Course overview  

This is a unique degree course that focuses on the production of cutting edge electronic dance music and hip-hop. Through a hands-on approach, your production skills will be taken to the next level.

Using digital music technologies, you will learn to master the creative tools and techniques to produce, remix and compose the music of your chosen genres, such as dub-step, hip-hop, techno, drum 'n' bass, house, trance, electro, and so on.

Throughout the course, you will develop an expertise in at a wide range of invaluable digital music production skills employing leading Mac-based industry-standard software applications. Production techniques such as MIDI sequencing and digital audio manipulation will be taught.

 Also included on the course are units on digital DJing, live performance and music and the Internet. To support your studio-based studies, you will be encouraged to enter remix, mash-up and DJ competitions.    

 Many of these practical skills will be transferable and can be easily applied to many other areas of the music industry. The aim of the course is to give graduates greater autonomy and creative freedom as independent music producers and DJs.

 All members of the course teaching team are actively involved in the contemporary digital and electronic music scene (either as DJs, producers, label owners or researchers), with close links with the music industry.

NEWS: The course now has James Zabiella, one the world's leading DJs/producers, as a Visiting Fellow.

Course content  

Level 4

• Music Skills and Theory
• Multimedia in Context (Historical)
• Digital Music Production (Audio)
• Digital Music Production (MIDI)
• Digital Music Technology
• Concept Album 

Level 5 

• Multimedia in Context (Contemporary)
• Sound and Image Narrative
• Digital Djing
• Digital Music Applications
• Live Performance Practice
• Music and the Internet
• Curriculum Plus 

Level 6

• Multimedia in Context (Concept Development)
• Final Major Project
• Professional Presentation
• Options: Professional Practice; Professional Contexts.

Assessment  

You will be taught by industry professionals and assessed on a project-by-project basis.    

Entry level 

120 points from at least two 6-unit awards, one of which must be in a relevant art and design discipline. 

You will normally be invited to a portfolio viewing and briefing and sometimes for a formal interview.

Applicants are normally expected to have experienced a Foundation or equivalent course.   

Special features  

The teaching of digital music production and DJing within the context of contemporary dance music and urban culture.   

Career opportunities  

Graduates will have acquired a powerful and valuable skill set, including hands-on experience of digital music production using both audio and Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), and thorough understanding of live performance mediums such as DJ decks and laptops.

Opportunities available to graduates could include working as music producers in the creation of their own work, working as producers for third-party clients including overseeing the productions of single or album projects by other artists, and writing music for films and adverts.  

Other employment areas of the music industry include working for record labels, either in management, administration or Artists and Repertoire (A & R), or maybe in the growing area of music retail, including management or purchasing.  

Special facilities  

BA (Hons) Digital Music will be taught with a hands-on industry driven approach and the Mac-based production and teaching studio is fully equipped with high-powered computers and recent versions of Logic Studio Pro and Ableton Live.    

Field trips  

There will be informal visits to clubs, gigs and concerts.  A vibrant and dynamic dance music community has grown up around the course, and there are Digital Music club nights (featuring a wide range of genres) almost every week. These events are making an important impact on the music life of Southampton, adding to the cultural vitality of the city.   

Programme Specification

The current academic year (2009-2010) programme specification for this course can be found via the Faculty of Technology course list| held in our Programme Specification centre.

Contact

For further information on the course please contact the

Technology Faculty - School of Design

Tel: 023 80319429

E-mail: ft.admissions@solent.ac.uk|

 

International Students please contact the International Recruitment Office:

Tel: +44 (0) 23 8031 9129

Fax: +44 (0) 23 8031 9412

E-mail: international@solent.ac.uk|

Page was last updated on 08 Oct 2009 12:27:39.430