Higher Certificate in Sound Engineering and Music Production - Full-time

Overview

This programme is offered in conjunction with our partners Sound Training College (STC).

Located at Rory Gallagher Corner and the Temple Bar Music Centre (The Button Factory), Sound Training College has been setting standards in audio education for over 30 years. A variety of full and part time courses to suit all learners are offered in Music Production, Sound Engineering, Live Sound, Lighting and Festival Management.

This Sound Engineering and Music Production course is focused on providing students with the essential knowledge, industry experience, contacts and opportunities required to succeed in the music industry. This includes access to Sound Training Productions, a recording and production company led by graduates and students, which offers unrivalled, unique opportunities and links with key contacts in the music industry.

Key themes include:

• Studio and Recording Techniques

• Music Technology and Digital audio workstations

• Electronic Music Production

• Client based Music Production

• Acoustics and Psychoacoustics

• Pre-production, Artist Development and all aspects of Client Work

• Composition

• Music Business

• Project management

• Practical Electronics

Content is complemented by a vast array of seminars from industry professionals, all contributing to the creative and technical development of the student.

Students can look forward to abundant access to studio facilities, both in class time and on project work, as well as real-world project experience, examples of which can be seen on our the Sound Training Productions website. Software used on the course includes Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton. See our facilities for hardware and studio equipment.

To find out more about the portfolio requirements or to visit STC for a tour of the facilities head over to their contact page.

Aims and Objectives

The specific objectives of the programme are to:

1. Equip learners with an understanding of the fundamentals of critical listening, psycho-acoustics and the physics of sound, and the role that these play in the production process on both a technical and creative level.

2. Develop learners’ understanding of the role of the studio, engineer, producer, and preparatory works (preproduction), when working with a client and other creatives (of a similar level to their skillset) in a production setting.

3. Provide learners with the practical and technical skills to work with industry-standard hardware and software.

4. Familiarise learners with the compositional process, and the role of composer, and composition in production, with a focus on electronic music.

5. Develop learners’ soft and transferable skills, preparing them to work effectively and collaboratively with others.

6. Equip learners with knowledge of business concepts, project management and marketing in music production.

7. Develop learners’ transferable skills, which are directly complementary and relevant to both the workplace and a production setting.

8. Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner.

9. Provide the learner with a foundation for career development, innovation and further study.

Delivery

All learners are expected to attend in person in class.
Online Access: Enrolled students will receive access to both DBS and Sound Training Online platforms and resources.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this programme are:
- Leaving Certificate – Applicants must obtain a minimum of  506/H7 to include Maths & English or another language.
- FETAC/QQI – A full Level 5 FETAC/QQI Award (i.e. 8 modules)  or
- A-Levels / GCSE – Applicants must obtain a minimum of 4 GCSE passes at grade C to include Mathematics and English or another language, plus 1 A-Level pas- BTEC – Applicants must obtain a minimum of a BTEC National Diploma in a cognate area.
- For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.