Free BTEC Level 3 Digital Music Production Course in Stoke-on-Trent. Classes run full-time at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, over two years. You'll work with industry-standard software including Logic Pro and Ableton Live, record live instruments and vocals, and learn sound design, mixing, and mastering. The course also covers the music business, so you understand how the industry works alongside the creative and technical side. You'll need GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above to apply. An initial assessment will confirm the course is the right fit.
Who this course is for
Music Technology is an ideal mixture of creative and technical skills. It is perfect for you to gain knowledge of the music industry in preparation for further study or employment. Throughout this course you will learn about how the music industry works, including relevant historical developments. You will work with live sound equipment, record real instruments and develop skills in sequencing, music theory and using the musical keyboard for MIDI entry. The College has its own recording studio and large live room which students have use of. You will already be computer literate and have an interest in how you can record sound or create sound using technology. Some keyboard skills or music theory knowledge would be useful although you do not need to have studied Music or Music Technology at GCSE. This course combines well with all subjects, especially other Creative & Performing Arts subjects.
Entry requirements
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4 or above.
Be open to different genres of music and listen to lots of music. Be willing to test your creative ideas.
What you will learn
You'll produce music using DAWs (digital audio workstations) such as Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
You'll record live instruments and vocals in a studio setting.
You'll design and build sounds using synthesis and sample manipulation.
You'll mix and master tracks to a release-ready standard.
You'll create music and sound for media products such as films and games.
You'll remix and rework existing tracks creatively.
You'll develop knowledge of commercial music production and how the music market works.
You'll learn music theory and MIDI entry using a musical keyboard.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom-based and studio-based, with hands-on project work throughout. You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework (80%) and external assessment (20%). Most of your work is built through creative projects and assignments, giving you a portfolio of produced tracks and practical work by the end of the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Music producer: create and produce tracks for artists and labels.
Sound designer: craft audio for games, film, and TV.
Recording engineer: manage studio sessions and audio capture.
Audio post-production assistant: mix and edit sound for media projects.
Music content creator: produce original music for digital platforms.
DJ or live performer: blend production skills with live performance.
What you could study next
HNC or HND in Music Production or Music Technology: a higher-level vocational route into the industry or further study.
BA (Hons) in Music Production or Music Technology: a full degree for those wanting to specialise further or move into music business, composition, or sound engineering.
BA (Hons) in Film and Television Production: for those drawn toward sound design and audio for screen media.
