Why Study Music Production?

What Does A Music Producer Do?

“Today’s music producer is handling every role that we had 5 different guys handling 10 years ago. They are engineering and mixing as they are writing the songs. They are playing the instruments, choosing the co-writers, supplying the studios and even balance the finances of project.”

- Cameell Hanna, Serenity West Recording – Los Angeles, CA (Credits: Justin Timberlake, Adele, Florence & the Machine, Eva Simons, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg)

A music producer oversees the creation of the music but he/she wears many hats …

Music Producers

• are similar to film directors as they creatively guide and direct the recording process
• help provide an overall vision for a music album and help find a way to seamlessly interrelate the music within the album
• might also act as a music arranger, composer, musician or songwriter

Good music producers understand all aspects of the recording process, the studio environment and the technology within it. They also have a very good ear and a well-rounded knowledge of how voices and instruments produce good quality recordings.

Is Music Production for You?

Questions to ask yourself when considering if a music production course is for you …

• Do you have a passion for music?
• Are you a composer, musician or producing your own music already?
• Are you keen to learn the computer, technical and perhaps engineering skills to master the sound equipment in a recording studio?
• Do you get on well with people?

Learning the skills and finding your way in the music industry requires dedication, resilience, passion and a lot of hard work.

Study Music Production at both Griffith College & Pulse College

The BA (Hons) in Music Production degree has been uniquely designed by industry, for industry, and is delivered in partnership with Windmill Lane Recording Studios’ Pulse College.

For over 30 years, Windmill Lane Recording Studios has been host to international clients such as U2, Lady GaGa, The Script and The Kings of Leon.

This powerful collaboration means that those who enroll for the BA in Music Production have an unrivaled opportunity to rapidly advance their academic training with direct experience in a leading commercial environment. 

A recent blog post from Pulse College outlines the main strengths of the BA (Hons) programme:

With an emphasis on equipping students with industry-applicable skills, the BA (Hons) in Music Production is the ideal choice for anyone who is committed to working in the music industry.

1. Vocational Emphasis

Unlike many similar programmes, Griffith and Pulse place particular importance on giving students the essential skills necessary to thrive in the working world. Although we make sure to teach the theory behind music production, it’s always with a view to putting it into practice. On graduation, you’ll have the edge over your competitors with a formidable portfolio that highlights your technical and creative abilities in fields as diverse as composing for visual media and sound design.

2. The Creative Environment

Located within the legendary recording space of Windmill Lane Studios, the facilities available to Music Production students provide the ideal opportunity for those who want to make their ideas a reality.

Facilities at both Pulse College and Griffith College are fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and students are supported to create outstanding work in audio production. We encourage you to bring in bands and musicians to practice recording techniques.

Industry-standard programmes such as Logic and Pro Tools are also provided, as well as the guidance and instruction you’ll receive from experienced practitioners for mastering this software.

3. Strong Industry Connections

Though it’s always a nerve-racking experience, we like to throw our students in at the deep end! From your very first day, you’ll be working with established musicians and industry figures, whose years of practical experience will prove invaluable in helping you channel and apply your creativity. Students are encouraged to ask questions, whether it’s how a musician has achieved their signature sound or how they themselves have found employment in the industry.

4. Accreditation

This BA (Hons) in Music Production represents a partnership between Pulse and Griffith College. Graduates of the programme are fully accredited to level 8 standard, and are free to pursue further qualifications at MA or PHD level. In addition, Pulse College is the only school in Ireland currently offering certification in Avid Pro Tools to an expert standard, and to our knowledge the only school in the world to award course credits for doing so.

5. A Well-Rounded Education

Not only do we aim to teach our students the hands-on skills necessary to work within a studio environment, but we also provide a solid foundation in essential processes outside of it, including online promotion, effective research methodology and practical client work. The industry rewards those with a diverse skillset, and those who can show professionalism and a good business know-how will inevitably have the edge in a competitive environment.

Why Not Make Great Music?

If you’re interested in finding out more about the BA (Hons) in Music Production, why not email Griffith College’s admissions team to take the first step in your music industry career?

You can now study the Certificate in Music Production through Springboard+. Learn more about Springboard Courses 2021 now.