Course summary

This course will nurture and develop core skills in music and sound media technology as well as academia with a focus upon freelance employment in the music and sound industries along with higher level critical thinking. Course content will explore core competencies in the field of music and sound including DAW production, composition, working with different media, studio practices and professional practices culminating in a major project in the second year. A vocational and practical approach to higher education encouraging learners to interact and engage with clients to develop their career in music. Learners will have access to industry standard recording studios and engage in smaller group sizes taught in more traditional classroom environments allowing for greater interaction with staff and peers. Learners studying for BTEC Higher Level Diplomas in Sound Media will be expected to develop the following skills during their programme of study: • Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically • The ability to locate, read and use appropriate literature and contextual information with a full and critical understanding • The ability to think independently and solve problems • The ability to take responsibility for their own learning and recognise their own learning style • Obtaining and integrating several lines of subject-specified evidence to formulate and develop ideas • Applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems • Recognising the moral and ethical issues of design-based enquiry and experimentation and appreciating the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct • Designing, planning, conducting and reporting on assignments • Undertaking studio practice in a responsible, safe and ethical manner • Developing an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of Sound Media, and the capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, marshal arguments in a mature way and engage in debate and dialogue with both specialists and non-specialists. Trips are arranged throughout the year subject to availability and a range of guest speakers/lecturers are invited in. There is a large emphasis on client engagement for learners to engage in real world work experience meaningful to their chosen career path. Course progression: Level 6 BA Hons Music Technology Top Up at Bedford College or Level 6 at another University Career progression: Music Producing, Audio/Sound/Recording Engineering, Artist, Composer, Songwriter, Session Musician, Sound Designer, Foley Artist, Manager, Publisher, Label Owner, Marketing, Promotion, Publishing, Events, Teaching