• Code: MJ (Year One); MH (Year Two)
  • Certification:


    BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (Production) Level 6+ will be achieved after year 1                               BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Production) Level 6+ will be achieved after year 2 (603/2274/3)
  • Duration: Two Years

Description

BIFE’s Music Production Course fuses art and science to ensure students become fluent in the language and culture of music technology. An advanced program developed for those who want to hone and refine their skills. We focus on getting you ready to enter the competitive audio industry able to express yourself both technically and artistically. We go in depth into recording techniques used in the studio, live and on location. We explore emerging trends in audio technology, synthesis and sound design to make sure that your technique is fresh, vibrant and state-of-the-art. We encourage you to work towards your own artistic and professional goals with tutors providing constant support, professional coaching and individual guidance. If you want to go deep into the craft enrol at the Bray Institute of Further Education.

Click here for virtual tour of our Music Department

Programme of Study

HNC - Year One

  • The Music Industry
  • Marketing & Promotion for Musicians
  • Professional Development
  • Applied Sound Principles
  • Recording Technology
  • Creative Software Techniques
  • Creative Synthesis Techniques
  • Applied Music Theory


HND - Year Two

  • Creative Research Project
  • Advanced Music Production
  • Advanced Sound Engineering
  • Sound for Media Products
  • Mixing and Mastering
  • Advanced Synthesis and Processing
  • Advanced Composition Techniques
  • Advanced Composing Using Technology


Components subject to change

Entry Requirements
  • Leaving Certificate with some higher papers. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
  • Full QQI Level 5 Award with relevant experience
  • BTEC National Diploma in Sound Engineering with a merit profile
  • BTEC Diploma in Music Technology with a merit profile
  • Mature Applicants – experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications
Career Opportunities
  • Studio Engineer
  • Location Sound
  • Interactive Media
  • Post Sound for TV & Film
  • Production/Recording Artist
  • Live Sound Engineer
  • Gaming Audio
Higher Education Progression*

Examples of potential courses include:


Queens University Belfast:

  • BA in Music and Audio Production UCAS: W374 (Second Year)


Griffith College/Pulse College Dublin:

  • BA Hons in Music Production (Second Year) Apply directly to Griffith College


IADT:

  • Creative Music Production (Second Year) DL838


Manchester Metropolitan University:

  • Music and Sound Design (Second Year) UCAS: WMS1

Course Co-Ordinator

Philip Dobie

Where are they now?

Meet BIFE students who have graduated from this course...

"Choosing the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Production) course in BIFE got me on my way to learning how to produce, mix and release my own music. The modules really helped me to look at creating music in different ways and showed me how to market myself well as a Music Producer. 

I am currently releasing music under my own name as ‘Peggs’ and I've recently started a music project with my friend called ‘Nixer’ which is an electronic duo. Nixer has been doing really well, and I have plans to move to London where my friend lives to write an album as we have been working remotely since we started in May.

The tutors on the course have years and years of experience when it comes to making music, you really will not get it anywhere else -

I thoroughly believe that the tutors saved me at least 5 years of making music by doing this 2-year course in BIFE. Along with the DJ Techniques course (which I did before), I now feel like I have the tools to build a successful music career. - Gearoid Peggs

"This course at BIFE is a great choice for anyone who wants to become an Artist or Sound Engineer. It includes a broad spectrum of modules which teach you everything you need to know about how to create a professional sounding song, and how to release and market it successfully. They have great facilities and very approachable teachers. After completing the course last year, I decided to take a year off and use everything I had learned to create an album. I can now do a one year add on course in Ballyfermot College and get a degree in Media Management, which is what I plan on doing next year." - Cian Lynch

"I completed a QQI in Sound Production, and wanted to continue my studies the areas of sound engineering & studio recording. The BTEC HND in Music production in BIFE was exactly what I was looking for and more. The tutors are not only experts in an academic way, but they also have ‘real world’ experience in their individual fields, so you can be assured you are learning from industry experts. Since completing this course, I am far more confident and competent when it comes to live sound engineering." - Roger Maguire

"I thought returning to education as a mature student would be difficult, but the staff and teachers at BIFE made it so enjoyable and I learned so much, that I wanted to go further. After completing the HND in Music Production at BIFE, I was able to go on to study at Queen's University Belfast where I received an Honours Degree in Music Technology and Sonic Arts. My time at BIFE prepared me so well for University, and the quality of training I received from my Tutors made the progression really quite easy." - Alan Doherty BSc

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'The course gave me the tools to start producing the type of music I want to and a set of skills that have opened up new opportunities for me. Since the course I've done sound for the Fringe festival and various gigs but my real passion is music production so I'm in the process of producing my own music incorporating Ableton, vocals and live instruments. I'm also giving vocal tuition at Girls Rock Dublin. Girls Rock is a global organisation for young women who want a career in music and it gives them a positive, confidence-building experience in a supportive environment.' - Karen Hammond

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