Higher Education - HND/HNC Music Production

Higher Education - HND/HNC Music Production
This course is designed to:
Prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities for a career in music production
Help learners become skilled practitioners and to develop specialist knowledge and transferable skills
Cover a variety of areas, including audio engineering and production, computer music, acoustics, music business, synthesis, mastering and post-production. The course covers both theoretical and practical areas
Reflect the largely freelance nature of the music production market, with many assignments based around standard industry practice. The course keeps pace with the ever-changing professional market by the use of industry-standard equipment and the implementation of modern technology (e.g. streaming audio, creating bespoke synthesisers)
Help students prepare a portfolio of work for potential employers or further study. Learners are able to source musicians from several music courses on site.
Is it for me? The college has two studio spaces available, one for the sole use of HND and HNC Music Production students. There is also a dedicated HE Music Production Mac suite. The Macs run Logic Pro and Pro Tools, and the HE studio also boasts a 24-track 2" Studer tape machine for analogue recording experience. The college has an extensive mic stock.
Small group sizes mean that learners are well supported by staff and have good access to equipment and studio spaces.
The lecturers have a wide range of commercial experience which informs the delivery and design of the courses.
New College has links with a number of Universities that ensure successful candidates can access a one-year top-up leading to an Honours degree (two years at New College and one year at a University).
What's involved?
The HND is a full-time course over two years. Students have approximately 15 hours a week of contact time. The HNC is a part-time course over two years with approximately 5 hours a week contact time. Students are expected to undertake further study in their own time.
The units covered:
Contextual studies
Critical Music Listening *
Music Business and the Entrepreneur
Music, Health and the Law
Principles of Musical Sound *
Project Realisation
Research *
Acoustics *
Applied Production Techniques *
Audio Mastering and Manufacture
Audio Post Production *
Audio Recording
Computer Music Production
Computer Music Systems
Sound Creation and Manipulation
Studio Production
World music
* HND only Assessment
The HND and HNC are coursework-based. Assessment is continuous throughout the two years.
Entry Criteria
The HND and HNC in Music Production are suitable for those with an interest and aptitude in audio, who are committed to studying at University level and considering a career in the music industry. Previous work in recording or production is useful but is not a requirement.
When considering your application we will look for the following:
At least one 'A' Level to A2, preferably in a related area such as Music, Physics, Computing or Maths
BTEC National qualifications at Level 3 (such as National Diplomas, Awards and Certificates) are also acceptable
At least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including a C or above in Maths and English
Applications from mature students are encouraged. All applications are treated on merit.
Progression
The HND and HNC open the doors into a range of careers in the music industry, such as work in audio engineering and music production, television/film/game sound, subject journalism and specialist retail. Former students have gained employment in broadcast media, started an independent studio and worked successfully as freelance engineers and producers.
Successful learners can take advantage of New College's links to several Universities and take a one-year top-up Honours degree course (two years at New College and one year at a University).
What Students say
'I choose New College because I was able to live at home and complete the course without paying rent, keeping student debts to a minimum. The teaching group was small enough to allow everyone to be hands on but there were enough of us to have fun while we were learning! The teaching was excellent, theory in the initial part of the lesson, followed by actual hands on experience. There is nothing like hands on experience.
I have recorded an album for Hill Area Records, had releases on a couple of independent dance labels, completed mastering work for various artist and am looking into starting up my own recording studio.' Richard Naylor
'I have had a head start as far as Sound Technology is concerned at University, giving myself a better chance of getting high grades. The amount of studio time I received at New College meant that I now know exactly what I need to do and how to get it done quickly, from both sides of the glass.
This course is ace! Do it! Do it now.' Kevin Tickell
'The technology used on the course was top notch! I learnt on the most up to date equipment and software, some big universities don't have the privilege to use!
I continue to DJ and regularly Produce Drum and Bass music. I also co-own a PA hire and Live Sound Reinforcement company called Goblin Entertainments. I feel that studying the HND at New College has given me the ability and confidence to do my job.' Rory Hayes