Music Technology
Discussion
My son has just started his A level courses in his local 6th form.He has always been interested in music and is in a local band.He also works at a local recording studio/venue .For the past 2/3 years he has wanted to go into music recording/production as a career.(wish I could have done this 30 years ago,but was advised to "get a proper job")We've has a look round at Uni courses and there seem to be music tech degrees with either BSc or BA awards.Does anyone here have experience of this?If so what would be the difference between them.At first glance there is not too much.Is there any specific course/award which is recognised by the music industry?Thanks for reading.
Plotloss said:
I'll canvas me music producer type mate.
Thanks.He's had a look at LIPA and Leeds college of music.(on the web only)but there appears to be rather a lot of other establishments offering similar courses.Are there any places which are recognised by the industry?
>> Edited by esselte on Monday 26th September 13:29
>> Edited by esselte on Monday 26th September 14:11
Hmm - he already seems to have the best thing sewn up - namely an 'in' at a studio.
Getting a tech degree sounds like a 3yr jolly to me....will learn much about systems but not so much about manipulating the business. And anyone who wants good money is there on talent rather than on the basis of any piece of paper.
It might be the best thing going - gaining contacts and knowing how the latest kit works (but this moves on real fast). Or it could be three years not working at a studio getting a real apprenticeship and blagging the opportunity as it comes by.
Dangerous game playing the music biz.
I'm just off to help my mate build a studio - hope nothing falls on my toe
Getting a tech degree sounds like a 3yr jolly to me....will learn much about systems but not so much about manipulating the business. And anyone who wants good money is there on talent rather than on the basis of any piece of paper.
It might be the best thing going - gaining contacts and knowing how the latest kit works (but this moves on real fast). Or it could be three years not working at a studio getting a real apprenticeship and blagging the opportunity as it comes by.
Dangerous game playing the music biz.
I'm just off to help my mate build a studio - hope nothing falls on my toe
I did Media Technology BSc at Glamorgan Uni. We did a few modules witch the Music Technology course did the year after us.
Is he more artistic or technical? Doing Media Tech we spent a lot of time in Computer labs, and very little in the studios etc which was a bit of a let down. I'd say he needs to get the information on exactly what each of the courses covers. And choose the one that is focused around what he enjoys the most. And obviously if he has a choise of Durham vs Glamorgan (For example), go for Durham! It does help you get jobs regardless of what Tony and his muppets say.!
Is he more artistic or technical? Doing Media Tech we spent a lot of time in Computer labs, and very little in the studios etc which was a bit of a let down. I'd say he needs to get the information on exactly what each of the courses covers. And choose the one that is focused around what he enjoys the most. And obviously if he has a choise of Durham vs Glamorgan (For example), go for Durham! It does help you get jobs regardless of what Tony and his muppets say.!
I did an HNC in Rock Music up in Perth col. of further Education 1988-90, as a Drummer but was also very into the engineering side. It was very good.
From an Engineers point of view I would have thought that the BSc would be better than the BA as it's a science not an arts degree, but that's just the name.
I would think it all very much depends on what area of sound he wants to go into, Broadcast, Studio, Live or whatever.
If it's broadcast then the Beeb may be able to help or a video production company, thay may well just be able to give general advice - worth a try anyway.
As he is already working at a studio the best plan would probably be to go for an overall music business/ media degree.
He can learn tech stuff in the studio and from the tech staff at the Uni and even more so if he gets ahold of some gear himself.
Use the more holistic approach of the Uni degree to develop an understanding of how it all goes together, Artists/songs/intellectual property/record company structure and sales trends for a start.
He should not expect a high salary straight away and the work will be very hard. The Uni aspect will help him develop assosciated skills which will allow him to take on more responsibility and more diverse workloads.
more important than Ba or Bsc question is the Uni's staff/facilities and reputation.
He can learn tech stuff in the studio and from the tech staff at the Uni and even more so if he gets ahold of some gear himself.
Use the more holistic approach of the Uni degree to develop an understanding of how it all goes together, Artists/songs/intellectual property/record company structure and sales trends for a start.
He should not expect a high salary straight away and the work will be very hard. The Uni aspect will help him develop assosciated skills which will allow him to take on more responsibility and more diverse workloads.
more important than Ba or Bsc question is the Uni's staff/facilities and reputation.
York University has a very good reputation on the MusTech side of things.
Surrey University Tonmeister course is also well renowned (more studio recording than music technology though).
I agree that it will teach you techniques and how to use teh studio rather than how to survive the business.
Check out the course thoroughly - it could be anything from recording engineer training, through production work and writing your own music, to full on electroacoustic composition.
Surrey University Tonmeister course is also well renowned (more studio recording than music technology though).
I agree that it will teach you techniques and how to use teh studio rather than how to survive the business.
Check out the course thoroughly - it could be anything from recording engineer training, through production work and writing your own music, to full on electroacoustic composition.
If he really wants to do music as opposed to pop then:
A Diploma from here is bloody hard:
www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/diplomas/index.html
This is also very well recognised:
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/
A Diploma from here is bloody hard:
www.abrsm.org/?page=exams/diplomas/index.html
This is also very well recognised:
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/
bga said:
My bro is starting soon at a place in Guildford which offers the Music tech course in 2 years. Apparently it's pretty good but a fair bit of hard work.
The educational establishment you refer to is a load of bollox.
You turn up, are told what to do and are left to your own devices with virtually no support. And they rip you off at the same time. The teaching structure is rigid and linear ("in this sitation you should do this"
, and given that the subjet matter is ultimately one of creativity, what use is that to anyone? At the end of it, if you pass (many don't due to lack of support, and even more drop out early on, mostly when they realise they're wasting their time), you'll end up with a degree that almost nobody will recognise as being a "proper" qualification. That includes music companies, with the exception of those actually sponsoring the college.
Best just to get a business degree, learn about music production in your spare time and go it alone once you come out the other side IMO. It'd be hard work but I bet there'd be more pay-off.
The music industry is not the type of industry to pay much attention to qualifications - Whilst some companies will run graduate schemes, a greater number of companies simply ask for people with a reasonable level of intelligence and experience, but far more important are initiative, an evidently open mind and creative flair.
>> Edited by DanBoy on Monday 26th September 22:17
NiceCupOfTea said:
Simpo, ABRSM concentrates more on performance than composition - they are principally an exam board for instrumental/vocal performance.
For the Grades, yes, but my ex, a blinding pianist and (proper) singer who dispatched Grade 8 when she was about 16, is battling through the Diploma and doing plenty of composition! It's tough.
simpo two said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
Simpo, ABRSM concentrates more on performance than composition - they are principally an exam board for instrumental/vocal performance.
For the Grades, yes, but my ex, a blinding pianist and (proper) singer who dispatched Grade 8 when she was about 16, is battling through the Diploma and doing plenty of composition! It's tough.
I "dispatched" grade 8 when I was fifteen (passed with distinction, 27th November 1999 says the thingy on the wall).
I still suck though - Grades are a load of rubbish too! Almost as much as music degrees!
Sorry, feeling very bitter tonight... Must be coz I have to go back to work tomorrow after two very hectic days off.
>> Edited by DanBoy on Monday 26th September 22:51
DanBoy said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
Simpo, ABRSM concentrates more on performance than composition - they are principally an exam board for instrumental/vocal performance.
For the Grades, yes, but my ex, a blinding pianist and (proper) singer who dispatched Grade 8 when she was about 16, is battling through the Diploma and doing plenty of composition! It's tough.
WRT Grades, it depends on the teaching - you can pass the exams by learning the pieces by rote on some instruments (piano, for example). I am not a natural pianist, I passed my piano grades by doing a lot of practice and learning the notes.
They can be a good way of progressing though, coupled with good teaching.
Didn't know there was a composition element to the Diploma - still, I would imagine it is less important than the performance aspect. There are other more usual "routes" for composers, ABRSM exams are more aimed at the performer
DanBoy - did you do the Tonmeister course? I gathered it was very good and was well thought of in the industry? I have a friend there at the moment who is a very good sound engineer. Of course, some courses are better than others...
I "dispatched" grade 8 when I was fifteen (passed with distinction, 27th November 1999 says the thingy on the wall).
I still suck though - Grades are a load of rubbish too! Almost as much as music degrees!
Sorry, feeling very bitter tonight... Must be coz I have to go back to work tomorrow after two very hectic days off.
>> Edited by DanBoy on Monday 26th September 22:51
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