hnd music production

Template last updated: July 2012 Version: 1 Approved by: HE Review Group

Programme Specification

HND Music Production

1. Key Programme Facts

Awarding Body Pearson

Teaching Institution Bridgwater College

Curriculum Area Music & Performing Arts

Accreditation by Professional Body Not applicable

UCAS Code 1G3R

College Course Code RK141

Mode(s) of Study available and programme duration

Full Time – specify duration (2 years)

Level and Total Credits Awarded Level 4, 120 Credits ‐ Higher National Certificate (HNC) Level 5, 240 Credits – Higher National Diploma (HND)

Credit Structure 120 Credits at Level 4 120 Credits at Level 5

Delivery location Bridgwater Centre

Language of Study English

Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s)

Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies

Final Award for Certification HNC Music (Production) HND Music (Production)

External Reference Points UK Quality Code for Higher Education Subject Benchmark Statements Employer expectations Student consultation

Date of approval of this specification

July 2012

Date review due 2015/16

2. Purpose of this Programme Specification This document is relevant for prospective students, enrolled students, employers, teaching teams, internal college reviewers and external reviewers. The programme specification is an overview to the programme as a whole. It explains how the programme will be taught, assessed and the skills and competencies the student will be able to demonstrate if they take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided.

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Role of the Awarding Body

Pearson is the awarding body and as such have overall responsibility for the quality and standards of the programme. Bridgwater College is approved to manage and deliver the programme within Pearson’s quality framework and Pearson accredits the successful student with their final award.

3. Aims of the Programme

Bridgwater College has developed this programme to equip graduates with the skills to meet the needs and expectations of the local/regional/national industry. The programme aims to:

provide a vocationally relevant programme that enables students to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in Music Production

support graduates to develop a range of transferable skills, together with underpinning knowledge, to prepare them for employment for further academic progression

to develop competent technologists with the ability to apply the appropriate tools and techniques to support the creation, recording, and post processing of music to finish a professional product

to provide a broad range of studies directly relevant to a wide range of related careers in music & creative industries

to equip students with the necessary knowledge of music and media technology to support the creation, development and delivery of digital music products and interactive audio software systems

to develop independence and autonomy through work based learning and assessment in order to maximise potential as creative practitioners

4. Distinctive Features of the Programme This programme has the following:

This programme has been designed to prepare skilled and experienced technologists for a range of career options in the modern music & audio industries with primary focus on the creative application of audio technology used in the production, distribution and promotion of music and audio products.

There are two main iMac based computer music suites. Each workstation is equipped with Digidesign or Focusrite audio interfaces, MIDI controllers and the latest versions of industry standard music production software packages including: Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Max MSP, Native Instrument’s Komplete, Reason and the Adobe Creative Suite.

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There are also five, fully equipped recording studios featuring 48 channel Tascam digital consoles and one with a 48 channel Soundtracs large format analogue console, with additional software plug‐ins by Native Instruments, Universal Audio, SSL, Waves and Izotope alongside various outboard signal processors and a comprehensive microphone stock. There are also seven independent rehearsal rooms and four independent DJ mixing suites complete with the Technics, Pioneer, Allen & Heath and Vestax vinyl and CD mixing equipment.

The programme team have subject teaching experience across a wide range of learning levels and all hold relevant teaching and subject specific qualifications. In addition the team also have extensive industrial experience

Previous graduates form our HE programmes in this subject area have found employment with

a broad range of local employers including: Cygnus Music, Focusrite, APR Audio, Films@59, Igoe Ltd, Glucose Recordings and Up & Coming Studios.

This programme includes Apple Certified Training in Logic Pro ‐ this training will be embedded to the delivery of Unit 36 ‐ Music Technology in accordance with our agreement with Apple as an Authorised Training Centre for Education

5. Entry Requirements Minimum Requirement: HNC or Level 4 in related subject area. Entry is also subject to a successful interview and we would encourage experienced industry practitioners without the necessary UCAS points to apply.

6. Intended Programme Learning Outcome

Typically holders of the qualification will have demonstrated these characteristics or be able to do the following:

Level 5

A) Knowledge

1. Apply the principles & practices for music and audio production to meet final product specification

2. Employ the tools and techniques used for the creation, arrangement, recording and performance of music and audio.

3. Evaluate Legal, contractual and working practices of music distribution 4. Illustrate the musical and production characteristics in a musical performance or recording 5. Appraise the design and operation of various sound reinforcement systems 6. Demonstrate the tools and techniques for the design and creation of interactive music

applications for mobile devices

B) Understanding and skills

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1. Manage music production projects throughout the planning, development and delivery processes

2. Effectively use a range of digital and other information sources to synthesize and support arguments to a professional standard.

3. Critically evaluate tools and techniques used in computer based music production. 4. Reflect on the principles, practices and legal issues affecting the production & consumption of

music & audio products 5. Use and critically evaluate appropriate tools to operate and manage sound reinforcement

systems 6. Integrate and synchronise MIDI and audio equipment for a music performance environment. 7. Evaluate and use media and audio authoring tools for the design of interactive audio software

C) Other attributes

1. Utilise problem solving strategies and show initiative in challenging and unpredictable scenario 2. Analyse personal strengths and critically reflect on project outcomes to evaluate personal

performance 3. Exemplify the skills required to work professionally and responsibly in an industry environment.

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7. Programme Structure

Lecture

Seminar

Tutorial

Project Supervision

Dem

onstration

Practical

classes/workshops

Supervised time in

workshop/studio

Fieldwork

External Visits

Total

Hours

%

Hours % Hours % % Written Exam One to one sessions (not

tutorial)

Personal tutor meetings

Group Tutorials

Guest lectures

gp

sessions

Library/research skills

Careers fairs/sessions

External Visits

Total

43 Principles of Musical Sound D/601/1763 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0 30 2 0 10 0 4 0 8 54

49 Sound Creation & Manipulaiton R/601/1596 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

30 Music in Context L/601/1323 4 15 C 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

36 Music Technology K/601/1359 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

15 Creative Arts Research Skills J/601/1532 5 20 C 30 30 15% 170 85% 0 0% 200 100 0 0

52 Studio Recording & Engineering K/601/1538 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

5 Audio Mastering & Manufacture A/601/1527 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

38 New Media Technology L/601/1659 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

125 Total 240 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 240 23% 1010 77% 0 0% 1250 800 0 0

100% 0% 0%

Non‐timetabled activities which take

place as part of the overall year of study

but not at unit level (give total hours for

% Practical skills/

Oral assessment

Assessment Methods Summary

% Coursework

Scheduled Activities

(hours per unit)

Core/O

ptional

Teaching & Learning Methods Summary

Placement (incl WBL)

Independent

Guided Study

Total

Hours

Year One

Unit

Number Unit Name Level

Credit

Value

Pearson Unit

Code

Lecture

Seminar

Tutorial

Project Supervision

Dem

onstration

Practical classes/w

orkshops

Supervised time in

workshop/studio

Fieldwork

External Visits

Total

Hours%

Hours % Hours % % Written Exam One to one sessions (not

tutorial)

Personal tutor meetings

Group Tutorials

Guest lectures

gp

sessions

Library/research skills

Careers fairs/sessions

External Visits

Total

35 Music Studio Production D/601/1309 5 15 O 30 30 20% 100 67% 20 13% 150 100 0 0 30 2 0 10 0 4 0 8 54

42

Preparation, Process and Production in the

Creative Arts T/601/1719 5 20 C 3030 15%

170 85% 0 0% 200 100 0 0

27 Music Business in the 21st Century M/601/1332 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

12 Computer Music Composition and Production F/601/1545 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

24 Live Sound Systems Specification and Operation R/601/1761 5 15 O 30 30 20% 108 72% 12 8% 150 100 0 0

15 Critical Music Listening K/601/1328 5 15 C 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

45 Public Performance Technology Y/601/1311 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

63 (Imported) Interactive Media Design & Prototyping K/601/6528 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0

125 Total 240 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 240 23% 978 75% 32 2% 1250 800 0 0

100% 0% 0%

Non‐timetabled activities which take

place as part of the overall year of study

Teaching & Learning Methods Summary Assessment Methods Summary

Scheduled Activities Independent

Total

Hours % Coursework

% Practical skills/

Oral assessment

Placement (incl. WBL)

Year Two

Unit

Number Unit Name

Pearson Unit

Code

Level

Credit

Value Core/

Optional

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8. Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching methods vary from module to module. Usually they include a series of lectures, laboratory‐based practical activities, problem‐solving classes and tutorial support, often supplemented by on‐line resources and hand‐outs. Module Credit – A single unit in your HND is worth 15 or in some cases 20 credits and is standardised at 150 hours of study or 200 hours respectively, including taught time and independent study. This will often be broken down into lectures, seminars, practical sessions and self/directed study. This breakdown links with the learning outcomes of the course to provide you with a good range of study and learning skills.

9. Assessment Methods The rationale for the different methods and pattern of assessment are based on the aims, learning outcomes and rationale of the course. A variety of methods of assessment will be used within the course and will including coursework assignments, time‐constrained assessments and work‐based projects. Coursework assignments are an important element in the assessment of this course and is highly valued by students for the feedback it gives them on their work. This feedback provided by the tutor in the relevant section of the ‘Assignment Brief’ which will assessed and returned to students electronically. For coursework, a large variety of assignments are used, depending upon the subject and may include tasks such as:

oral presentations & vivas;

creative production tasks;

set practical workshop tasks ;

short tests completed in class;

written technical reports;

Many of the Coursework Assignments will be based on modern industry practice. These will include:

Studio based recording projects;

Certified software training

Development of audio software products for web audio delivery and mobile technologies;

Client liaison and responding to a client brief (as part of the New Media Technology unit);

Work based projects based in a professional recording studio and established performance venue, allowing students to gain experience of industry practice and working in unfamiliar environments.

Assessment calendars are issued at the start of the year to each year group for all assessments. The submitted assessments (through an online system) will be assessed by the module leader within 3 weeks and feedback will be given to each student through the assignment front sheet comments box along with other feedback written on the assessed piece. Verbal feedback is also offered if required. Assessment Regulations – regulations are available via Blackboard or in the Programme Handbook

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10. Learning Support Support is available as needed at every level of study. Every student will receive time for structured tutorial support to assist with their academic progress at programme level. There is a dedicated HE specialist in the Learning Resource Centre who can assist with any HE related enquiries. Other types of support are accessible via the Student Services team as needed on an individual basis.

11. Academic progression

Graduates from this programme could apply to progress onto the following courses at university:

BSc (Hons) Creative Industries (Popular Music Technology) (Top Up) ‐ University of Sound Wales

BA (Hons) Music Production Progression Course ‐ dBs ‐ Bristol

12. Employability

This qualification will equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding as detailed in Section 6. You can apply this skillset and experiences gained through the study of this qualification to confidently apply for employment in the following sectors:

Sound & Studio Recording

Audio Mastering

Sound and System Design (including theatre design)

Audio Software Programming

Live Audio Engineering

Music & Audio Distribution

Music & Audio Production

Music & Audio Post Production

Music Promotion & Radio

§Web Design

Music & Audio Product Development

Sound Design for Distributed Media Graduates from this programme have gained successful employment in the following areas:

Live Sound Engineer

Freelance Music Producer

Copyright Protection Manager for a Digital Music Distribution Company

Associate Lecturer ‐ Music Technology

Studio Owner / Manager

Assistant Studio Engineer

Dubbing Engineer

Customer Support ‐ Audio Manufacturing Company

13. Indicators of Quality and Standards QAA Higher Education Review, May 2014 College Inspection and Review Student feedback External Examining and reports Self Evaluation Self Assessment Monitoring