This course will introduce you to the rudiments involved in producing music in live sound recording and/or static settings, either in a home studio or in a large recording studio.

You will learn from musicians who have worked in the industry and who will impart to you their knowledge of the performance and technical perspectives involved in creating high quality recordings.

On this course you will study the technical operation of sound recording equipment and the related industry standard software techniques necessary to complete a recording. This you will record in our newly refurbished recording studio, and you can practice your techniques in our large performance studio. In addition, you will study project management and develop business skills that will give you the skillset to allow you to gain employment in this area or advance to further and higher education.

What will you study?

Course Facilities

• Classroom Lab with 25 workstations and Midi controller keyboards
• Analog Recording Studio
• SSL Origin Recording Console
• RADAR and Universal Audio interfaces
• Digital Recording Studio
• State of the Art D+B PA System in Purpose Built Venue with 4-way monitors
• Software includes: Pro-tools, Logic Pro, Propellerheads, Reason, Cubase, Adobe Audition, Fruity Loops, Soundforge, Ableton Live, Pure Data, Max 8, Reaper and Sony Vegas
• Extensive Studio and Live microphone locker: Barkley / Coles / AEA / DPA / Neumann / Audio-Technica / Soyuz / Sennheiser / Beyerdynamic / AKG
• High End Microphone Preamps: TL Audio / Neve / AEA / Urei / SSL / Focusrite / Audient / Tascam

Course Features

• Students can apply to participate in the annual International Band and Business Camp hosted in Hammelburg, Germany by the Popakademie.
• Students have the possibility of being involved in an Erasmus+ exchange programme.
• Students will complete a StagePass training course certified by the Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST).
• Annual guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals.

What do you need to apply?

In addition to the Entry Requirements, please note for this course you will also need to provide a portfolio of your recent work. Please see the ‘Portfolio Guidelines’ for details.

Year 1 Higher National Certificate

• Suitable BCFE QQI Level 5 awards, with a merit profile, that satisfy the entry requirements include:
  • Music Performance (PMCp)
  • Sound Production (PMCe)

Year 2 Higher National Diploma

•  Students who have successfully completed year 1 and have achieved a Higher National Certificate in Music (Technology), can progress automatically to year 2.
•  Applicants with an equivalent Higher National Certificate, and subject to module compatibility may also apply directly to Year 2, Higher National Diploma in Music (Production).

Portfolio Guidelines

• Applicants are required to provide two pieces audio/ music that they had an involvement in creating, preferably self-recorded/produced.
• Links to your audio examples can be added within the work experience section of the online application form.
• A copy of a CV and any references should also be available for the interview.

Progression Opportunities

• Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities, where graduates gain exemption of one or two years from music degree courses in Ireland, (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
• Graduates may also gain exemption of one or two years from other music degree courses in the UK, depending on course requirements.

Career Opportunities

Successful students can expect to find employment in the media, entertainment and music industries in any of the following roles: Sound Engineers, Stage Managers, Production Managers, Event Production Crew and Managers, Sound Designers, Acoustic Engineers and Consultants, Foley Artists, Recording Engineers, Sound Technicians, Location Sound Engineers, Further Study (Masters/Ph.D.), Professional Musicians / DJs, Sound Editors.