Music Technology
Music technology involves manipulating sound electronically. The music industry relies upon specialised electronic equipment for playing and recording music, and employs technical people who can operate this equipment.
People with music technology skills can work as sound engineers in a variety of roles.
Opera houses, television and film productions (boom operators or sound recordists) as well as websites and computer games, all rely on the work of sound engineers.
The music industry is competitive in London. A thorough understanding of the role technology plays in the production, recording and creation of music, and the ability to apply that knowledge to real musical situations, is vital for someone with an ambition to work in the music industry. The necessary skills can be gained by studying music technology at a London college.
Courses at Newham College
Newham College of Further Education in East London runs courses in music technology at its Stratford campus. The college has industry standard facilities and recording suites.
Students with 4 GCSEs (grade A - C) including English and Maths can study for a two year National Diploma in Music Technology, or a one year fast track National Certificate. A National Diploma in Music Technology will give students the basic skills to become a programmer or producer in the music business, a sound engineer or sound designer. Students with an A Level (or equivalent) can study for the one year course to gain a Higher National Certificate in Music Technology Production.
Also available are NewCAD (Newham College Access Diploma) level one and level two courses in Music Technology. These are part time six week units; entry is dependent upon an assessment and English at level C. The addition of Music Technology to the NewCAD programme was launched in July 2004 when an honorary diploma was issued to RnB superstar Usher.
Working as a Sound Engineer
The sound engineering industry consists of television, radio, recording, live sound, theatre sound, and sound for multimedia. Sound consists of dialogue, sound effects, the application of pre-recorded music, and music.
Sound engineering is a progressive area which changes with developments in digital audio technologies. Recent years have seen the advance of DVD, digital television and digital radio, as well as the developments in Minidisk and MP3 digital recording.
A sound engineer needs a knowledge of electronics, an understanding of sound waves and acoustics, and the ability to use equipment for mixing and recording both digital and analogue sound.
Some of the work includes setting up the studio by positioning equipment, setting up and maintaining appropriate sound levels and dynamics, recording each separate item or instrument, mixing various tracks on tape, and compiling recordings into a final master.
Although there is tough competition for jobs in the music industry, London is home to several recording studios, a large number of production houses, and expanding opportunities in Internet and multimedia ventures. Be persistent!
