BA (Hons) Degree in Audio and Music Technology

Overview

Faculty: Audio
Duration: 3 Years Full Time
Delivery: Classroom
Level: QQI Level 8
Start Date: September 2024
Course Director: Eoin Smith
Fees: Please Refer to ‘Fees’ Section Below
Certification: BA (Hons.) Degree

COURSE CONTENT

Aimed at musicians, DJs, computer music hobbyists, and general lovers of music, this programme will equip you with the skills required to succeed as a modern-day audio professional. It is currently essential to be skilled in an array of disciplines and areas to become successful in the audio industry. These areas range from an understanding of recording studios, live venues, TV and radio, post-production, to the nuances of live performance. Please see below for further information on the modules you will cover in this programme:
 

STAGE ONE (Year 1) MODULES

Music Technology
Applications Technology
Recording Studio Principles
Music Technology

This module covers basic principles of modern music technology. You will explore drum programming, samplers and VSTs. You will also learn how to set up the hardware and software of a music production suite and learn to record, edit and mix using computer based programmes.

Applications Technology

You will be trained in the use of industry standard DAW software (Pro Tools and Logic Pro X). The curriculum and assessment is based on the official vendor programmes.

Recording Studio Principles

You will be introduced to the operating principles of modern recording studios and the issues in operating a recording system from microphone choice and placing techniques to basic editing and mixing techniques for final mix down.

Music Theory/Aural Training
The Music Industry
Music Theory/Aural Training

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.

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.

Sound Reinforcement
Critical Listening & Audio Analysis
Sound Reinforcement

You will be introduced to the theory, techniques and practices involved in implementing appropriate sound reinforcement for a live performance event.

Critical Listening & 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.

STAGE TWO (Year 2) MODULES

Advanced Music Technology
Music Production And Recording
Sound Design
Advanced Music Technology

You will gain further knowledge in this area, conducting research into virtual instruments and doing an in-class group presentation.

Music Production And Recording

You will develop your recording skills to a professional industry standard including pre and post-production elements, 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.

Sound Design

During this creative module, you will be required to develop sounds for a range of environments (machine, underwater, space) and how to use processing techniques to enhance and deliver your soundscapes and ideas.

Advanced Music Theory/Aural Training
Advanced Sound Reinforcement
Advanced Music Theory/Aural Training

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.

Advanced Sound Reinforcement

You will acquire the foundational skills required to design, configure and calibrate a P.A. System to professional standards. Utilising prediction and analysis software, you will develop system engineering skills and plan and realise a live event.

Live Music and Performance Technologies
History of Music Production and Recording
Live Music and Performance Technologies

During this module you will be introduced to the technical aspects of live performance. You will work with stage set-ups and learn about the connectivity between music technology software and performance hardware.

History of Music Production and Recording

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.

STAGE THREE (Year 3) MODULES

Dissertation
Advanced Music Production and recording
Studio Designing Installation
Dissertation

You will work closely with a tutor to complete a large body of work. This project is led by you and may focus on any area worthy of academic research. You will further develop your skills in critical thinking and put your creativity into practice.

Advanced Music Production and recording

You will develop your recording skills to a professional industry standard including pre and post-production elements, 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.

Studio Designing Installation

You will gain practical and theoretical knowledge in the design and setup of a recording studio environment. You will learn how to capture and analyse acoustic information for a given environment and develop acoustic solutions to issues identified.

Professional Practice
Sound Design for Games
Professional Practice

You will learn self-marketing skills and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to the world of music/audio, all of which are required to set up your own business and trade as freelance/sole trader professional.

Sound Design for Games

You will be equipped with the theory and practical knowledge to provide audio content for games and interact with the industry middleware and audio engines. This will be developed incrementally to help the learner in the creation of dynamic sound environments that interact directly with the game software.

Live Events and Audio Streaming Technologies
Audio Post Production Techniques
Live Events and Audio Streaming Technologies

You will gain further knowledge on how live performance systems can be programmed and performed and the skills needed to plan and realise a live performance.

Audio Post Production Techniques

Having already developed considerable recording experience, you will focus your skills into the area of post-production. You will learn about the standards and practices to deliver products for film and TV to industry specifications.

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TUTORS

Course Director: Eoin Smith

Eoin started using computer music tools at a very young age and quickly caught the bug for music technology. After finishing his PhD in Maynooth University, Eoin went on to work in a few different teaching roles across Dublin. An avid Ableton Live user, Eoin also has experience working in Live Sound, Post Production, and at Dublin Vinyl, a record manufacturing plant, before joining the team here at Pulse College.

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Greg Clooney

Greg is a freelance Mix/Mastering Engineer, Post Production Engineer, Sound Designer and Educator. Greg has worked with a wide range of music clients including U2, Herbie Hancock and Dionne Warwick, as well as Post Production projects for RTÉ, TG4 and Channel 4 and a number of live TV sound roles including The Late Late Show, Primetime and The Saturday Night Show. Greg is an expert in Music Technology and is also an Avid certified Pro Tools Operator and Instructor for both Music and Post Production, Professional. Greg has a Masters(MPhil) in Music and Media Technologies from Trinity College.

Lee Edgeworth

Lee is an audio engineer and system technician. Starting this profession in 2009 he is currently the Front of House engineer for Gavin James. Lee is all a Freelance audio engineer for several companies and artists. He runs his the own audio solutions company, AES _ Audio Edge Solutions.

HOW TO APPLY

Admissions

General Course Requirements

  • 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

This course is a direct application course and involves an interview. Applications are currently taken through the Application Form below. Upon receiving your application form our Admissions Team will contact you to schedule your course interview. Note: Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will also be considered.

Further Progression

In line with national policy, graduates from the level 8 programme would be eligible to progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9.

Graduates may wish to further extend their industry-based professional qualifications as new technologies and developments emerge.

Educational Requirements

Irish Citizens under 23 years of age

Entry onto our Degree 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:To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media.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

Irish mature student over 23 years of age

Students over the age of 23 years of age on 1st January of the year of the course is classified as a Mature Student.Mature applicants are advised to apply directly through the college using the ‘Apply now’ button below. Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview. Applicants will be asked for a detailed CV. Applications should be made before the 31st August the year of the course.

International Student living abroad or in Ireland

Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview. International Students below the age of 23 years of age will be required to submit High School Diploma Scripts and any additional Education Certifications.

Minimum language proficiency requirements

All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where an applicant’s mother tongue is not English, they are required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test.

The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English below CEF B2- must first reach this minimum standard.

Note: Students who do not satisfy Pulse College’s English language requirements for direct entry will be required to take an English language preparatory course before commencing studies.

If you have any queries on the above please get in touch with our admissions team admissions [at] pulsecollege [dot] com

Interview Process

Interview Process

This course requires an interview as part of your applications. Please see the FAQ’s below for commonly asked questions regarding the interview process.

Where do the interviews take place?

The interviews are held in:
Windmill Lane Recording Studios,
20 Ringsend Road,
Dublin 4

How long will the interview be?

The interview will be typically 20–30 minutes long.

What should I bring?

If you could please bring:
– A copy of your C.V. that includes results of any music exams / tests you have completed to date. It should also include details of any groups / associations you have been a member of. It should also list your hobbies / interests
– If you have a portfolio of work, please bring that too; CD is the preferred format, and it should include no more than four pieces. These pieces should demonstrate your abilities as a musician, composer or producer (or all three!). Please note this is not a mandatory requirement
– A copy of your passport/drivers licence
– A copy of any previous education transcripts and certificates

Is there a music test?

No, there will be some questions about music. You won’t be asked to play an instrument. This takes place in a chatty, comfortable atmosphere. We will also ask you to discuss your influences in relation to producers, composers, etc.

How many people will be interviewing me?

The panel typically comprises 2-3 people.

Apart from the minimum requirements, what do they generally look for in a candidate?

Successful candidates have a strong, proven interest in this area. They are passionate about music and are prepared to work very hard towards their goals.

“The caliber of the teachers were first class in terms of instruction and information. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot!”
Google Review

Cheryl Cobern Browne

FEES

Irish / EU (Residing in Ireland)

Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 8,950*

2% PFL Charge of €179 included in Total Fee Per Year

Flexible Payment Option
Deposit: €800 (payable upon acceptance onto the course, following interview)
Enrolment Fee: €3,500 (payable by September)
Instalments: 4 monthly payments of €1,162.50 (Oct – Jan)

Year 2 Course Fees: €8,950

Year 3 Course Fees: €8,950

International / EU (living outside of Ireland)

Course fees are paid directly to the International Office of our partner college: Griffith College.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Location: Dublin

Please click here for fee charges

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