This course is great if you want to learn to create music to an advanced level, and in a wide variety of ways.
You’ll benefit from world-class teaching, and unlimited access to our high-end studios. Our technical support staff are always on hand to help.
First you’ll study music production and advanced areas of sound design, mixdown and mastering, so your tracks will be at a releasable level. You’ll then move onto audio engineering, which will equip you with a technical skill-set you can apply to a range of roles in the music industry. You’ll record an EP, create sample packs, and write music for visuals such as film. If you want a solid understanding of music production and where it can take you, this course is for you.
Command Ableton Live and Pro Tools
In a creative environment with expert tutors, you’ll progress step-by-step. Go from a beginner, to using Ableton Live and Pro Tools like a pro.
Music Composition
Don’t worry if you don’t know music theory. Don’t worry if you don’t play an instrument. This 3-month classroom based module will help you arrange and create music confidently and learn at your own pace. Includes an online version too for further home study.
Work Experience Placements
We have a strong network of music industry opportunities. As your skills develop, this will help you make the jump from studying to working.
Included with this course
• 50% off NI Komplete & Ultimate products • 40% off Ableton Live Standard or Suite • 25% off NI Kontrol Keyboards, Audio Interfaces, Traktor & Maschine
Ableton Live 10 Suite (RRP: £539) or Native Instruments Komplete 13 (RRP: £499)
Or, enrol on SEM’s flagship Master Course and receive both free.
LESSONS
Music Production and Audio Engineering: 1 x 6hr daytime or 2 eve lectures depending on start (18 months). Music Comp Mon or Wed 7-10pm (3 months) + online mod.
1-2-1 TECH SUPPORT
During your studio time, the tech team can provide additional 1-2-1 support, to help you further develop your production skills. They’re here 7 days a week. Make the most of them!
UNLIMITED ACCESS
Studios are available 10am – 10pm Monday – Friday, and 12 – 9pm on weekends. Use our online booker to plan ahead. SEM offer more practical time than any other UK equivalent.
Course Overview
music production
Ableton Live workflow Working with MIDI and audio Structuring tracks Basic sound design / mixdown
audio engineering
SSL & Midas desks Using microphones Multi track recording Music to video
Further production
Genre production techniques Working with hardware synths Mixing desk signal flow Remixing techniques
Music composition
Writing chords and melodies Arranging your music Creating beats, groove and swing Learn what makes a great track
sound design
Sound design with NI Komplete Sampling and layering techniques Advanced mixdown techniques Mastering processes
overview
Create professional tracks Produce other musicians Use cutting edge studios Learn essential music theory
Modules Included
Introduction To Music Production
Duration: 6 months
The Introduction to Music Production module will give you a strong grounding in music production skills using Ableton Live – arguably the most immediately creative DAW on the market. You’ll learn how to work with MIDI and audio, virtual instruments, MIDI controllers and effects: techniques, which will be built on as the module progresses.
You will learn Ableton live inside out, along with basic sound design with our extensive selection of third party instruments, different genres, and mixdown techniques to turn your track from an arrangement into a finished, polished piece.
If you’re serious about becoming a successful music producer, audio engineer, or DJ/producer, then this module will teach you essential skills for success in a competitive market place, and gives a solid platform for those looking to move onto further advanced study. We’ll show you how to get the most from your home studio setup, and how to incorporate hardware instruments into your workflow, if this is a direction you’d like to take.
Whether you’re new to music production or have been already producing your own music for a while, you’ll be learning all the essential skills in a creative environment, from industry active expert tutors with a wealth of releases and remixes under their belts. School of Electronic Music is an Ableton Certified Training Centre and a Native Instruments Training Partner.
Introduction to Ableton Live and the Project Studio
Ableton Live workflow, MIDI sequencing, audio sample import and editing, Native Instruments Komplete overview, music computer setup and specifications, MIDI controllers, audio interfaces.
Music Production Skills
Critical/analytical listening skills, common production techniques, basic synthesis/sound design, remixing skills, how to structure music of different styles/genres.
Studio Skills
Modern audio interface connectivity, functionality and signal flow, correct monitoring practice, using hardware synthesisers and effects, audio routing and recording.
Mixdown Fundamentals
How to effectively approach a mix, balance, panning, EQ, gates, compression, creative modulation effects, reverb and delay, basic mastering techniques.
Electronic Music Composition (Online + Classroom)
Duration: 3 month online module taken at your own pace
Students are also provided with an online version of this module, so training can be repeated online as much as needed. This is also a useful supplement for students who may not be able to attend the evening classroom lessons.
Unless students have a background in musical theory or have played an instrument, they commonly ask:
How do I start and finish a track? How do I make a groove & arrange beats? How can I create a track, with a sample as a starting point? What is a chord structure? How do I know if this vocal is in key? How do I make a better breakdown? How do I write a hook? How do I finish my arrangement? How can I get creative when I open Ableton Live?
This online module will answer and teach you all these techniques, and more.
It will guarantee to give you the edge and help you to be a successful, creative music producer or audio engineer. It will give you a solid grounding in musical theory: a key area of your musical skill set which will allow you to create ideas quickly with confidence, and improve your musical ear. It will help you put your ideas in to an arrangement ready for mixdown.
You may be able to produce music to a high level but it won’t be enough if it doesn’t sound musical. Once you are on your way as a producer, remixer or sound engineer, having an understanding of music composition will be indispensable as you will be able to effectively communicate with vocalists, artists and musicians around you in a language they understand.
If you feel that you already have a good grounding in Electronic Music Composition and this module’s valuable content, you are welcome to discuss the options with a course advisor who may suggest that you opt out of this module after registration.
They may require that you supply examples of your understanding of the subject.
Some examples of content:
The keyboard, bars & beats, tempo, analysing music, music theory, keys & scales, basic chords, extended chords, inversions, acapellas, automation, structure, creating hooks, song sections, arrangement, song templates, audio sampling, working out key.
Advanced Music Production
Duration: 6 months
Please Note: This module uses 3rd party plugins extensively. These plugins are provided in SEM, however please read here for information on what you may want to consider purchasing for home use, to make the most of your time and skills.
The Advanced Music Production module is for those who already have a good working knowledge of music production using a DAW. This module is not DAW specific, but focusses instead on transferrable music production techniques relevant for any platform. With this said, lessons are delivered on Ableton Live to show examples.
If you are already producing music, but often feel that something is lacking from your music, then this is the module for you. Over 6 months you’ll study different types of synthesis (subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, granular, additive) and sampling techniques allowing you to confidently recreate the sound you’re looking for from your favourite tracks. And learn to create something unique to you: no more presets! We’ll break down a range of different tracks to see why they work allowing you to incorporate these proven techniques into your own productions.
Finally, you’ll learn in-depth mixdown and mastering techniques using a range of high-end processors and effects from manufacturers like Slate Digital, FabFilter, SoundToys, Valhalla and Eoisis. These will help give your music clarity, punch and depth, and make it stand out from the rest. You’ll be learning in a creative environment, from industry active-producers who have a string of releases and remixes to their names. School of Electronic Music is an Ableton Certified Training Centre and a Native Instruments Education Partner.
Sound Design
Sound theory, advanced synthesis, Operator, introduction to Reaktor/blocks, advanced sampling and granular synthesis, effective layering of sounds, creative audio editing, recording, editing and processing vocals.
Music Production Skills
Further critical/analytical listening skills, advanced production techniques, advanced synthesis/sound design, case studies: how to structure music of different styles/genres.
Advanced Mixdown
Gain structure, effective metering (dBFS, dBVU), balance, panning, EQ (vintage analogue and digital), noise gates, compression types (VCA, FET, Opto, Vari MU), creative modulation effects, reverb and delay families, case studies: mixing different types of music and instrumentation, quick and and effective mastering techniques.
Audio Engineering
Duration: 6 months
Taught in classes of no more than 8 students, this hands-on module provides a springboard into many career pathways within the music industry. This module is an ideal progression for those who have completed theIntroduction to Music Production, orAdvanced Music Productionmodules, or seek to expand their career opportunities in the world of professional audio. Experience in work with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) is recommended but not mandatory.
Delivered on the industry-standard Pro Tools platform across a range of high-end studios using the latest SSL, Midas, Dante, UAD and iZotope technology, you’ll learn a wide range of practical skills required for employment in many different areas of the audio industry. Whether you’re a music producer looking to broaden your skillset and scope of your own work, or you’re looking for a viable way to earn a living and carve a career in the industry you love, the Audio Engineering module is for you.
This module provides a series of real-life scenarios in which those working in the audio industry may well come across, giving the students the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical way. For example, students will learn to follow briefs in order to create recorded, mixed, and mastered pieces for an album and visual media to a professional level – all elements which can be compiled to create a strong showreel for their future careers.
Learn from industry-active producers and engineers who have achieved a huge range of releases and credits to their name.
Studio Skills
Pro Tools workflow, microphones and recording mediums, digital and analog desk connectivity, functionality and workflow, understanding software and hardware connections and applications, cables and connectors, studio monitoring procedure, foldback and studio maintenance/etiquette.
Recording, Editing, and Mixing
Microphone architecture, selection and placement, multitrack recording, editing/comping/correcting audio, analog vs digital vs hybrid workflow, patch bays and connectivity with outboard gear, EQs, gates, compressors, time-based effects, mixing and mastering techniques and methodologies. We’ll also look at sound FX, foley and automated dialogue replacement (ADR).
Real-world Case Studies
Create a finished piece of music to a professional standard, ready for replication and distribution. You’ll also design the sound in totality for a short animated video clip.
It’s suitable if you haven’t got any music qualifications, or don’t play an instrument.
The course is not genre specific, we don’t mind what sound you want to create. We’ll help you develop to a stage where you can send your music out to record labels.
You’ll also be able to record others to a very high standard, and sync music to film. You’ll be able to create sample packs, and have a strong portfolio to apply for work in the music industry.
Entry Requirements
None. Suitable for beginners or self-taught producers, no prior qualifications needed. Students can use SEM’s studios so no home-setup required, but if you do have one, see our suggested kit list here.
Course Outcome
You’ll finish producing music at a very high level. You’ll also have a studio engineering skill-set and understand music theory and synthesis in detail. Add the Business module to increase your opportunities.
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Enrol on course
Change the payment option from the dropdown menu below to view further information.
Start dates and course fees
Start Dates
February (Weekend Term) 6 months music production : Saturdays 12pm – 6pm
April 6 months music production : Mondays 12pm – 6pm
June (Evening Term) 6 months music production: Tues & Thurs 7pm – 10pm
September 6 months music production : Wednesdays 12pm – 6pm
November 6 months music production : Thursdays 12pm – 6pm
Music Composition can be studied before, during or after your Music Production modules.
Book in for a call with a course advisor to discuss your full timetable, with regards to Music Composition, Music Production and Audio Engineering.
+44 (0)161 833 4722
Course fees
Instant Decision Monthly Finance (credit check required)
Options One – Four
Minimum 5% downpayment of £363 Payable upon successful application.
1: 12 months: £574/month. Total finance: £6888
2: 24 months: £317/month. Total finance: £7588
3: 36 months: £221/month. Total finance: £7940
4: 48 months: £173/month. Total finance: £8303
Fund your own training (no credit check required)
Options Five – Six
5: Reg fee (£300) + £6650. Total £6950. If your course starts within 1 calendar month, the remaining balance of £6650 is payable.
6: Reg fee (£300) + 6 x 10-week instalments of £1245. Total £7770. If your course starts within 1 calendar month, the first install is payable.
In short: enrol as soon as you are ready. All live course dates are available for you to enrol on.
Unlike most training centres SEM has a limit on lecturer to student ratio and keeps its class sizes small. We therefore have limited availability and courses fill up in advance. We would recommend enrolling as soon as you are ready, to avoid disappointment.
Options 1 – 4: If you are funding with Monthly Finance with Omni Capital
Apply online now via the course page, this will take you to Omni Capital’s page for the finance side of the application.
Your finance decision should be immediate.
Monthly repayments to Omnifinance do not begin until 1 month after your finance application has been accepted.
The initial downpayment is paid to SEM, which is required once your finance application has been accepted.
Options 5 – 6: If you are funding yourself (no credit check)
Enrol online, this will prompt you for your registration fee, and may prompt you for the first instalment if you course starts within 1 month.
A course advisor will then be in touch to finalise your remaining payments.
If you have any questions pleasecontact a course advisoron +44 (0)161 833 4722. They will be happy to help!
Can I get funding for the course?
If you have any questions, we would always recommendcontacting a course advisoror calling us on +44 (0)161 833 4722.
Options 1 – 4: Get instant monthly finance with Omni Capital (the finance applicant will need to be in employment)
Prospective students are able to get an instant online decision to fund training though our partner Omni Capital.
Please note, the person applying for Omni Capital finance does not have to be the student, for example a parent could apply for finance on behalf of a student. In a case like this, the student should enter their student details on the SEM enrolment page, but when the application then goes across to Omni Capital’s website, the finance applicant should enter their details at this point. Speak with a course advisor if you would like assistance in going through the application.
Benefits of the monthly finance are that the baseline course price is based on our ‘advanced’ cheaper price – although payment durations longer than 12 months will have interest of 9.9% applied (this is already factored into the monthly pricing you see on the course page). Please note Omni Capital will undertake a credit check when you apply for finance.
To apply, you must be 18 or over, earning over £5000 annually and have been living in the UK for at least 3 years before your course starts. Omni Capital will also take into consideration additional factors such as your credit score. If you are uncertain about whether applying for the finance is right for you,please contact a course advisor first.
Apply by selecting the course start date, and the monthly payment duration that best suits your situation
Click ‘Enrol on Course’
On the second page, fill out your student details. At the bottom of the page select ‘Monthly Payments Omni Capital’.
This will reveal a dropdown. Select the monthly payment duration again.
Then select ‘Apply Now’
This will take you through to Omni Capital’s site to complete the finance application – a decision on the finance is normally instant.
Assuming your finance is accepted, you will need to pay:
The downpayment to SEM immediately
The monthly payments to Omni Capital do not begin for 28 days. We always advise ringing them on 0333 240 8318 to confirm the date of your direct debit.
You will need to pay a minimum 5% downpayment on the course fees to SEM at the point of successful finance application, although you have the option to make anything up to a 50% downpayment on course fees (a larger downpayment will make your monthly instalments cheaper). Should you wish to make a larger downpayment, contact SEM instead of applying online, as we will need to setup a bespoke application.
Options 5 – 6: Fund the course yourself
There are no credit checks involved with these options. SEM at their discretion may require proof of income, and confirmation of a guarantor – but not always.
If you have not lived in the UK for the past three years, or have low or no credit score, then these options may be relevant for you as you may not qualify for Omni Capital finance. At SEM’s discretion, we may be able to discuss a direct monthly payment plan between yourself and SEM, as an additional alternative. Please contact us promptly to discuss this.
You can use the finance calculator to try the potential options that suit your budget.
There is a minimum of 5% non-refundable deposit (downpayment for the course fees) required from the student at the point of successful application. The calculator will tell you minimum deposit required on the right hand side. To pay a bigger deposit pleasecontact the school.
EG: Complete Music Production & Audio Engineering Course. Fees: £72505
£7250 over 36 months : Deposit £362.50 : Monthly instalments of £220.55. Total finance: £7939.94
What is my timetable for the course?
Your timetable can be tailored to suit your needs. Modules can studied one after the other, or at the same time.
We would strongly advisespeaking to a course advisoron +44 (0)161 833 4722 to plan your specific timetable to fit around other commitments you may have. See below for examples:
February start dates
Intro to MP – 6 months – Saturdays 12pm – 6pm
Advanced MP – 6 months – Saturdays 12pm – 6pm
Music Composition – 3 months – Mon/Wed 7pm – 10pm or online module taken at your own pace
Do I get practical time in the studios as well as lectures?
Yes, SEM guarantees more practical time than any other UK equivalent.
Practical time is allocated to you (flexible to your schedule) which goes alongside your lectures. We believe access to high-end studios and support from a knowledgeable technical support team is absolutely key in helping you develop to a professional level.
You can also take an unlimited number of any free studio slots
We’re open from 10am – 10pm Monday – Friday, and 12 – 9pm on weekends for you to use the studios.
Full time technicians are on hand for these sessions to give you mentoring if you need it.
I work full-time. Is it possible for me to take this course?
Yes, many students successfully study this course whilst working full-time hours.
Your study is broken up into approx. 6hrs of weekly lectures (fixed time every week, see‘what is my timetable’ tab), individual studio time (flexible to your schedule) and additional unlimited access, along with having lots of online course resources to continue learning at home.
So as long as the lecture time doesn’t clash with your other commitments it is totally possible to study this course alongside full-time work.
Headphones with a 1/4″ adapter, an external hard-drive or USBs to save your work, and writing materials are the only equipment you need.
If you need advice on what headphones to purchase, please contact a course advisoron +44 (0)161 833 4722.
Every student has access to their own iMac workstation in the school which contains all the software, samples and plugins that you will use throughout the course.
A home setup is absolutely not essential, and some of our best students have benefitted from only using SEM’s studios, as it has meant they have the most up-to-date software and access to Tech Support staff. With this said, if you have a home-setup, these are some things you might want to consider:
Software
Ableton Live 10 Suite is the main music production software used on the course. As this is a ‘Complete’ Music Production Course, you will receive a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite for free, or Native Instruments Komplete (if you already have a copy of Ableton Live 10 Suite). Please note that the software is given upon full receipt of course fees, or can be received early with a £200 deposit which is refunded upon final payment of your course fees. Once you have a copy of this, should you have a computer with adequate system requirements, you should be able to use this to make music at home as well as at SEM. We recommend getting Ableton as early on in the training as you can should you wish to make music at home.
3rd Party Plugins
For the Advanced Music Production module, this module uses 3rd party plugins extensively. The 3rd party plugins taught are all available for use within SEM, so none of these plugins are essential or required. We mention them only because you may want to plan your purchasing of them at some point if you have a home studio setup.
Please note: This module does not begin until 6-months into your training, so any 3rd party plugins will not be used prior to this.
Slate Digital is the primary plugin that you may wish to purchase for home use. We provide Slate Digital for use in SEM, but should you wish to use this at home, with a SEM discount you can get Slate Digital for a year’s subscription for less than £100, or on a monthly $9.99 subscription. Others that are recommended but not essential are theFabFilter Essentials Bundle (Pro-R, the Pro Q-3 and the Pro-C 2) which is a one-off £299, or with a 40% student discount, £189. Valhalla Room is $50 for a one-off purchase.
Soundtoys 5 Bundle is completely optional, but also worth mentioning. Student discounts on this is 50%, however this discount can be stacked on additional seasonal discounts (Spring Sale etc) so can often be purchased for around £150 outright.
I am an international student. Can I apply?
UK and EU Students
Students from within the European Union, or who have joint nationality with the UK can enrol via the normal way, by clicking ‘Enrol Now’ on their chosen course. You can see our international students page for further information regarding Britain’s exit from the EU.
International Students
As a school we cannot provide you with a Tier 4 visa. This means you cannot travel to the UK for study with us, if your main purpose for travel to the UK is to study.
However, if your main purpose to the UK is as a visitor ie. for leisure, and studying a course is something you wish to do in addition (and is not the main reason for your trip), you may be able to still travel to the UK on a standard visitor visa.
Alternatively, we also offer a range of online courses that may be of interest to you.
Do you provide student accommodation?
Student accommodation is not provided with the course.
Please see our accommodation page which has detailed information on both student halls, and private renting in and around Manchester.
It is advised that if you are moving to Manchester from abroad or a different city, the atmosphere of student halls might be better for you.
We can help you with other aspects of re-locating, such as advising you on the best transport links to find us, and where some of the best musical venues around Manchester are.
You can see the next available date and sign up for ithere.
There’ll be free music production and DJ workshops, a range of industry seminars, and a chance to get lots of career advice. All are welcome.
However, if you’re keen to get started quicker than when the open day comes around, particularly if you’re looking to study this course, you can book in for a personal tour of the school here.
If you have any questions or are unsure if this is the right course for you, you can book in for a call with a course advisor at a time that suits you.
Alternatively you can email us, or give us a call directly on +44(0)161 833 4722. Our office is open Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm GMT.
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