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 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 project in the studio and record and mix a range of recording artists. You'll continue to investigate the music industry examining how industry professionals get paid to do the job they love.
During the final term of the first year of the Audio and Music Technology course, you'll begin to look at more advanced music production techniques and learn how to sample audio and synthesise your own original sounds. You'll explore current trends in the music industry – investigating how people purchase music and how the music industry reacts to the ever changing economic and technological landscape.
During this term you'll discover how music technology is used in live performance. You'll develop, produce and perform your own live show or DJ set and find out about the key milestones that have influenced modern music. You'll also record and produce your own radio shows and podcasts, both are essential ways of promoting your own music and getting your music heard by a wider audience.
During this term you'll work as a team in the recording studio to plan and produce your own recording sessions. Working to a budget you'll be responsible for booking your own equipment, artists and recording and mixing down your final tracks. You'll also be introduced to how sound is used in films and the techniques used to create film soundtracks.
The final term is all about you. You'll organise your own end of course gigs and club nights and learn about music event promotion. You'll also design your own website and learn how to utilise social networking channels to promote yourself or your band. You'll also learn about mastering and the techniques that are used to create a final audio product, ready for distribution.
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. This year, in light of the current restrictions, we’ve taken this showcase online.
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: 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.
Lucy Crisp
“Lots of the tutors have industry experience, so they really know what they’re talking about.”
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
