This course is designed for those students who have a real passion for music production and/or are considering a career in the music production and recording industry. This double award equates to two A Level subjects, allowing you to study one other complementary subject alongside such as Music, Performing Arts, IT, Film or Media. The course provides you with intensive tuition by teachers who produce music professionally and use their contacts and wealth of experience to provide you with the best opportunities. You will develop essential skills including: music production, studio recording and mixing, along with studying the sound and music industry.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5. This course may be taken alongside A Level courses and may be more suited to learners with a strong profile of prior attainment in vocational studies.

Topics you will study include:

Unit 1: Live Sound
Learners will study the technology and practice of live sound engineering and explore the types of work carried out by live sound engineers. Using our new live music venue, including the Allen & Heath SQ5 digital console.

Unit 2: Studio Recording Technique
Learners will cover the processes, equipment and practical skills required to produce multitrack recordings in a music studio environment. Using our professional studio including our Audient ASP4816 Recording Console. Using the complete Pro Tools studio suit, making professionally recorded instrument tracks. Utilising our variety of outboard studio gear. 

Unit 3: Music and Sound for Media
Learners will explore the production of the music, sound and effects that are used for media products such as games, films and apps. Recording foley sounds in the studio. Using the complete Pro Tools studio suit to create professional foley tracks and movie composition. Utilising our variety of outboard studio gear.

Unit 5: Music Technology in Context
Learners analyse the development of technology, evaluating its impact on the practice of creating and producing music.

Unit 6: Digital Audio Workstation Production 
Learners will develop an understanding of how a digital audio workstation (DAW) can be used creatively to produce music, manipulate audio and mix music.

Unit 8: Creative Synthesis and Sampling
Learners will explore the creative functions of synthesisers and samplers in making music and sound design. Hands on experience using a variety of synthesisers and synthesis types.

Unit 10: Remixing and Reworking 
Learners explore and carry out the skills required to create effective remixes and reworks of existing musical material. Creating a portfolio of professional remixes from professionally released songs.

Unit 12: Music Technology in Performance
Learners will be introduced to the creative possibilities of music technology. They will explore this through making music, which they will perform live. Using complete Ableton live Suit and Akai APC Performance Controllers.

Unit 13: Mixing and Mastering Techniques 
This unit aims to give learners the skills to mix and master a digital audio workstation (DAW) project to a professional standard. Using the complete Pro Tools studio suit mixing professionally recorded songs.

Unit 15: Music Investigation
Learners explore a music topic through an in-depth investigation using the study of musicology and the techniques of research.

This is a highly practical course where you will be trained to use our industry standard recording studios and rehearsal rooms to gain experience similar to the professional industry. You will learn how to mix and create your own music as well as develop essential practical skills, managerial skills and work skills which will help you in the creative industry.

The course is the equivalent of two A Levels. Students will demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding through practical, project-based assessments and exams. Ten units are completed over the two year course and two of these (33%) are external exams.

Exam Board: Pearson RQF

We have a fantastic enrichment programme you can get involved with in order to have some fun, but also develop your skills and complement your studies. 

Enrichment opportunities include:
• The Sixth Form soul band                                  
• Rock band
• Musical theatre productions
• Music technology / creating music

You will also have the opportunity to be sound engineers and technicians for the music concerts and external performance.  

You will be taught by professionals who have experience within the recording industry and the world of Music Technology. We have excellent facilities for you to learn and perform in, including state of the art sound and recording studios. Music to us is more than just a subject, it’s our passion! If you share this passion then we invite you to join us and be with like-minded people who are all striving to reach the same goal. We expect our students to be committed to The Sixth Form and our course and we promise to provide you with all the help and support you need to succeed.

This course can lead to creative careers within music production, studio recording, live sound engineering, becoming a DJ or TV and film and sound designer.

Future students would benefit from researching the following in preparation for the course: Digital Audio Workstation recording techniques, Ableton and Protools.