Music Technology PLC

Course details

Music Technology is a hands-on, skills-based PLC course which equips students with a fundamental knowledge of the common applications of music technology in the recording, compositional and commercial music fields. The course covers relevant software (ProTools, Reason, Sound Forge) and hardware required for general music technology applications as well as aspects of recording skills and techniques, while facilitating a clear understanding of the underlying theory. The core modules on this course combine the acquisition of new skills and techniques with the development of the ability of students to apply these in a variety of situations.

You will learn the core skills for using relevant recording equipment and computer software as well as the principles of acoustics, psychoacoustics, music theory, midi applications, micro-processors, computer music production, studio techniques & design, and digital signal processing. You will also take modules in communications, computing, electronics and music industry studies. An internal work experience module provides the opportunity for you to integrate the knowledge and skills learned throughout your year of study.

Aim of the Course

The overall aim of the course is to educate students for a variety of career opportunities within the audio industry and related areas. It also aims for students to gain a broad appreciation of the technology, learn how to use it and be able to generalise from this understanding to use future hardware and software. Above all it aims to provide an inspiring and creative environment for students to develop their skills.

Areas Of Study

>The areas of study fall into all the different modules that make up the course. They are listed below.

• AUDIO ENGINEERING
• MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
• SOUND ENGINEERING & PRODUCTION
• MUSIC THEORY
• MUSIC INDUSTRY STUDIES
• WORK EXPERIENCE
• WEB AUTHORING
• COMMUNICATIONS

Entry Requirements / How to Apply

Apply now if you are a final year secondary student, an aspiring studio engineer or record producer, a musician, or just interested in the evolving world of music technology. Applicants should have achieved the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, or equivalent. Mature applicants with suitable industry experience are also welcome to apply. It is also desirable that applicants have a keen interest in music, technology, and basic computer skills. You will require determination, hard work and reliability to succeed in this course. These are some of the qualities we expect of every student we accept on to our courses. Admission to the course is limited and subject to interview. Suitability interviews are usually held every May each year.

Assessment and Certification

12px;">Modules are assessed by studio project work, practical projects, assignments and examinations. Your final certificate classification (Distinction, Merit, Pass) will be based on your work throughout the year of the course. Successful candidates will receive a level 5 FETAC Award in Sound Production (5M2149)

Learning and Teaching

Students are taught through a combination of traditional teaching learning methods, tutorials and practical work in the studio. The teachers typically use an audio-visual projector, practical demonstrations, printed handouts, a white board and interactive tutorial CD-ROMs.