Digital Music Production

Course Description

Digital Music Production is a look behind the scenes at how music is recorded, created and prepared for release in many forms. Covering the use of industry standard software and hardware, technical and creative knowledge, and how the ever-changing industry works, it will prepare you fully for further specialist study in the fields of music production, music performance and other music industry roles.

Whether you are a performer looking to expand your knowledge of recording and production, a DJ looking to create and produce your own tracks and remixes, or if you are interested in the audio element of TV and Film Post Production, Broadcast Media or Podcast Production, Digital Music Production at Ashton Sixth Form will provide you with the broad knowledge and experience needed to kickstart your career in an exciting growth industry.

You will learn how to use software to compose and create music, how to use a recording studio and get the best out of performers and singers, how to mix and master to prepare material for release and will get an insight in to how the Music Industry works and what career options and job roles exist.

You will gain theoretical and practical knowledge in sound recording, sequencing, composition, mixing and mastering, and will learn to apply them to a range of your own projects, including music creation, soundtracking moving images, and creating and adding foley effects to video projects.

Your learning will take place in our professionally installed recording studio, two live rooms, mac suite, and individual practice rooms. These facilities are for the exclusive use of Music Technology students, and can be booked out for independent study to allow you to practice and work on your own material

DAW Production  

Mixing & Mastering Techniques

Creative Synthesis & Sampling

Remixing & Reworking

Music & Sound for Media

 

Music Production Techniques: You will learn how to use a digital audio workstation (DAW – Apple Logic Pro) to create, edit, and mix music tracks.

Sound Design: You'll develop skills in manipulating sound using synthesis, sampling, and effects processing to create unique sounds and textures.

Recording and Editing: You will learn how to record live instruments and vocals, as well as how to edit and manipulate audio recordings.

MIDI Programming: You'll become proficient in using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to sequence and control virtual instruments, synthesizers, and other MIDI-enabled devices.

Mixing and Mastering: You'll learn the art of mixing multiple tracks together, balancing levels, panning, and applying effects to achieve a polished sound. Additionally, you'll gain skills in mastering to prepare tracks for distribution.

Creative Composition: You'll explore different approaches to composition, including songwriting techniques, arrangement, and experimentation with various musical styles and genres.

Critical Listening: You'll develop your ability to critically analyse and evaluate music, identifying elements such as arrangement, production techniques, and sonic qualities.

Collaboration and Communication: Through group projects and interactions with peers and instructors, you'll enhance your ability to collaborate effectively in a creative environment and communicate your ideas and feedback clearly.

Technical Skills: You'll gain proficiency in using various hardware and software tools specific to music production, including audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, plugins, and virtual instruments.

 

Music Production

Sound Engineering

Composition

Media Production

Creative Industries Management

Digital Arts and Multimedia

Assessment methods include an externally assessed practical exam, and coursework-based research and written tasks, and a wide range if practical tasks covering the course content

 

We have developed strong links with LIPA, The Academy Of Live Technology, Huddersfield University and during yur course yu will take party in visits to these institutions, as well as taking part in workshops with them. Previous trips and visits have included Carnival Drumming Workshops, opportunities to perform and technically support a wide range of college events and productions, both on and off site, guest workshops from course alumni, and UCAS compose your future.