Duration: 6 months

DAW Usage

This module is only for those who already have a working knowledge of music production using a DAW. For this reason it is an ideal progression for those who have completed the Introduction to Music Production module, or for external applicants, you should ensure you are already confident at producing music in the DAW of your choice. We would recommend sending in some tracks, or coming in to meet with a tutor prior to application so we can try to ensure you’re joining at the right level.

The module is not DAW focussed, looking instead at transferrable music production techniques relevant for any platform. Lessons are however delivered on Ableton Live. If you are not familiar with Ableton Live, this is not a problem. We can provide you with free online Ableton 101 training videos, and access to our Midi Lab facilities and tech support staff prior to the course starting so that you understand the basics of Ableton Live for lessons. You do not need to necessarily purchase Ableton at home unless you choose to, as our facilities are available for you to use 7 days a week. When it comes to assignments, speak with your tutor, but the likelihood is you will be able to submit work using the DAW of your choice should you prefer not to use Ableton Live. We will expect you to be comfortable with the basics of Ableton before starting, and all external applicants will be required to sit in on an initial crash-lesson prior to the module starting.

Module description

Are you already producing, but often feel that something is lacking from your music? Then this is also the module for you.

Over 6 months you’ll study different types of synthesis (subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, granular, additive) and sampling techniques allowing you to confidently recreate the sound you’re looking for from your favourite track – or to create something unique to you: no more presets! We’ll break down a range of different tracks to see why they work allowing you to incorporate these proven techniques into your own productions.

Finally, you’ll learn in depth mixdown and mastering techniques using a range of high-end processors and effects from manufacturers like Native Instruments, UAD and iZotope. Give you music clarity, punch and depth, and make it stand out in a crowded marketplace. You’ll be learning in a creative environment, from industry active producers who have a string of releases and remixes to their names. school of electronic music is a Native Instruments Education Partner.

Sound Design with Native Instruments Komplete

Sound theory, advanced Massive synthesis, FM8, Absynth, introduction to Reaktor/blocks, advanced sampling using Battery, effective layering of sounds, creative audio editing, recording, editing and processing vocals, vocoding.

Music Production Skills

Further critical/analytical listening skills, advanced production techniques, advanced synthesis/sound design, case studies: how to structure music of different styles/genres.

Advanced Mixdown

Gain structure, effective metering (dBFS, dBVU), balance, panning, EQ (vintage analogue and digital), noise gates, compression types (VCA, FET, Opto, Vari MU), creative modulation effects, reverb and delay families, case studies: mixing different types of music and instrumentation, further mastering techniques.

Duration: 3 months

Why is the Electronic Music Composition Module automatically added to all courses?

Unless students have a background in musical theory or have played an instrument, they commonly ask:

How do I start and finish a track? How do I make a groove & arrange beats? How can I create a track, with a sample as a starting point? What is a chord structure? How do I know if this vocal is in key? How do I make a bigger drop? How do I make a better breakdown? How do I write a hook? How do I finish my arrangement? How can I get creative when I open Ableton Live?

This module will answer and teach you all these techniques, and more.

It will guarantee to give you the edge and help you to be a successful, creative music producer or audio engineer. It will give you a solid grounding in musical theory: a key area of your musical skill set which will allow you to create ideas quickly with confidence, and improve your musical ear. It will help you put your ideas in to an arrangement ready for mixdown.

You may be able to produce music to a high level but it won’t be enough if it doesn’t sound musical. Once you are on your way as a producer, remixer or sound engineer, having an understanding of music composition will be indispensable as you will be able to effectively communicate with vocalists, artists and musicians around you in a language they understand.

If you feel that you already have a good grounding in Electronic Music Composition and this module’s valuable content, you are welcome to discuss the options with a course advisor who may suggest that you opt out of this module after registration.

They may require that you supply examples of your understanding of the subject.

Some examples of content

The keyboard, bars & beats, tempo, analysing music, music theory, keys & scales, basic chords, extended chords, inversions, remixing, acapellas, treating stems, sourcing sounds, automation, linking sounds and ideas, structure, creating hooks, song sections, arrangement, analysing songs, song templates, audio sampling, working out key, MIDI from audio, transposition, chord progressions, dynamic chords, arpeggiators, gated chords, writing melodies, harmony, groove and bass lines, idea generation.