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Music
Our dedicated facilities in the Centre for Music and Performance provide a specialist space for you to explore, compose and perform music. In our studio production facilities, you will be able to use industry standard equipment, both for multi-track recording and sequencing. As an Exeter College music student you will be part of our Music Academy. You will be able to attend regular workshops, masterclasses, concerts, trips and talks across a wide range of styles and genres. We recommend that all music performance students continue to support their studies with instrumental or vocal lessons – Exeter College offers competitively priced instrumental and vocal lessons with some of the county’s leading professional musicians. Find out about our fantastic Music Academy - see page 39 for more information.
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You can combine that course with other courses with this icon to create a full time programme of study
The Music Academy gives you full access to all the music tech for recordings etc, practice rooms and instrumental lessons too. As part of the Academy I take part in the orchestra, the Big Band and the Jazz Project.
Raphael, studying Music, Drama and Theatre A Level and Music Subsidiary Diploma. Previously studied at Dawlish College.
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Raphael has secured a place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to study a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance.
This course offers you a broad range of study if you are hoping to pursue a career in music.
On this course you will:
Learn music production skills using
Logic Pro X and Ableton. You will develop your beat-making skills and recording studio production techniques Develop skills that will help you to explore opportunities for employment in the music industry, such as Live Sound Engineering and
DJing, and further study Use an array of equipment, including two fully equipped recording studios,
Moog and Korg Synthesisers, Pioneer
DDJ-400s, and Novation Launchpads Work with like-minded producers, singers, rappers, and musicians on music projects of your choice Create music across a wide range of genres that suit your style, including
Hip Hop, Rock, DnB, House, Jazz and
Techno Develop a large ambitious music project of your choice at venues, such as the Exeter Phoenix Benefit from our strong links with music industry professionals to gain work experience and plan your career by attending the many talks and workshops Assessment is coursework based and a combination of completing practical activities and written work. This might include the creation of an album of original material, putting on a music event, creating a blog to analyse music development or evaluate projects, etc. All assessment is tied into larger scale projects and made as industry relevant as possible. Choose this course if… you have an interest in music production, recording processes, live performance and live sound engineering and have a strong motivation for studying music at university level or entering the music industry. Future Steps: You could progress to study Music Production, Recording Studio Techniques, DJing, Live Sound Engineering, Music Business, Songwriting, Composition or Film/TV/ Game Music Composition at university or enter the music industry. Entry requirements: You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. You should also evidence one or more of the following: Previous experience using a DAW such as Logic Pro X, FL
Studio, Ableton, etc Practical experience of studio or Live
Sound Engineering Experience of DJing An appreciation and understanding for the art of music production and its processes The ability to sing or play an instrument to a comfortable level is desirable, but not essential
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 3
This course offers you a broad range of study if you are hoping to pursue a career in music.
On this course you will:
Work towards performances Create original music developing songwriting and composition skills Create recordings involving music production, recording and sequencing skills Learn about the wider music industry and the opportunities it offers Develop specialist skills such as music theory, advance performance/ production skills such as solo performance/audition repertoire, sound design, etc Work on large collaborative projects with others to launch yourself publicly or others as artists, bands or producers, etc Prepare to progress into the music industry or higher education Develop a large ambitious music project of your choice at venues such as the Exeter Phoenix Benefit from our strong links with music industry professionals to gain work experience and plan your career by attending the many talks and workshops offered Have access to our professionalstandard equipment and facilities Assessment is coursework based and a combination of completing practical activities and written work. This might include the creation of an album of original material, putting on a showcase performance, creating a blog to analyse music development or evaluate projects, etc. All assessment is tied into larger scale projects and made as industry relevant as possible. Choose this course if… you live and breathe music and have a strong motivation for studying music at university level or entering the music industry. Future Steps: You could progress to study Music Performance, Music Production, Commercial Music, Music Business, Songwriting, Composition or Film/TV/Game Music Composition at university, or enter the music industry. Entry requirements: You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. You will also need to play an instrument with confidence and intermediate skill, assessed through an audition at interview you should be approximately Grade 4 level, however, you do not need to have taken the exam. Speak to your instrument/music teacher if you are unsure about this. Vocalists are encouraged to learn either piano or guitar to support their studies. You should also have a basic knowledge of music notation pitch and basic rhythm. More advanced knowledge is preferable.
AS/A Level (AS in Year 1) | Duration: 2 years
Studying this course will give you an understanding of the techniques of performance, harmony and composition, and a historical perspective on a wide variety of music styles and traditions.
On this course you will:
Perform, compose and critically appraise music throughout the course Join orchestras, choirs, bands and other groups Take trips to professional concerts Practise in our purpose built recording studios, rehearsal suites and performance areas You will be assessed by a combination of coursework (60%), including a performance recital and composition portfolio, and by an end of year written examination (40%). Choose this course if… you are enthusiastic and curious about a wide range of musical styles and genres and want to explore these in much greater detail through performance, composition and musical analysis. Future Steps: You could go on to a university or music conservatoire or work in areas such as performance, composition, music teaching, music journalism or music therapy. Entry requirements: Eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths). You will need a grade 6 (or above) in GCSE Music, if taken, and/or grade 5 theory, along with previous participation in music ensembles would be an advantage. You must be able to read standard music notation confidently and be familiar with both treble and bass clefs.
MUSIC (PERFORMANCE)
If you already have performing experience and would like to consolidate your musical skills in a practical, industry relevant way, then this course is ideal.
On this course you will:
Take part in performances culminating in a final performance Focus specifically on writing and developing original material Study practical units which focus on developing stylistic awareness, ensemble skills and musical ability Study an aural/theory unit which provides the underlying knowledge and skills required to work in the music industry Undertake a recording project in the second year Assessment is by written and practical coursework.
Choose this course if… you enjoy writing and performing original songs and want to expand your musicianship skills and theory knowledge. Future Steps: Many students who complete this course progress to university to study subjects such as popular music and songwriting. Entry requirements: Eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. A good intermediate performance standard is You should be able to perform at a standard equivalent to grade 4/5. In the absence of exam certificates, evidence will be required of the standard of performance achieved.
This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and goes well with any other courses which make up a full time programme.
LEVEL 3
required on an instrument or voice (at equivalent to grade 4/5). You will do a short solo performance in the first week in which you will demonstrate an appropriate level of technical skill and musicality. Singers are strongly advised to learn the piano or guitar. You must also have a good basic understanding of music notation. You do not need to be able to read music fluently, however, you must know basic pitch (notes) and rhythm notation.
This course can be combined with two other A Levels (see pages 13-14) and goes well with A Level Music or any other A Level course.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (PRODUCTION)
This course will take your experience of music and sound production to the next level. You must have a keen interest in sequencing, recording and performance.
On this course you will:
Learn a range of production techniques and apply them to different music styles and genres Use music technology to support real media and performance projects Practise sound creation and manipulation Develop and deliver music products for the College record label Work in our industry standard recording studios and Mac suites Carry out individual research and presentation alongside your practical work Develop your knowledge of the music industry Assessment is through coursework and external assessment.
Choose this course if… you are interested in exploring sound design, creative recording and production techniques. Future Steps: In your second year, you can progress to the Level 3 Extended Certificate then you could go on to university level study in Music Technology or Production.
LEVEL 3
Entry requirements: Eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. The ability to sing or play an instrument to a comfortable standard is desirable. Previous experience with some form of sequencing and recording software is advantageous, for example, Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Garage Band and Fruity Loops.
