NQ Creative Music & Sound Production
Overview
Learn the craft! Build the skills! Step up to HN level!
Record in the studio, mix a live gig, design sound for film and games, and get hands-on with sampling, synthesis and remixing. This course introduces you to the full range of audio engineering, working in professional studio spaces on the kind of kit the industry uses.
It's also the ideal preparation for our HNC Sound Production course, your route towards a degree.
Entry
You'll need two National 5 passes, or equivalent. Music Technology and English are useful subjects to have, but they're not essential.
We'll also consider a mix of National 4 and National 5 qualifications, so if you're not sure whether you qualify, it's always worth applying.
No formal qualifications?
Relevant experience can be considered instead, whether that's making your own music, working on live events or recording at home.
Everyone who applies is invited to an interview, a friendly chat about your interest in sound and what you'd like to do next.
Learn
You'll work with microphones and studio hardware in a range of recording situations, and get confident in industry-standard software including Pro Tools and Ableton Live.
In the studio
Running your own recording sessions with support from your lecturers, you'll build the practical editing skills used in TV, film and game design, create song arrangements and productions of your own, and learn to mix in a range of formats.
At live events
You'll work in our live performance spaces with analogue and digital mixing desks, PA systems and microphone arrays, sharpening the critical listening skills every sound engineer depends on.
Working like a professional
Technical skill gets you in the door, but it's how you work that builds a career. You'll develop the habits the industry expects: communicating with clients, working in teams, making decisions under pressure and delivering high-quality work to tight deadlines.
Collaborate across the college
You'll be encouraged to work with students from Music, Business and Film & TV on projects that mirror real industry work, building your portfolio and contacts as you go.
Get industry certified
We're an approved Avid Learning Partner, so you can take optional industry-recognised qualifications such as Pro Tools 101 and 110 alongside your course. These certifications are recognised by studios worldwide and look excellent on a CV.
Units include
Sound Engineering and Production · Live Sound · Synthesis & Sampling · MIDI Sequencing · Sound Design · Music Remixing · Recording Studio Techniques · Digital Media
Where can I go from here?
Graduates of this course will be able to go directly into the following courses:
