Music Performance, Production & Composition BA (Hons)

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1 Music Performance, Production & Composition BA (Hons) This programme will give you a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and technical aspects of musical composition and performance, as well as studio recording and production techniques and related disciplines. Overview In the music industry there is a growing need for multi-skilled practitioners who are able to write, create and perform music, as well as record and produce performances. The course is concerned with the music production, performance and composition process in a variety of contexts, for example, sound for film and live performance. You will develop both the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and the ability to critically review music practice. Equipment and facilities Our specialist studio facilities are resourced with a recording studio, eight rehearsal rooms and two specialist music technology computer rooms. The course uses a variety of software including Apple s Logic suite of digital audio workstation software, Avid Sibelius and Pro Tools and numerous other supporting pieces of software.

2 About this course Why should I do this course? we have excellent progression of graduates into industry small class sizes ensure you will have access to both tutors and specialist facilities to enhance your experience access to industry specification software and equipment students gain access to high quality work experience opportunities in venues across Essex and London What's covered? This programme places huge emphasis on employability, including an industry week where you will have the opportunity to engage with experts and access work placements. Work experience There is currently one module per academic year focusing on work experience, which means you will have to engage with external clients. Guest speakers You will benefit from several guest speakers during the programme. Previous speakers include: Steve Cheney, Creative & Cultural Skills, also stage management for the main stages at the Glastonbury, Latitude, Big Chill and Leeds Festivals Sean McLoughlin, Senior Producer of Metal Mark Saunders, a UK session musician and a member of the British band, Florence and the Machine Richard Onslow, owner of South Record Shop in Southend, has worked with White Stripes and Katy Perry at major record labels, EMI and XL Records James Price, drummer in Nothing but Thieves Field trips Although there are no compulsory field trips, some students get the opportunity to work in the following events: artist liaison and backstage at the 02 Latitude Festival Calling Festival Contact hours 13 hours per week, including a one hour tutorial. Time is split roughly 50:50 between practical training and theory sessions. How will my work be assessed? You will be assessed using a variety of methods which reflect industry practice. Assessments include (but are not limited to) live performances, session performances which respond to a brief, sales pitches, compositions, recordings, reports and presentations. There is a strong focus on assessments which require you to combine industry relevance with high academic standards.

3 What can I do after this? The great majority of our graduates progress into the music industry. Some also progress to study a Masters programme, including: MA Music MA Music Technology MA Music - Professional Performance MA Composing for Film and Television MA Composition Additional costs There are no additional costs that students incur whilst on the programme. However, we do encourage you to purchase new technology, such as headphones. Graduate destinations Previous graduates have progressed to a variety of roles, including: freelance sound engineers for clubs residential DJs at Essex and London venues one student has set-up their own music education company, Muzic Matters Structure Year one Provides the basic skills across the different programme areas to build a firm foundation in preparation for more specialist study in years two and three. A wide variety of subjects are covered, focusing on key practical skills and the basis of core academic inquiry in music. The practical topics include areas such as using a recording studio, musical performance and music sequencing, while the academic areas include music theory, cultural studies, and music law and ethics. Modules Music Theory and Fundamentals: This module provides you with instruction in the fundamentals of music theory that are required in order to fully engage with the construction of music. You will also explore the use of Sibelius notation software in order to create scores. Music Industry and Law: An understanding of the relationship between the law and the production and promotion of music is vital for those wishing to work in or study the Music Industry. This module explores a range of legal issues that you are likely to encounter in your future vocational practice. Music within Culture and Context: Music within Culture and Context will provide you with an introduction into cultural studies but more specifically the intrinsic link between music and the societal and contextual conditions in which it exists. Key cultural terms and concepts will be explored and utilised within the analysis of musical products. Composition and Arrangement: This module introduces you to composition and arrangement useful skills in many musical contexts, including production. You will examine the process of taking musical ideas and bringing

4 them to fruition through an arrangement which works with other performing artists, in addition to bringing your own identity to the work. Studio Management: The aim of this module is to introduce you to the environment, procedures, equipment and techniques involved in the production of music in the multi-track recording studio. Studio roles and effective communication will be explored and applied in order to further enhance your practice. Our studio has a mix of analogue and digital equipment, including industry standard Pro Tools software. Sequencing Practice: The aim of this module is to analyse and apply the techniques and procedures involved in the production of music involving computers and related technologies. It examines a range of hardware and software options with a view to integrating them in the production process. You will be producing work using Logic Pro software. Band Musicianship: A key skill for any musician is being able to work with others. This is explored and built upon within Band Musicianship, where you will work within a band to produce material for a live performance. Professional Musicianship: Building on the skills acquired throughout Band Musicianship, within Professional Musicianship you will seek out a client and work to their specifications, producing a live performance which responds to their brief. Year two The second year expands significantly on composition and performance whilst exploring critical lines of enquiry, and introducing you to new ways of thinking and to artists outside of your area of experience. There is a significant focus in the second year on moving you forward in your study and encouraging you to work in a more independent and self-directed way. Modules Dissertation Preparation: Dissertation Preparation enables you to develop appropriate skills in preparation for the production of your dissertation, which is carried out during the final year of the programme. This module will assist your development by exploring appropriate research, statistical and critical skills to support the creation of your dissertation. Business Practice: Business Practice provides an introduction to business and professional practices in the music industry and relates practical studies in music production to a professional context. You will develop knowledge of small business operations and procedures, together with a variety of marketing strategies. Music and Sound for Film: While studying this module, you will examine composition and compositional techniques within the context of composing accompaniment to moving image. Music and Sound for Film will introduce the ideas and principles behind writing scores, creating and recording foley and sound effects, producing soundtracks and pre and post audio production for Film. Advanced Ensemble Studies: This module requires you to develop and present a performance of a selected repertoire as a means to explore and practically apply a range of techniques and methods. This could include (but is not limited to) application within Jazz, Popular, Contemporary and Commercial music. Instrumental and Group Tuition: This module will acquaint you with the potential for, and opportunities offered by employment as a part-time, or full-time music teacher. It is a work-based learning module, and will introduce you to managing the undertaking of several professional roles at once, and how these can inform one another. Session Musicianship: You will develop and demonstrate professional session musicianship skills and studio

5 performance techniques through participation in a variety of sessions which meet the requirements of a professional producer/composer. Year three The final year of the programme is the most challenging as it requires you to utilise the skills you learnt throughout the programme in an independent and self-directed way. In addition to the larger project-based units, the dissertation and practical project, both of which are double modules, there are some modules which deal with specialisation as well as supporting you to progress into the world of work. Modules Dissertation: In your final year you will carry out a substantial research exercise, as detailed in your Dissertation proposal within your second year. This will culminate in a dissertation based upon your direct research findings, underpinned with relevant evidence. Industry Preparation: The creative industries often rely on practitioners to work in a freelance or micro-business capacity, and consider the entrepreneurial approach to monetizing their skills and interests. This module aims to challenge and develop you in order to give you the best start in what can be a challenging market place. Practical Project: Throughout this module you will explore a self-defined area of practice from which you will produce an extended practical project (for example a studio album; a composition or sound design for a live performance; a radio show; a multimedia product or a television/video product). New Music Composition: The aim of this module is to explore and evaluate contemporary compositional techniques. You will apply your understanding of a range of techniques to produce a portfolio of creative and original compositions that incorporate the unconventional and conventional use of instruments. Collaborative Performance and Composition Project: The module will allow you to put into practice your composition/ arranging, session musicianship and ensemble skills alongside dance, theatre or other creative projects. You will develop a collaborative project by leading and working with a team of people to complete the given task. Entry requirements You will need a minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following: at least two A-levels BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma/Certificate [QCF] BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma [NQF] Access to Higher Education Diploma International Baccalaureate AQA Baccalaureate Progression Diploma Advanced Diploma You will also need GCSE English at grade C (old specification) or Grade 4 (new specification) or above OR a Level 2 equivalent such as functional skills. To find out how many points your qualifications are awarded, view the UCAS Tariff tables. Video requirements

6 Powered by TCPDF ( Applicants to the BA (Hons) Music Production, Performance and Composition degree programme are required to provide a video of a performance(s) on their chosen (first) instrument. The requirements for the video are presented below: the video must be uploaded to YouTube/Vimeo as an unlisted track viewing access must be granted to (as directed on application) length should be four to eight minutes, and can include more than one piece of music (or playing styles) the performer must be clearly visible Exceptional Entry Applications from mature students who do not possess the entry requirements as listed above, but who possess related professional experience or professional qualifications, are welcome to apply. You will need to demonstrate by interview, exceptional entry portfolio (this is likely to include evidence of paid or unpaid work experience) and/or written assessment that you are suitable for the course. In the first instance we suggest you contact HEAdmissions@southessex.ac.uk to discuss your application. Applying Full-time courses Applications for full-time courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), quoting institution code S43 and the UCAS code for your chosen course. Part-time courses (incl. short full-time) Applications for all part-time Honours Degree, Foundation Degree, PGCE, CertEd (full-time and part-time), Certificate of Higher Education and Diploma of Higher Education courses at South Essex College should be made directly to the College using the online application form or by completing a paper application form and mailing it to our freepost address: HE Admissions South Essex College Freepost SMU 110 Luker Road Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1BR Need more info? Take a look at applying for your course» Course options Venue Starts Attendance Duration Provision Cost Cost Details