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BA (Hons) in Music Production

BA (Hons) in Music Production

Overview

Learn the skills required to succeed as a modern day Music Producer with this unique, industry-focused programme

 Our BA (Hons) in Music Production course is run in partnership with Pulse College and has uniquely been designed by the industry, for the industry.

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Why Study Music Production at Griffith College?

Our partnered BA (Hons) in Music Production is available on a full-time basis over a three-year period and taught on campus at Pulse College. The aim of the course is to equip you with a high level of competence in specific skills for the areas of studio recording, live sound, music technology and much more.

  • Delivered by academic leaders and industry professionals to international industry standard
  • Develop specialist skills and knowledge will enable you to find employment within a range of areas within the industry including music recording, post-production and sound design for the web.
  • Students will have access to state of the art facilities
  • Use of industry relevant software applications including Apple Logic Pro Certified Centre and Avid Pro Tools Centre
  • 24-hour studio access

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Course details
Year One
Music Technology 1

You will learn how to set up the hardware and software of a music production suite to record, edit and mix music. You will learn how to programme Drums and Beats, and how to use Samplers and Synthesisers.

Applications Technology

You will learn how to use industry standard Digital Audio Workstation software (Pro-Tools and Logic Pro X) to record and edit audio and MIDI. You will learn how to produce music from conception to final mix-down, including the use of effects and automation, in a professional workflow.

Recording Studio Principles

You will be introduced to the operating principles of modern recording studios. You will gain insights into audio processing and the operation and signal flow of analogue mixing consoles. You will complete a number of recordings to understand the principles of capturing sound.

Applications Of Music Theory 1

You will develop your understanding of musical theory, analyse musical structure and form (from Rock and Pop music to Classical and Jazz) and Aural Training skills. You will develop your notational skills using Sibelius notation software to convey musical ideas to musicians with musical vocabulary.

Explorations In Music

You will develop your musical understanding by exploring genres of music out of your ‘comfort zone’. You will also expand your musical vocabulary and analytical skills by exposure to wide range of musical works from various musical genres and periods in history.

History Of Music Production

You will learn how to recognise the stylistic traits of music production in a historical context and develop your critical and contextual language in relation to music production.

The Music Industry

You will get a broad understanding of the music industry, its various roles and structures within the industry; the commercial, the regulatory environment, and the wider music culture.

Critical Listening And Audio Analysis

You will be introduced to the principles of sound, estimating changes in sound frequency, sound level, band limitations and irregularities, distortion, noise, etc.

Year Two
Music Technology 2

You will develop your competence and confidence in programming Samplers, Sequencers and Synthesisers You will learn advanced automation and synchronisation techniques in Post-production and to technically manage the interchange of projects between recording studios.

Music And Image

You will learn the processes involved in composing music for TV and Film; It also aims to expand your musical vocabulary and analytical skills through studying the craft of composing to image. Emphasis is placed on developing your own compositional techniques.

Sound Design

You will gain an understanding of the theory, the technologies, and practical skills central to the production and post-production of sound for virtual environments, and the role of sound design effects in other media.

Applications Of Music Theory 2

You will develop your foundational knowledge of musical theory and aural training skills. Musical forms in popular and contemporary music genres will be analysed. Notational and theoretical skills will be applied using Sibelius software. You will develop your musical vocabulary to convey musical ideas to musicians.

Music Production And Recording 1

You will work in the role of a modern music producer utilising technical and interpersonal skills to facilitate a project from pre-production to completion.

Research Methods

You will develop your research skills such as developing a research idea, investigating prior work in the area, writing a literature review and evaluating previous studies.

Sound For Performance

You will learn the live sound environment, health & safety, equipment, techniques and standard procedures utilised in producing live sound for an event.

Business of Digital Media

You will understand the creative and communicative industry of which you will become a part. Key aspects of the media sectors market structure and development will be addressed. Other areas covered include marketing, finance, audience theories and entrepreneurship in the media sector.

Professional Client Project 1 (summer)

You will work at a professional level in the role of Music Producer. You will source a client and plan and develop a project through negotiation with their tutor to facilitate the smooth flow of a project through its various stages from pre-production to completion.

Year Three
Dissertation

You may select to present an academic dissertation or a dissertation by practice. You will explore new ideas through research; develop independent research and learning skills; develop the skills necessary to plan and produce an extended, formally written document; and develop creativity through independent practical work and expand knowledge in areas of personal interest.

This module will be the culmination of your study. You will explore, through research and writing, subjects deemed worthy of academic investigation, or the development of new ideas through practice based project work.

Music Production And Recording 2

You will develop your recording skills to a professional industry standard including pre and post-production elements and recording large acoustic ensembles. You will manage the studio environment with an orchestra or large ensemble, and develop your communication skills required to liaise with clients.

Composition For Visual Media

You will explore the use of main themes, underscoring and the harmonic languages of soundtracks. Coursework consists of compositions to image, in various compositional styles and technical skills required to writing to image. You will critically consider the various roles that music can have when used with visual media.

Mixing, Remixing And Mastering

You will create professional quality mixes, remixes and master audio across a wide range of genres and listening platforms. You will explore all aspects of the mixing process, in-depth analysis and comparison of analogue versus digital mixing with focus on technical processes along with aesthetic and genre considerations. The final element of this module focusses on the mastering stage.

Professional Practice

You will be equipped with a working knowledge of the ethical and fiscal standards of the professional bodies and the practical understanding of the complex legal implications of intellectual property in the music industry. You will develop skills in presenting, creating an industry cv and applying for industry jobs aswell as developing your digital presence online. 

Studio Design And Installation

You will learn the practical and theoretical knowledge in the main areas of studio design and related industries. You will become familiar with various systems and operations using industry software currently used in acoustic analysis. 

Professional Client Project 2 (summer)

You will work at a professional level in the role of a modern Music Producer in a professional recording studio. You will source a client and plan and develop a project through negotiation with your tutor to facilitate the smooth flow of a project through its various stages from pre-production to completion. 

Course Contacts

If you have any questions please get in touch with Sarah Walsh, Head of Admissions for Pulse College, at [email protected]

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Irish Citizen Under 23 Years of Age

Entry onto our Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:

2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)

and

Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)

To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English

Or:

FETAC Level 6 / HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media or similar

Or:

a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar.

Applicants will also be expected to fulfil the following requirements;

  • Grade 5 in Music or equivalent (candidates are required to have prior knowledge in Music Theory)
  • A proven interest in audio and/or music technology, and to display some interest in related creative media arts
  • Basic knowledge of computers (Mac/PC, and audio software): helpful but not essential

Mature applicants will be required to interview in Windmill Lane Recording Studios.

Note: Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will also be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility. All applicants will have to complete an interview with Pulse College.

 Applicants under 23 years of age will need to upload copies of the following:

  • Photo ID (passport/driving licence) 
  • GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit if applicable
  • Leaving Certificate/High School diploma results

Applicants over 23 years of age (mature applicants) will be asked for copies of the following:

  • Photo ID (passport/driving licence)
  • GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit if applicable
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Fees
Tuition Fees
Irish/EU

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 8,415.00

International

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Non-EU students: a Medical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee of EUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

EU Living Abroad: EUR 9,350.00

Direct Debit Scheme

Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please download our Fee Payment Information document to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

  • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
  • Email: [email protected]

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression 

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Music Production programme are eligible to be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree.

Career Progression 

 Previous graduates of the BA (Hons) in Music Production programme have found employment in a variety of sectors within music industry. Some of the many great artists or facilities past pupils have worked with are: Prince, Kings of Leon, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, U2, REM, Kylie Minogue, Windmill Pictures, Brown Bag, Ardmore Studios, RTE, FM104, TV3, RTE Radio, The Apprentice, Masterchef, Little Brittan, Rivercottage, Harry Potter, Casino Royale, MTV X-Factor, The Voice, Slane, Oxygen, O2, Electric Picnic, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

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