18 MONTHS MIDISCHOOL.COM
INTRODUCTION Course Name: Duration: Incorporates: Music Production, Audio Engineering & Music Business Diploma 18 Months 8 modules JUMP STRAIGHT TO: About the course tutor What you will learn on the course The flagship 18 month course at MMS is aimed at those looking to become a professional producer, artist, or audio engineer. By taking the complete set of available modules, you ll have learnt the necessary skills to write and produce music in a range of styles to a professional standard, work with and record other musicians, and with the music business modules you ll be able to monetise your ambitions within the music industry. During your time with us, you ll have as much practical time and one-on-one support as you need to realise your ideas, and you ll also have access to supplementary online learning materials to broaden your DAW knowledge. In short, the 18 month course will provide you with all the skills required to excel in any creative area of today s music industry. No previous knowledge of any music theory, MIDI, or any recording studio experience is required or presumed. Our teaching staff are qualified lecturers, who remain professional producers and engineers working in the music industry, whilst teaching the music technology courses here at MMS. The next pages detail what you will learn on our 18 month diploma course. If you have any questions, please don t hesitate to get in touch on mail@midischool.com Our studio 1 teaching facilities 2
ABOUT THE TUTOR Christophe Bride is the head lecturer at Manchester MIDI School. He has worked on remixes for Skunk Anansie, Erasure, Placebo and Curve, as well as recording and engineering Mercury Music Prize winning band Hard Fi. His credits on the Manchester circuit are second to none. Kid British after signing to Universal enlisted Christophe to record, engineer and produce their debut album. Importantly for our students, he has worked on a broad spectrum of music styles, engineering indie bands Northern Uproar and Sonic Boom 6 s debut albums, producing hip-hop (Wycliffe Jean and Tommy Boy remixes) on DMC, and writing progressive / trance with Blue Amazon. A couple of tracks he did with Six 10 Repeater were licensed for the Pro Evo Soccer game. His current dance pseudonym, Forbidden Planet, are signed in the UK and US Aside from developing new artists, he records with 80s legends Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), Kirk Brandon (Spear of Destiny) and New Model Army. Christophe Bride 3
Module 1 - Introduction to Music Production The introduction to music production module will give students a strong grounding in the practical use of software sequencers an essential element of the modern recording studio. You ll learn how to work with MIDI and audio, virtual instruments and effects: skills, which will be built on as your course progresses. Practical lessons take place in our MIDI lab, with as much support and advice as you need both from your tutor and technical support staff. This module is taken from a beginner level: no previous knowledge of MIDI or recording studios is required, however those who already have experience will also benefit from professional, structured training. Outside of lectures, there is unlimited personal practical time available in our imac-based MIDI lab. Computer for Music Computer Specifications Introduction to Mac OS X Mac configuration Management of files and folders MIDI What is MIDI? What is a MIDI controller? MIDI music creation Theory of Sound What is music theory? What is phase? What is timbre / harmonic analysis Envelopes - ADSR Introduction to Music Software Logic, Cubase, Reason & Ableton Live Create a song project Arranging music Song editing Audio Interfaces What is an audio interface? Audio connections Working inside the box Digital / Analogue Mixing Console Operation and signal flow Sound quality and versatility Balanced / Unbalanced cables What is ADAT? 4
Module 2 - Music Construction and Sound Design The focus of this module is the creation and production of your own material. You will master every element of the modern studio with oneon-one technical support and guidance available at all times to ensure you achieve the sound you are looking for. The teaching studios are designed as a stepping stone system, maintaining familiarity and transferability as the course progresses. The introduction of additional studio kit and music production techniques is carried out in a logical manner, gradually increasing in complexity as your knowledge and confidence grows. Everyone is encouraged to learn both the technical aspects and the creative side of the music production process, focusing on and developing their own choice of tracks and musical style. Your tutor will also hold regular how do they do that sessions where tracks of your choosing are picked apart and analysed. Synthesis AU / VST instruments / plugins The analogue synthesizer Sound design What is an LFO Automation to control synth parameters Sampling Audio Using the EXS24 Sampler Creating a drum kit from drum samples What is a preamp? Synthesis in EXS24 Microphones What is a condensor microphone? What is a dynamic microphone? Microphone placement Microphone placement Remixing Working with acapellas Musical collaborations Audio Recording Setup and routing in Logic Using a hardware mixing console Audio routing methods Sample rate selection Bit depth selection Time Stretching Using flex time in Logic Warping in Ableton Live What is a REX file? Propellerhead Recycle Critical Listening Using a classic song we will dissect, discuss and understand the processes involved into production, mixing and mastering a piece of music. 5
Module 3 - Mixdown and Mastering Mixdown and mastering are a key set of skills which enable you to turn your track from a collection of sounds into a finished piece of music. This module will introduce all the tools you have at your disposal to achieve this. In today s bedroom producer culture, a great mix has never been more important to achieve and will give you a vital edge in a saturated marketplace. You might have written an amazing track, but if the mix is undefined, muddy, and lacking in focus then it probably won t find it s way into the collection of your favourite DJ. If you re looking to get music signed, you will be ahead of the curve if you can mix and master your tracks to a professional standard: we will show you everything you need to know to achieve clear, defined, punchy mixes using a variety of hardware and software processors, mixing on a range of studio monitors, in a variety of acoustic environments. EQ Parameters on a parametric EQ? The graphic equaliser How to EQ correctively? Creative EQ Compression Compression parameters Where to apply compression Using sidechain compression Hardware and Software compressors Noise Gates What is a noise gate When to use a noise gate Cleaning up sounds Creative sidechain gated effects Audio Effects Insert effects Send and Return effects processing Buses in Logic Applying reverb and delay correctly Mixing Down What is mixdown and how to mix music? How to create a stereo mix The key elements of a mix Mixing in the box Mastering What is Mastering? Mastering processes DAW and hardware equipment Pro Mastering Studios 6
Module 4 - Music Composition The MMS Music Composition module has been created to teach producers and engineers the musical skills they so often require in the studio. Do you find yourself often struggling to come up with musical ideas? Have you written a killer riff, but are unsure how to develop a rhythm track? Do you find it difficult to structure music and finish off arrangements? Having a good grounding in musical theory will help you to work out melodies, chords, drum beats, arrangements and structure: the Music Composition module will show you everything you need to know. When collaborating with, or recording and producing other musicians, it is essential to be able to communicate effectively. The knowledge gained during the module will allow you to do this confidently. It offers an insight into the theoretical side of music: students are encouraged to listen to a range of music analytically. This will develop their musical ear and serve to improve their writing and arranging skills. In short, the skills and experience gained during the course will be of huge benefit to anyone wishing to improve their own music production and song writing. It will also help those looking to compose tracks/ songs for other artists, and for concert, theatre, film or broadcast. Using a Keyboard and Workstation 16th note / 8 bar rhythms and beats Writing a bass line Chords Inversions Scales Song Writing Chord progressions The cycle of fifths What is harmony? Analysing music Music scores Composing for Media Evaluation of music Critical listening The target audience Time Code Sound and visual syncronisation Orchestration Reductions Instrumentation Sibelius tutorials Music arrangement 7
Module 5 - Advanced Production The advanced production module will teach you a comprehensive range of further techniques to turn you into the complete producer. Samples are used extensively in every genre of music today. Often producers will take these from pre-prepared, purchased sample packs, which of course anyone can use. This module will show you how to create, record, and prepare your own unique samples from scratch, making sure you sound like no other. We ll cover further mixing techniques, including how to accurately tidy up and edit recorded audio, and some creative advanced uses of the compressor. Students will also be trained on the MIDI School s Pro Tools rig: the high-end software and hardware based DAW used in many professional studios. Having a working knowledge of all the main players in the DAW market will benefit those looking for employment in a commercial studio. The Traditional Recording Studio Advanced mixing techniques and routing Advanced acoustics / acoustic treatment A study of classic hardware processors Sample Sound from Scratch Acoustic drum kit and percussion anatomy How to operate classic samplers e.g. Akai Field recording Being a foley artist Pro Tools What is Pro Tools? Pro Tools hardware / software setup Recording with Pro Tools Mixing Sound for Vision How to write music for video How to create sound effects Sound design for theatres Further Sound Design Advanced analogue synthesis Subtractive synthesis Frequency modulation synthesis Sound Installations 8
Module 6 - Audio Engineering and Live Sound This module is taught in maximum group sizes of just 8 students, ensuring maximum student to teacher ratio for this hands-on training. Training takes place in 4 studios using digital automated mixing desks and a wide range of both current and classic equipment. It concentrates on the skills required to record and produce a band as well as engineer live events. In summary, it is an audio engineering module designed for those seeking employment in a commercial recording environment or wishing to set up their own commercial recording studio. Initially, the range of microphones most commonly used in the industry are taught using the live room and the drum kit as a starting point. Here you will learn the importance of isolating and optimising each signal in the recording process. Next, a range of other instruments are recorded as you shadow the tutor while he works with you to record your first band. Unlike audio engineering courses elsewhere, plenty of individual studio recording time remains available throughout, so that everyone can master recording and mixdown skills. Each student will have the opportunity to complete an individual recording and production project with one of a number of bands from the Manchester gig circuit - a unique approach that sets us apart from other music production schools. Working this way ensures that the live room and the control room are entirely understood by you. Advanced Recording Techniques Live sound engineering and recording Bass and Guitar rigs Other Acoustic instruments Vocals Radio Broadcasting Creating advertisements Following a brief from a company Transmission suitable products Production Management Live recording session management Pre production Instrument preperation Tips and tricks Band Recording and Production Multi track recording Advanced audio editing How to mix and master for CD 9
Module 7 - Music Industry : Management and Planning Whereas most Music Business Courses are designed to create business people the MMS Music Business modules are so much more than that. They have been designed for anyone who wants to make a living out of music and is perfect for musicians, bands, artists, managers, DJs, promoters, producers, technicians, recording studio activities, record labels, next generation music entrepreneurs, etc. Designed to give students a solid platform of knowledge and understanding of the music industry. This will provide the basis for informed decision making with regard to career planning and working as music professionals. The management and planning module will teach you that having a brilliant idea is a great starting point, however a comprehensive and well thought out plan to execute can determine the success or failure of any enterprise. The module offers a unique curriculum based on providing essential music industry insight, established business planning techniques adapted specifically for music professionals and your own personal professional development program. Such tools and methodologies will enable you to scrutinise, plan, and structure, your proposed music related activities and to maximise both the creative and commercial potential of your ideas. The Music Industry Music Industry history and context The business today and tomorrow Trend analysis You and the Music Industry Youth culture Business practices Trend Prediction Planning for Music Related Activities Executive Summaries Products and services Operations management Revenue Streams Monetising musical activities Creating saleable product Public funding and grants 10
Module 8 - Music Industry : Advanced Business The Advanced Business module will show you how to monetise your creative skills and unravel many of the mysteries that stand in the way of you and your career in the constantly changing place we call The Music Business. It is also ideal for people who have already started with their business enterprise and want to take their venture to the next level. You will receive one to one mentoring in order to create a personal professional development plan, which will provide evaluation and feedback on competencies and skills required to work in your chosen areas. This will enable you to maintain development of their creative skills throughout the program. It will also teach methodologies and techniques that will help to keep ahead of the constantly changing environment that is the contemporary music industry. You will work in group workshops to create a plan for their own musical enterprise. The Music Business modules are restricted to small numbers in order to ensure excellent student to tutor ratios, excellent student support and the best possible outcome for each student. The Contemporary Music Industry Assess and create a plan Marketing Manufacturing Successful Music Related Activities Professional development plan Financial planning Management Planning for Music Related Activities Risks and rewards Objectives and milestones Presentation Skills Your Business Plan Monetising musical activities Creating saleable product Public funding and grants 11