BA (Hons) Digital Music (Full Time)

Study on a pioneering course with a focus on multimedia applications at the cutting-edge of the digital music industry.

Course overview  

You will study digital music production (including both audio and MIDI), DJing (using digital decks) and live music practice, as well as a wide range of music and multimedia applications.

You will learn a variety of digital music production skills using leading industry-standard music production applications. You will be shown how to construct, edit and sequence music projects, using pre-recorded samples, your own audio files and music instrument digital interface (MIDI).

For their final major projects, students are encouraged to pursue a wide range of creative outputs. These could include a concept album, DJ and VJ mix, circuit-bent instruments, virtual software instruments, experimental sound design and soundtracks for film or video.

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Industrial focus

Members of the course teaching team are actively involved in the contemporary digital and electronic music scene and have close links with the music industry. 

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

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

Year 2

Five core units and one option:
• Multimedia in Context (Contemporary)
• Digital Music Applications
• Live Performance Practice
• Sound and Image Narrative
• Digital Djing.

Options:
• Music and the Internet
• Curriculum Plus. 

Year 3

Three core units and one option:
• Multimedia in Context (Concept Development)
• Final Major Project
• Professional Presentation.

Options:

• Professional Contexts
• Professional Practice. 

Why choose this course?

• The Mac-based production and teaching studio is fully equipped with high-powered computers and recent versions of Logic Studio Pro and Ableton Live.
• Informal visits to clubs, gigs and concerts.
• The course has created a vibrant and dynamic dance music community in Southampton, with regular digital music club nights featuring a wide range of genres.

Assessment

Mix of practical and theoretical projects, written assignments, presentations and final-year project.

Key career skills

Communication, teamwork, project management and IT.

Projects/work experience 

To support their studio-based studies, students are encouraged to enter remix, mash and DJ competitions. 

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Graduate profile

Chris Baker

“The type of music I am interested in is predominantly drum and bass, break-beat and dub. I work as a DJ in Southampton and also in London and Bristol which is really giving me the chance to put into practice what i am learning on the course.

"I am really enjoying the music production side of the course. I want to continue to learn to produce music to a more professional standard and I like making tracks and DJing both live and in the studio. We have access to industry standard programmes on our own individual computer including Logic 7 and Abelton Live.

"The teaching staff at Solent are amazing, it’s like learning from friends. I have found it really helpful to learn different methods and techniques from the different lecturers because they all have their own way of doing things.

"All I can say to anyone who's interested in this as a hobby and thinks they may have what it takes is... go for it!”