Audio Music Production

Qualification Level 

RSL Level 2 Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma in the Creative Music Industry
RSL Level 3 Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma in the Creative Music Industry

Duration of programme

The Level 2 and 3 courses can be taken over one or two years

Entry Requirements 

An interest in the creation of music and radio products and their production is essential. Level 3 qualifications require 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C (grade 4) or above. These must include English and Mathematics.

What does the course involve? 

Built on the underpinning knowledge and skills needed to successfully pursue a career in the audio music industry, the courses on offer are designed to provide vocationally relevant music industry qualifications which will equip you with the skills needed for employment in audio and music production and/or progression to a higher level of study. We aim to develop creative thinkers who are prepared for new challenges in future employment and understand how your initiative and skills can help you to achieve.

In addition to learning the principles of audio recording, you will gain knowledge of many aspects of working in the audio and music industry and of the specific skills and working practices of roles such as music producer, recording engineer, composer, session musician and mixing engineer. Many of these skills are transferable to other types of employment, particularly IT and digital skills, communication, working with others, project planning, evaluation of your own work and working to deadlines.

Courses are delivered by a small teaching team who are experienced subject teachers and have experience of working in creative roles within the music industry. This knowledge and experience informs the planning of the courses, including unit selection and project/assessment design.

Teaching Methods

All learning sessions are delivered in a purpose-built recording studio and/or classroom environment equipped with individual audio workstations. The feel of the learning area is intended to reflect a professional music creation environment as much as possible and the intention is for you to feel, on entering the spaces, that you are in a creative zone where you are expected to behave in a professional way, taking responsibility for your own learning, being supportive of others and always with support from your teachers.

Assessment Methods

Assessment for both qualification levels is in the form of practical tasks in the classroom and studio environments, utilising industry standard equipment with minimal VI adaptation, this gives a 'real world' feel to all tasks, focusing workflow on realistic conditions in a work environment. Written tasks, witness statements, essays and production diaries of work carried out, are the main evidence of practical work.

Work Based Learning

The RSL course are employment focused with work based sessions an essential element in your development.

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma students undertake weekly studio and work-based sessions alongside Hereford College of Art's Music Performance Department. These sessions highlight:

• effective ways of working with musicians

• giving musical direction

• organisational skills

• working within a timeframe

• pre-production planning

• selecting and setting up musical and recording equipment

• organising resources, planning a schedule and timescale

Where will it take me?  

Progression is an important element of development in this subject. Level 2 students can progress to Year 2 of the course, or if progress has been strong and is evident College-wide, Level 2 students can progress to Level 3. This is the intended path to retain and further develop your creative aspirations.

Level 3 Certificate achievement can result in progression to the Subsidiary Diploma qualification or application to Higher Education (HE).

The nature of the creative industry and its 'freelance' employment paths clearly link with other departments within RNC. Many students have combined Business and ICT with an Audio Music Production qualification to give students an opportunity to broaden their skills and widen their future HE/employment opportunities.