Course description

Four key reasons to choose this course

• Inspirational facilities - Learn in one of the country’s most advanced university recording studios
• National endorsements - Assessors from JAMES said Derby’s music courses have “a unique personality”
• Graduates with music technology and production skills can look forward to exciting career opportunities in a field which is constantly innovating
• Our course blends the latest production techniques with creative vision and a strong understanding of the commercial environment

You'll gain an excellent understanding of the music industry and recording studios, and learn about the technology of the studio, and playback systems. You'll explore the process of sound recording and production, design and build your own sound-making tools, and complete a portfolio of commercial recordings. You'll also develop your awareness of the commercial environment, and how best to promote your music.

This course is accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), which means it meets the highest professional standards set by industry. You’ll become part of a vibrant music scene within both the University and the city of Derby. Our teaching team includes experienced academics and practitioners who have in-depth knowledge of the industry and are breaking new ground in the discipline.

In the video below, Cristian reflects on his experience as an international student studying Music at Derby:

How you will learn

Learning and assessment

The course is set in the context of the music industry and the recording studio, covering all aspects of the production process through to the completion of recordings to a commercial standard. There is an emphasis on practical studio skills where you will prepare, record, process and edit material to create a finished product. You’ll also undertake laboratory work, conducting experiments in areas of science and technology such as recording studio acoustics or electronics.  

Strong employer links are a hallmark of this course. Our staff are actively engaged in projects across the industry, which opens doors for you to work on real-world projects, gain work experience, and hear from visiting performers and industry representatives. We have strong connections with companies such as Avid, Apple music products training division, Focusrite, Oxford Sound & Media, and Yamaha Commercial Audio.  

Various assessment methods are used on this course, all designed to support your progress and give you just the right level of challenge. They include coursework, portfolios, assignments, case studies, oral and graphic presentations, collaborative and interdisciplinary team work projects, laboratory work, internet-based investigations, computer testing and exams.

Facilities 

You’ll discover a superb range of music making facilities at our Markeaton Street site, including state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal space, auditoria, music technology labs and three post-production rooms equipped with latest software.  

The University has invested almost £350,000 in these facilities, ensuring you have access to resources which match those of professional studios in the UK and overseas. We offer a wide range of instruments, amplifiers and outboard gear on which you can develop your skills, together with a classic 48 channel Neve recording console.  

Thanks to our close relationship with Focusrite we were one of the first institutions in the world to install the RedNet system in our recording studios, which placed us at the forefront of developments in audio-over IP.

While these studio facilities will provide an excellent setting for your taught sessions, they are also available for you to book at other times to fine-tune your personal music projects.

You will also hone your performance skills at venues across the city, including Derby Theatre which the University owns and runs as a professional producing theatre.

Degree Show

Every year students from the School of Arts celebrate their time at University by showcasing their work at an end of year Degree Show at Markeaton Street and across the City of Derby. The Show usually runs throughout June. It is a fantastic opportunity for potential employers, friends, family, industry and members of the public to see exciting creations by the next generation of artists, designers, creators and makers from Derby. The Show takes the form of:

• An exhibition at Markeaton Street
• A Fashion and Textiles catwalk (usually at Derby Theatre)
• A Film Premiere (usually at QUAD)
• Theatre Performances (usually at Derby Theatre)
• A Music show at a variety of venues

Take a look at highlights from the 2019 Degree Show.