Structure, Form & Creativity

This course is the ideal continuation of the Music Production 101.

Now that you know how to record, edit and mix a piece of music it's time to think about making a good piece of music. If you find yourself with writer's block, or have too many ideas and don't know how to develop them, or simply if you can make arrangements but somehow they seem to be lacking something to make them interesting from start to end, this programme will help you to avoid common mistakes and focus on getting to the next level.

What you will learn

* Critical listening part 1: song structure
* Music theory foundations: scales, chords, progressions, basslines etc
* Critical listening part 2: how the arrangement affects the emotional response
* Choosing the right sounds: elements of synthesis, acoustics, effects, mixing
* Working with others: pushing yourself and growing in collaborative sessions
* Groove! Advanced midi programming and audio quantizing
* Beginner's mistakes to avoid in song structure and arrangement
* Creative block: tricks and techniques to get around a block
* Capturing a performance: getting the best out of yourself and others
* Mix to impress: the art of mixing for a demo
* Demo CD: mistakes to avoid and ideas worth trying
* Music business part 2: promotion, management, introduction to publishing

Full-time or part-time?

MP151
The course lasts 18 weeks, with a frequency of one lecture per week of six hours for the first 14 weeks and the last four weeks dedicated to the final assignment.

MP153
This course features the same elements as the MP151, with the difference that it is a full-time course with a minimum 18 hours per week of sessions. This course suits best those who don't have access to a computer and require the use of the school's facilities to practice.

Course requirements

To be accepted onto this class you should have a Music Production 101 Certificate.
Diplomas from a different school or equivalent knowledge and experience may be accepted, subject to a preliminary interview and possibly an entrance exam.

Having access to a computer equipped with a music production software package, preferably Logic Pro, is not strictly required but strongly recommended. Students enrolled in the full-time course have access to the school's facilities.

No books are required for this course, but a number of titles will be given as suggested reading.

Schedule:
MP151: 1 day per week, 12.00-18.00
MP153: 3 days per week 12.00-18.00