Creative Music Production & Business Foundation Degree

Sep 2023

2 years

£6000

Course Details

We are now accepting applications for September 2023 start!
A two-year foundation degree providing industry-standard production skills and specialist support to create your own music business.

• Entry based on experience and motivation
• Previous qualifications not essential
• Guaranteed interview
• Personal equipment provision based on your needs
• Trained specialist tutors
• 2023 will guarantee a safe learning environment
• Online and onsite tuition
• Small class sizes
• Learning pods
• New SSL technology for professional learning
• Free studio time
• Industry links
• A third cheaper than normal degree costs
• Fully supported by student loans system
• We do everything to make your learning dynamic
• Work experience opportunities
• Access to over 1200 minutes of music production student development videos

This innovative Foundation degree in Creative Music Production and Business is a two year full-time course.

Contact us today to arrange a tour of our facilities.

We are now accepting applications for September 2023 start!
Get in touch and a CM team member will contact you, click Apply Now or subscribe below.

This creative course is aimed at music producers and musicians who want to develop professional production and musicianship skills, and then go on to learn the business skills needed to create a sustainable independent career within the music industry. The course has been designed in response to the ever-increasing demand for high quality practical and vocational training at a Higher Educational Level, by those wishing to develop their skills and experience in the music industry, both as a creative music maker and as a business entrepreneur. With excellent links to the music industry, it is a programme designed firstly to develop students’ creative and technological skills and ability, and then to focus on how students can channel these skills into their career and business development.

This course is a collaboration between Community Music and the University of Westminster. Community Music has a long-standing tradition of training and artist development using up-to-date industry standard equipment and facilities. The University of Westminster has a thriving music department and music degree with state-of-the-art recording studios and extensive library and IT facilities.

How many days per week?

Students are in class for approximately 2.5 days per week, but need to set aside roughly the same amount of time again to complete weekly tasks and assignments, and practice what was learnt in class.

What will I study?

During the 1st year of the course, students develop skills and ability in creative music production, studio techniques, recording and programming, musicianship and creative composition, and develop an understanding of the music industry and the social and cultural environment in which it operates. During the 2nd year, students turn their attention more firmly toward the music industry, focusing on business planning and development, finance skills and the music industry as a whole, whilst continuing to develop their music production skills. Students will be introduced to the professional contexts of the music industry and particularly the imperatives of the independent small-scale business entrepreneur. Students are enabled to develop their own small business idea and create a viable business plan which they can put into action when they complete the course.

How will I learn and be assessed?

Students follow an intensely practical approach to learning and are required to complete a high level of creative music output throughout the course. Students follow a varied programme of practical and theoretical tasks and are encouraged to try out what they have learnt in a hands-on way, reflecting on theoretical learning pro-actively. Students are assessed in a variety of ways including recordings, work related projects, logbooks, written work, self-evaluations and verbal presentations. There are no exams.

What can I do once I have completed the course?

The course is primarily designed to provide students with a bank of skills and knowledge necessary to create their own role within the music industry, setting up their own small business for example. However, should students wish to gain employment within the existing music industry they will be equally well equipped to do so. Students will be able to enter a wide field of career areas, including commercial music production and music for media to name but a few.

Are there any opportunities for further study?

Students can take the full Foundation degree or opt to do a one year Certificate of Higher Education. After completing the Foundation degree, students will be able to apply to level 6 of the BA/MMus Music: Production, performance and enterprise at the University of Westminster should they wish to continue their studies. Students are also able to apply to any other suitable Level 6 courses across the country.

What are the entry requirements?

This course is designed to welcome people from all current music backgrounds and does not require formal qualifications for entry. Previous practical experience of Music/Music Production is essential. A study support programme is available for those students who need it.

How much does the course cost?

The Foundation Degree in Creative Music Production and Business costs £6000 per year for two years, a saving of over £3000 on standard degree course fees per year.

Can I get any financial support?

All course fees can be covered by a full tuition fee loan from the government and most students are eligible for support. This is not repayable until students have completed the course and are earning more than £27,295 a year, £2,274 a month or £524 a week in the UK (Plan 2). If your income falls below the repayment threshold, your repayments will stop and only restart when your income is over the threshold again.
Students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan, depending on your personal circumstances, which you can use towards your living costs.
Further information about Student Finance can be viewed here.

How do I apply?

Click Apply Now or call the Community Music office for more details on 020 7377 0621.

Get your applications in NOW for September 2023 start, places going fast !

UCAS information

You can also apply directly through UCAS - Click here to register and submit your application.

Use the following course codes to apply for The Creative Music Production and Business Degree
Course code: W306
Institution code: W50
Campus name: Community Music Ltd
Campus code: Z

Profits from this course go towards free training for disadvantaged young people.

Modules

Year 1

Production Essentials: 40 Credits

This module explores the basis of music production on Logic and then studio hardware from the ground up. Dynamic interactive sessions feature demonstrations and discussions followed by putting the day’s topic into practice. Session players and industry speakers are a big part of this module.

Musicianship for Production: 40 Credits

Students learn the basis of musicianship, in theory and on keyboards, and experience our Founder John Steven's ground breaking Search and Reflect programme, to support them in their composition, arrangements, and incorporating improvisation into their recordings.

Roots of Contemporary Music: 20 Credits

Roots of Contemporary Music explores current music scenes and genres through detailed examination of the historical, cultural, political, and technological context of the crucial revolutions in music over the last 100 years. It is a practical music-based module, a fascinating exploration of musical styles, genres and history.

Anatomy of the Music Industry: 20 Credits

In this module students learn current music industry practice and the connections between its many different sectors. Students in label groups design and execute a 5-week campaign to release a digital single.

Year 2

Marketing and Promotion: 20 Credits

This module focuses on marketing and promotion in the digital age, including tools to audit your market, market research, SEO, planning and measuring a promotional campaign. Guests from industry share specialist knowledge on good practice, tools, and trends.

Advanced Music Production: 60 credits

Students build on their already extensive skills learned in year 1 with production and mixing in the analogue domain. Real world audio engineering and creative challenges extend students’ creative resources in preparation for the production workplace. Students learn all about post production including mastering and an introduction to ProTools .

Creative Business Creation: 40 credits

In this module students really look to the future by putting together a business plan for their own music enterprise. Guests from industry give crucial insight to aspects of growth of an idea in a marketplace. Students pitch their plan to a panel of professionals experienced in a broad range of music sectors who ask questions and give real time feedback.

Profits from this course go towards free training for disadvantaged young people.

Brochure

Please download the brochure here