Music Production – Level 3

Required qualifications

This course requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade A-C. One of these will be a grade 4/C or above in either maths or English.

Depending on previous attainment levels, you may also be enrolled onto functional skills in maths and English to help you develop your skills.

What skills will I develop?

Learners on the Level 3 Music Performance can expect to develop a diverse range of skills and knowledge. Here’s an overview of the key areas they are likely to cover: Students who study the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production will deliver a range of production skills upon completion of the course. These skills include:

1. Proficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Students will be adept at using industry-standard DAWs for recording, editing, and producing music.
2. Sound Design: They will have the ability to create and manipulate sounds using synthesis, sampling, and effects processing to achieve desired sonic results.
3. Arrangement and Composition : Students will demonstrate skills in arranging and composing music, effectively structuring compositions while considering instrumentation, dynamics, and pacing.
4. MIDI Sequencing : They will be proficient in using MIDI to program and control virtual instruments, drum machines, and hardware devices, enabling them to create intricate musical arrangements.
5. Mixing Techniques : Students will showcase skills in mixing, including balancing levels, applying EQ and dynamics processing, adding effects, and creating spatial placement to achieve professional-quality mixes.
6. Mastering : They will demonstrate the ability to apply mastering techniques to finalize and optimize the overall sound of a recording for distribution across different platforms and formats.
7. Recording Engineering : Students will deliver skills in recording engineering, including microphone techniques, signal flow management, and understanding of acoustics, ensuring high-quality audio capture in studio and live settings.
8. Collaboration and Communication : They will exhibit effective communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to work seamlessly with other musicians, producers, and engineers to bring creative projects to fruition.
9. Critical Listening : Students will demonstrate a discerning ear and the ability to critically listen to recordings, identifying and addressing technical and artistic issues to achieve desired outcomes.

Overall, students completing this course will be equipped with a comprehensive set of production skills, preparing them for careers in music production, sound engineering, composition, and related fields within the music industry.

Careers

The Creative Industries as a whole and Music in particular have a wealth of different opportunities from Freelance Recording Artist & Performer, Studio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Sound Designer, Location Sound Recordist, DJ Radio Engineer, Freelance Session Musician, Teacher/Trainer. Once you’ve completed the level 3 programme you may want to progress onto Foundation Degree programmes at university or enter the creative industry.

The trajectory for our learners after leaving our course takes them into various areas of the music industry. A portion of our learners enter Higher education and specialise in the areas they have been exposed to during their time at college. Past students have gone on to work in a variety of roles within the music industry. These roles have included sound engineers, record label owners, studio owners and performers whose work entered the UK top 40 singles charts.

Work experience

Our dedicated Work Experience team are here to help and support you in finding a meaningful work experience opportunity.

Recent studies have shown that employers consider work experience to be extremely desirable. Whilst qualifications are hugely important, employers also require candidates to have skills and experience necessary for the workplace.

Preparing you for the working world is very important to us, so that you may be successful in your next step.

Work experience placements provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills; have a better understanding of the industry you want to work in and give you an insight into what it is like to be employed. They can also be great fun and very rewarding and you may even be offered a great reference, a part–time job, holiday working hours, apprenticeships or full-time jobs.

Once you start your course you will be provided with further information about work experience programmes, but it is never too early for you to start thinking about work experience placements and finding an employer who will offer you an opportunity.

Work experience is an opportunity for you to gain experience in your chosen career path in order to develop relevant skills. Equally, it also helps you to acquire employability skills, attitudes and behaviours that are essential for future employment. There will be an opportunity for you to reflect on your performance during work experience and you will receive some form of reference/feedback from the employer.

Learners studying level 3 are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours work experience.

English and maths

Maths is embedded throughout the music course. From note values to rhythms.

English language, writing and communication of ideas is also very important within this course; you will be tasked with writing and presenting in various styles using formal, analytical language within your assignments both spoken and written. You will also be expected to be able to write creatively for eg; lyrics etc.

Music Journalism and Online Content / Digital Marketing across social media platforms is more important than ever and you will be actively encouraged to develop your writing skills throughout the programme.

Other important information

You don’t need to supply any specialist professional equipment, as the college will supply you with that, but we do ask that musicians bring in their own instruments (where it’s safe to do so) and that all students arrive to lesson with a set of over-ear headphones with ¼ inch stereo jack adaptors. Bluetooth headphones ARE NOT recommended. We also suggest that learners equip themselves with a USB pen drive/hard drive if possible, as well as a notebook.

What you will need to supply is energy, commitment and enthusiasm. The Music Industry, like all creative industries, demands passion, resilience and hard work as much as it demands skill and talent. You will need to be able to communicate with others, work in a team and be personable.