BA (Hons) Digital Music
Want to make club-ready tracks, or audio for top level games and film? Hone your style using highly technical sound production skills, taught by established sound engineers and DJs.
Conor Hogan
From being unsure if a degree was the right path, to being a senior audio designer, Conor shares how Solent gave him the skills to succeed.
Job title:Senior Audio Designer
Employer:RevRooms
Studied:BA (Hons) Digital Music
Why did you decide to study an undergraduate course?
I really enjoyed playing and producing music at the time, so I was looking for a way to improve my skills, be inspired and make connections with like-minded individuals. While researching, I wondered if an undergraduate course was the right move for me for development of practical skills, as some undergraduate courses can be non-vocational in areas. I was also concerned that I would lose interest in the course over the three years. However, I checked the syllabus and was convinced that it would provide me with a well-rounded palette of skills and that I would enjoy the course content.
The course lecturers were fantastic. They all brought their own expertise from different areas and were all so approachable. They gave constructive feedback and support, which was critical to the development of the students’ skills and their interest in the course.
Tell us about your experience as an undergraduate student
The networking opportunities were one of the highlights and I met so many friends and contacts who have helped me achieve the career that I have today.
I worked part time in years two and three to financially support myself. It was manageable alongside the course timetable, although of course I would’ve preferred to have given the course my 100 per cent focus. The University’s support services were very helpful with career and financial advice.
How did Solent prepare you for your career?
Solent helped by pushing me to develop a broad range of skills relevant to the industry. Practicing these skills over three years allowed me to experiment and focus on a niche area, which consequently led to a career within the industry.
What’s been your proudest career achievement?
It was definitely winning ‘Best Game Foley’ for ‘Diablo IV’ (Blizzard Entertainment) at the Game Audio Network Guild Awards.
Tell us about your current role
My current role involves sound asset creation through audio and synthesis and integrating sounds into game play using specialised middleware for behaviours (Wwise) and game engine for functionally. I really like the collaborative effort each discipline shares to complete an amazing game that consumers love.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of studying in your subject area?
I would recommend it if you love audio and music in any capacity. It’s a course that teaches a blend of technical, theoretical and creative skills. Solent has amazing facilities and a great support network.
Start making your own waves
Course studied
BA (Hons) Music Business
The music business offers many careers within artist management, record labels, streaming platforms and live event promotion. Our graduates now work at Universal, Spotify, The O2 and Live Nation.
BSc (Hons) Popular Music Production
Produce the perfect sounds in cutting-edge studios and collaborate with the community of creatives out of Southampton’s vibrant music scene.
BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance and Production
Play and produce your tracks. Combining performance techniques and studio recording skills, using digital and analogue studios, this degree is ideal to help launch your career in the music industry.
