Higher Certificate In DJ & Electronic Music Production
SAQA ID: 91873, 120 Credits, NQF 5
Music Ear Training 101:
- The Music Ear training 102 module continues from where 101 left off and is designed to provide students with the practical exercises and drills necessary to refine their perception of musical sound to enhance their critical listening skills essential to improve their performance as engineers and or producers. Students will practice to hear, analyse and note elements of harmony, melody and tuning.
Music Ear Training 102:
- The Music Ear training 101 module is designed to provide students with the practical exercises and drills necessary to refine their perception of musical sound to enhance their critical listening skills essential to improve their performance as engineers and or producers. Students will practice to hear, analyse and note elements of rhythm and intervals.
Modern Music Theory 101:
- This module will introduce students to musical terminology and the various applications to structure music pieces. Students will apply rhythmical examples in traditional notation and within a DAW, analyse a musical score and indicate rhythmical symbols while reflecting how these rhythmic elements are used in contemporary music. Students will also learn about pitching, scales and rhythm to prepare them to create their own chord progressions in music composition.
Modern Music Theory 102:
- This module will introduce students to the various chord types and their variations within chord progressions, including sus and slash chords. Students will learn how to write melodies and melody harmonisation. Finally, students will learn about chart reading, 7th Chords, Harmonic and Melodic Minors, Circle of 5ths, Modulation, and the three-note challenge.
Music Production Technique 101:
- This module will introduce you to the theory and practical skills of music production. The course will focus on teaching you about the concepts, functionality, and application of virtual instruments, recorded vocals, and plugins within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Techniques and expertise learned in this course will allow you to engage with musicians, and songwriters and give you the skills to create your music effectively with the knowledge to use the music software from a basic level to an intermediate one. Lessons will strictly be given in Cubase.
Music Production Technique 102:
- This module will focus on analysing modern-day popular genres, including Electronic Dance Music, Hip-Hop, and Pop, as well as their related sub-genres. Sound design, tips, and production techniques, as well as the history and foundational elements of the genres, are covered giving you the skills to create music in a variety of different styles with an understanding of where the tools and creative thought processes first stemmed from.
Audio Fundamentals 101:
- This module covers the foundational principles and theories behind sound engineering practices. This module aims to provide students with a theoretical understanding of common sound engineering principles and practices used in modern studios, including familiarity with cables, connectors, digital audio technology, and mono-& stereo microphone techniques.
Studio Sound Engineering 101:
- This module covers the practical application of studio sound engineering practices within a studio environment. The purpose of this module is to enable the students to apply various studio sound engineering procedures in a modern studio. The module focuses on introductory recording techniques for vocals, bass, acoustic and electric guitar.
Signal Processing 101:
- Signal Processing focuses on the mixing tools used by sound engineers in the studio and live sound production. The module focuses on the mastery of mixing tools and seeks to establish a good understanding of how to operate these tools in a mixing environment. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to use Faders and Pan knobs to create a balance for a song; how to use EQ to enhance the sonic presentation; how to use Dynamic Processors to add control and power; Time-Based effects to add depth and movement; and, finally, use Automation to transform a static mix into a dynamic mix.
Recording Project:
- The Recording Project Module assesses the students on recording techniques covered through the SSE102 module. Throughout the semester, the students will have to complete several projects to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year to record voice-overs, singing or rapping vocals, and various string instruments.
Music Software Cubase:
- This module is designed to enable musicians and audio engineers to maximise their understanding and experience of Cubase software. It is a comprehensive module that covers the basics of Cubase, such as how to set up a project, how to use MIDI, how to use loops and sequence music. The module also takes you through the track creation process from scratch, from the initial idea all the way through mastering. Cubase has a wide range of features that are covered in this module, including automation and mixing techniques. There are also sections on using VSTs and audio effects which will help you create professional-sounding mixes.
Music Software FL Studio:
- This module has been developed to enable musicians and audio engineers to maximize their understanding and experience of FL Studio. Every aspect of Fl Studio relating to music production will be thoroughly examined with detailed explanations and examples, as well as practical advice and tips. Guidance with exercises is provided, making the student comfortable and confident within the FL Studio environment. An accompanying study-guide is developed to exactly match the schedule of the course, where every aspect is dealt with in a systematic and orderly fashion. Practical experience is a cornerstone of any learning process, and this module has 28 practical exercises that guides the student from simple to advanced tasks.
Fundamentals of DJ 101 & DJ Performance 101:
- These modules have been developed to equip students with the specific skills to perform the music they have produced using standard DJ equipment such as controllers and CDJs. In this module, students will combine their knowledge of music genres, music production techniques and mixing into a set of music that can be performed. Students will learn how to produce and perform their music, paying special attention to live performance operating procedures, style, crowd engagement, producing and recording mixes, and the art of DJ performance in different contexts.