Foundation Degree Creative Industries: Popular Music Technology (Music Production pathway)

In a nutshell

The Fda Music Performance qualification is aimed at students who play an instrument and want to play with a band.

You’ll learn about all aspects of the music industry from composition and song writing to music software application, live recording techniques, music performance and live sound management.

This course is for you if...

... You have a passion for popular music

... You want a practical course to give you experience

... You want a blend of practical skills and a theoretical understanding

… You want to create music either using instruments or technology

What will I be doing?

You’ll be taught by experienced professionals, undertake real projects and take part in workshops with visiting artists. An important element of the second year is a work-based placement, enabling you to gain real experience and make valuable industry contacts.

As well as learning about performance and software techniques, you’ll get the chance to study specialist areas, such as live sound, recording, song writing, composition and arrangement. You’ll also learn about the music industry from its history to approaches and performances, whilst acquiring professional practice skills.

You will study the following modules:

• Recording Studio Engineering
• Production Project
• Computer Based Audio
• Composition with Music Technology
• Words and Music: Culture, Context and Criticism
• Live Performance Workshop

What is expected of me?

You would usually need at least one of the following:

• 48 UCAS points - UCAS tariff calculator https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
• Access to HE where you have achieved a Pass Diploma with 45 Passes

Plus: GCSE passes in three subjects at grade C or above to include Maths and English Language (or equivalent).

Please note that if you do not meet the grade criteria, then age and experience may be able to be taken into consideration.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview, take part in a workshop session, or present a portfolio of work as part of the selection process.

Full commitment to attendance is required, as well as respect for others, enthusiasm for the subject, self-motivation, creative ability and a desire to succeed.

What comes next?

Progression route for FdA includes BA (Hons) Popular and Commercial Music at University of South Wales.

Additional information

Course Outcomes:

A1 An understanding of relevant forms and genres and the way in which they manipulate raw materials such as sound/image /multimedia/written word to make meaning.

A2 An understanding of the historical evolution of particular genres, aesthetic traditions and forms, and of their current characteristics and possible future developments.

A3 An understanding of professional, technical and, where relevant, scientific issues which realise, develop or challenge existing practices and traditions, and of the possibilities and constraints involved in production processes.

A4 Integrate theory and practice through an engagement with research and practical work and to explain and evaluate the nature of sound and its behaviour in a sound engineering context.

B1 Assimilate, analyse and critically evaluate a range of ideas and intellectual debates in the subject area.

B2 Consider and evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner, with reference to academic and/or professional issues, debates and conventions.

B3 Carry out various forms of research for essays, projects, creative productions or dissertations involving sustained independent enquiry;

B4 An understanding of the students own technical capabilities through engagement in projects which utilise relevant technologies.

C1 Produce work which demonstrates the effective manipulation of relevant material, such as sound, image, multimedia or the written word.

C2 Produce work showing capability in operational aspects of technologies, systems, techniques and professional practices.

C3 Be able to reflect on the nature of professional practice in their discipline and identify the gaps between their work-related capabilities and disciplinary expectations.

C4 Adapt to wide ranging scenarios, with emphasis upon flexibility, personal; responsibility and decision making.