Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C)* including English and maths
- An appreciation of and a passion for music with a level of practical experience and/ or a Level 2 qualification in the subject area
Fees & funding:
Visit our fees & funding page for more information
How to apply:
When you're ready to apply, there's a few ways to start the process.
- Apply online - Start your application now!
- Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
- Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day
Introduction to the course
This practical college course will develop your music production, and sound engineering skills. You’ll be taken through all the stages of production, from laying down your original sounds to mixing, mastering and marketing and promoting your final product.
You’ll also get advice and guidance from industry professionals on how the music industry works, enabling you to get a head-start towards your chosen career.
96% of students on this course feel the teaching they receive is of a good standard (QDP Student Survey Results 2022)
You’ll learn:
- Advanced studio-based recording techniques
- Advanced DAW-based music production skills
- Creative synthesis and sampling skills
- Music and audio for media production
- Advanced mixing and mastering techniques
- The structure of the music industry - professions and organisations
- Event promotion
- Entrepreneurial and business skills
What you'll study
During the first term of the Audio and Music Technology course you'll be introduced to the recording studio and you’ll learn about the different equipment that is used to record and mix music. You'll also be introduced to music sequencing software and will learn essential keyboard and composition skills. You'll also begin to investigate the different roles and businesses that operate in the music industry and start plotting your own route to you chosen career.
You'll continue to develop your music production skills and will compose original music and undertake a remix project to create your own EP. You'll also participate in your first real recording projects in the studio and record and mix a range of recording artists. You'll continue to investigate the music industry examining the history of different music industry sectors including record labels, festivals and gigs, live performance and music production.
During this term you'll discover how music technology is used in live performance and will participate in lessons at various music venues around Nottingham. You'll develop, produce and perform your own live show and develop your live sound engineering skills. Your music industry focus moves to the future of the music industry looking at AI in music production, NFTs and crypto, use of data to promote your career and the latest trends in social media.
During this term you'll work as a team in the recording studio to plan and produce your own album. Working to a budget you'll be responsible for booking your own equipment, artists and recording and mixing down your final tracks.
In addition you will begin work on your own personal project. Spanning the whole of the 2nd year, you will create your own project. This could include your own album, putting on your own event, starting a record label or creating your own instrument. You will learn invaluable project management skills to prepare you for a future a sector of the industry that interests you the most.
This term is all about you. You'll design your own marketing materials and learn how to utilise social networking channels such as TikTok to promote yourself. You’ll explore the various ways music projects are marketing and design your own Electronic Press Kits, viral videos and photo shoots. You'll also learn about mastering and the techniques that are used to create a final audio product, ready for distribution.
Now it’s the time to put everything you have learnt into practice. As a group you will finish your album and complete your album release promotion. You’ll put the final touches to your personal project before launching your project at Celebrate, Confetti’s end of year Further Education showcase.
Maths & English
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
On this course you’ll have access to:
- Confetti’s contemporary Music & Events Hub, Metronome
- Sound recording and editing suites
- Recording studios and rehearsal rooms
- Mac and PC music labs
- Ableton Live and Logic Pro X DAW's
- Pioneer DJ equipment
Celebrate
Every year we welcome family, friends and industry professionals to watch, listen, test and play the fantastic work of our college students.
Industry Week
As a Confetti student, you will also take part in Industry Week where you’ll meet a range of professionals within your field of interest, as well as other areas of the creative industries.
Previous guests include: Sister Bliss, Jason Williamson (Sleaford Mods), Ken Scott Scott (Music producer and engineer for the likes of the Beatles, Elton John and David Bowie), Susan Rogers (worked with the likes of Jamie XX, Moxie (NTS Radio & Warehouse Project), Russel.T.Davies (It's a sin), Noel Clarke, Tony Visconti (who worked with David Bowie), Professor Green, DJ Yoda, Sleaford Mods, Jon Burgerman, Trevor Plunkett, Will Kennard (Chase and Status), Phil Thornalley and Chris Marsh, Michael Eavis, Jamal Edwards (SBTV), Andy Copping (Download Festival), Mistajam (BBC Radio 1), Piers Aggett (Rudimental), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1).
Check out our talks on demand here.
Continue your education
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on our range of foundation and full honours degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
Future careers:
- Music producer
- Studio engineer
- Live sound engineer
- Musician
- DJ
