3 x 10 Week courses – Tuesdays 6pm – 9pm
Across the three terms students will cover much of the technical knowledge required to produce various genres of music.
The course will help you to develop a comprehensive understanding of music production techniques, gain proficiency in using Logic Pro X and other industry-standard tools, as well as
cultivate skills in recording, editing, mixing, and finalising music projects.
Autumn Term 2024: 24th Sept – 5th Dec 2024 (half term 28th – 31st Oct) – Introduction to Music Production
This course will help students to familiarise themselves with the fundamental tools and techniques of music production using Logic Pro X.
Topics Covered:
- Computer Basics: Understanding the digital audio workstation (DAW) environment.
- Audio Interfaces: Setup and configuration for optimal sound quality.
- MIDI Controller Keyboard: Basics of MIDI and its applications in music production.
- The Mixer: Introduction to mixing consoles and signal flow.
- MIDI & Software Instruments: Creating and manipulating MIDI tracks.
- Composition/Arrangement: Basic principles of song structure and arrangement.
- Editing: Techniques for editing audio and MIDI.
- Synthesis: Introduction to sound design and synthesizers.
Practical Exercises:
Hands-on sessions with Logic Pro X to create a simple music track.
Weekly assignments to reinforce each topic.
Assessment:
Project: Create a short composition using MIDI and software instruments.
Spring Term 2025: 14th Jan – 25th March 2025 (half term 17th – 20th Feb) – Recording and Audio Editing
Students will be equipped with the necessary skills for high-quality audio recording and editing.
Topics Covered:
- Cables and DI’s: Understanding connections and direct input boxes.
- Room Acoustics for Recording: Basics of acoustic treatment and soundproofing.
- Types of Microphones: Overview of dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.
- Microphone Positioning: Techniques for optimal sound capture.
- Microphone Polar Patterns: Understanding cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns.
- Phase: Identifying and correcting phase issues.
- Preamps and Amplifiers: Basics of signal amplification.
- Editing Audio: Advanced editing techniques in Logic Pro X.
Practical Exercises:
Recording sessions to practice microphone techniques.
Editing workshops to refine audio tracks.
Assessment:
Project: Record and edit a short live performance
Summer Term 2025: 22nd April – 1st July 2025 (half term 26th – 29th May): Mixing and Finalising
This final term aims to develop and advance your mixing skills, supporting you to learn techniques for finalising music projects.
Topics Covered:
- Room Acoustics for Monitoring: Setting up an optimal listening environment.
- Speakers and Speaker Positioning: Choosing and placing monitors for accurate sound.
- Setting Up a Mixer for Mixing: Advanced mixing console techniques.
- Reverbs and Delays: Using effects to enhance the mix.
- Gating: Techniques for using a noise gate to control noise and dynamics.
- Automation: Automating parameters for dynamic mixes.
- EQ: Equalization techniques for balancing frequencies.
- Dynamic Processing: Compression and limiting for dynamic control.
Practical Exercises:
Mixing sessions with real-world projects.
Collaborative projects to simulate professional environments.
Assessment:
Final Project: Mix and master a complete track, incorporating all learned techniques.
Additional Components:
Resources: Access to online tutorials, recommended reading, and free/trial software licenses.
This detailed outline provides a comprehensive framework for the course, ensuring students gain both technical skills and practical experience in music production.
