Course summary

Whether your interests are in electroacoustic or digital composition, sound installations or audio-visual work, our course focuses on using technology to create original and innovative music. You will be able to tailor your study to focus on your individual creative practice area and choose from a diverse range of modules to develop your skills in fields such as hardware hacking, live coding and electronic instrument building. Designed to meet the needs of contemporary musicians who want to maximise their skills in the sonic arts, the course blends theory and practice to deepen your contextual knowledge, creativity and research skills. The hands-on nature of the programme means that it is also well suited to teachers or arts professionals who want to upskill or broaden their musical horizons. Our creative, research-active staff will support and encourage your work in a lively environment of constructive conversation and debate. You will also have the opportunity to engage with visiting artists and scholars in workshops and guest lectures. Digital music and sound design skills are in high demand for film, TV and radio productions, live theatre and festivals. This MA will prepare you for a range of employment paths in the creative industries, as well as offering further training for those already in work seeking career development opportunities. Key features

• Learn in dedicated facilities, which include a diffusion studio for advanced composition and ambisonic spatial design in up to 24.2 channels, an AV studio for combined video editing and 5.1 surround mixing and monitoring, a sound art laboratory, a professional recording and mastering studio, and a multichannel studio for 5.1 and 18.1 channel work respectively.

• Join the Music, Technology and Innovation – Institute for Sonic Creativity (MTI2), a research institute that encompasses a broad and continually evolving range of artistic creation and theory focused on innovative application of new technologies to music.

• Focus your development on a specific field of creative practice or extend into new areas. You will be challenged to question and experiment within your area of practice and to interrogate critically each avenue of your studies

• Benefit from DMU’s industry partnerships with local music venues, such as the Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre and Curve theatre, and national and international organisations, including the Groupe de Recherches Musicales, the ZKM and Philharmonia Orchestra.

• Stage your work in our on-campus performance and installation venues or through our partner organisations. DMU’s Dirty Electronics Ensemble, for example, have performed at Tate Britain and the Dome of Visions in Stockholm.

• Meet like-minded people by choosing to join our music ensembles (orchestra, chamber choir, jazz band and taiko) and societies, including acapella, audio recording, choir, DJ, gospel choir and modern barbershop.