Music Production Diploma

The ACM Diploma is mapped against the Edexcel BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology.

Students graduating from this programme will be awarded two qualifications:

• The ACM Diploma in Contemporary Popular Music and
• The Edexcel BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology

This qualification is run at Level 3 and sits alongside ‘A’ Levels and other NVQ Level 3 awards.

• The ACM Diploma is a practical, industry related course concentrating on the skills required to start a realistic career in the music business.

• Taught by music industry specialists and professional producers, the Diploma gives students one of the most rounded and intensive practical programmes currently available.

• Students have regular access to ACM’s state of the art facilities including the MIT suite, the recording studio complex, the pre and post studios and the new learning resource centre.

• The course consists of twelve modules and students learn by completing assignments based on real world situations.

• Students will be expected to work on a variety of music-based projects, construct a portfolio of different styles of music, record live instruments and singers and put together professional presentation packs.

• The Diploma lasts for one year and consists of sixteen hours of lectures per week, taught over thirty-nine weeks. For every hour spent in the classroom, students are expected to spend at least one hour out of class practising their skills.

• There are twelve units in total; these are broken down into four core units and eight specialist units.

• The core units give students a cohesive and professional understanding of the music industry from composition to contract.

• The specialist units enable students to study particular areas in depth, honing their skills and enhancing their career opportunities.

PRODUCTION DIPLOMA

CORE MODULES

• Music Industry Studies - Students look at different areas and functions of the music industry, and investigate professional roles and career opportunities within a chosen area of the music business. They also investigate working patterns and look at the marketing and publicity side of the business.

• The Production Process - In this unit students learn how to prepare for a studio recording session, and the variety of set up procedures required to operate in a commercial studio.

• Sequencing and Software - In this unit students learn how to set up and operate Midi computer systems.
They use sequencing software for creating music and learn to edit, store and retrieve music.

• Specialised Production Project - Students learn the practical skills involved in producing a multi-track recording, along with the appropriate skills for mix-down and editing, leading to the finished product.

SPECIALIST UNITS

• Production Workshop - This unit is designed to equip students with the skills needed for the production of live performances in a controlled studio environment. Learners are given the opportunity to develop the critical skills and knowledge necessary to analyse and reproduce aspects of contemporary music performance and recording.

• The Freelance World - Students look at the financial and contractual issues of self-employment and develop an awareness of what it means to work in the music industry. This involves an in-depth look at various aspects of the music industry market.

• Stylistic Awareness - This unit enables students to understand the interaction between key elements in music theory and applied harmony. It also gives students the confidence to make informed comments on compositions by other writers.

• Music Culture - Students look at the different ways in which social, cultural and historical conditions have affected music. They look at the way economic and political factors affect music and learn to identify the different features and characteristics of various music genres.

• Keyboard Skills - This specialist unit is designed to develop musical skills and knowledge by means of the keyboard. It encourages an introductory skill level in using keyboards in a variety of applications.

• Digital Audio Techniques- Students look at all issues relating to Digital Audio and its use in Music Production. The unit also focuses on the fundamentals of using modern software and hardware to make music.

• Music and Media - This unit encourages students to take their composition skills a stage further using notation and music publishing software.

• Composing with Technology - Students explore different areas of composition in particular relation to various aspects of technology.

GENERAL INFORMATION
QUALIFICATION

• ACM full time courses run in association with our Educational partners, University of Surrey, Middlesex University and Guildford College of Further and Higher Education.

ACCOMMODATION
• ACM’s Student Support Team will be happy to advise on living cost’s and accommodation in the Guildford Area.

STUDENTS SHOULD PROVIDE
• All students must provide headphones.
• All students must provide blank manuscript paper.
• All students should own a metronome.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
• Due to the volume level sometimes associated with live performance / rehearsal, all students must provide and wear earplugs.

ACM AND INDUSTRY
• ACM has forged strong links with industry and many of the rooms are supported by our industry partners:
Ableton, Aguilar, AKG, Apple, CATO, Cornford Amps, DBX, Ernie Ball, Fender, Focusrite, Gibson, Hal Leonard, HK Audio, Ibanez, JBL, JHS, Korg, Laney, Lexicon, Line 6, M-Audio, Mapex, Marshall, Matchless, Musicman, Pearl, Roland, Sabian, Shure, Soundcraft, Takamine, Tama, Vox, Yamaha and Zildjian..