POPULAR MUSIC PRODUCTION
You will be able to tailor this course to your own interests through optional projects and modules in the second and third years. These modules may help to inform future career options and ensure that technical and musical skills are underpinned by a solid understanding of the wider music industry.
This course will involve practical projects designed in partnership with insert industry
The course will be delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars, masterclasses, tutorials, workshops and guest presentations.
Assessment methods include practical assessments, essays, individual reports, portfolio, individual and group presentations, and final performance.
YEAR 1 (Level 4)
Introduction to Studio Recording 1 |
Core |
A solid understanding of why and how we mix popular music is vital in improving your music production. This module combines practical mixing and recording with the established and proven theories of how multi-track music is made. |
Principles of Sound |
Core |
This module provides a grounding in how sound behaves both acoustically, and when represented by electrical or digital means. An understanding of core concepts introduced here will benefit you in all music and sound related pursuits. |
Creative Music Industries |
Core |
The music industry is fiercely competitive; artists and producers need to be committed to their own creativity and innovation in order to be successful. Key aspects of that creativity, from songwriting and promotion, through to audiences and consumption are discussed and explained to enable you to understand the demands of the music industries. |
Principles of Music |
Core |
Practically all music contains structures and patterns which are readily communicated as a musical language. This module demystifies that language enabling you to understand existing music more deeply, and to communicate musical matters more clearly. |
Introduction to Studio Recording 2 |
Core |
You will experience the challenges of recording a full band of musicians. You will also get the chance to continue developing your mixing skills, and to reflect on your project work. |
Sampling Synthesis and Midi |
Core |
Popular music was transformed in both technical and creative ways by the development of electronic instruments, and the MIDI protocol to control them. This module explores some of the fundamental concepts in electronic sound synthesis, and how MIDI relates to the contemporary Digital Audio Workstation. |
YEAR 2 (Level 5)
Advanced Studio Recording 1 |
Core |
This module is key in your development of understanding the processes and expectations of creating an engaging, contemporary, commercial mix. We will explore, through critical analysis, what goes into a modern mix; how cutting-edge processing meets traditional methodologies and techniques in translating a recording to a completed mix down. |
Live Music Production |
Core |
The live music sector provides significant employment opportunities in many different areas. In this module you experience the thrill of working in a live event team on your own themed music event in real city venue. |
Music Portfolio Careers |
Core |
This module provides you with opportunities to research options for an exciting and varied freelance career and develop existing skills and learn new skills in order to begin your personal portfolio career. Expect to begin creating your networks and to start working in the music industries before you finish your studies at Resonance. |
Advanced Studio Recording 2 |
Core |
The complex mix of technical and creative skills makes music production a unique challenge. In this module you will explore how those seemingly different skillsets combine and complement each other. |
Creative Sound Design |
Core |
In this module you will expand your musical thinking into the world of film sound design. Whether through music or sound effects, films rely heavily on sound added postproduction; this module gives you the chance to develop skills required for sound in visual media. |
Music and Sound for Games |
Option |
Sound design, music and sound effects play a significant part in the overall experience for the end user within the interactive environment of video games. Learning the methodology of working with interactive visual content will lead you to possibilities of employment within the fastest growing industry of games development. |
Advanced Live Music Production |
Option |
Taking music to a live audience is essential to the marketing of music productions and the promotion of recording artists. This module explores the advanced elements required for successful live music productions and further explores advanced live music production scenarios. |
YEAR 3 (Level 6)
Advanced Music Production |
Core |
This module allows you the freedom to choose a production technique for an in-depth study, culminating in a demonstration of your advanced skills in a combined audio -visual product. |
Live Project Brief |
Core |
Freelance work forms the basis of much of our industry, yet many clients are reluctant to take a chance on new sound engineers or producers. This module helps you get a freelance client as a first step in building your portfolio of clients. |
Major project |
Core |
The ability to produce a significant project underpinned by deep and meaningful research, presented using the correct academic protocols will provide you with essential graduate skills that you will need for future. |
Live Event Technology |
Option |
The increasing complexity of Live Event systems means that there is a requirement for audio technicians and operators to possess a strong theoretical knowledge and practical ability in the design, assembly, optimisation and operation of lighting systems, sound controllers and other live event technologies. |
Surround Mixing |
Option |
As media and entertainment industries push beyond stereo audio, an awareness of the challenges and skills in mixing sound in surround formats will help your understanding and confidence. |
Live Sound Technology |
Option |
You will obtain from this module an appreciation of the many factors that need to be accounted for in specifying, configuring and operating professional sound reinforcement systems, and you will be able to select tools and techniques appropriate to a variety of contexts, setups and situations encountered. |
Experimental Music Production |
Option |
If you want to challenge the usual habits and conventions in music production, this module will guide and inspire you. The module will explore experimental compositional techniques and processes drawing from avant-garde practices. |
KEY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 104-120 UCAS tariff points from A-levels or equivalent, including RSL VQ at Level 3 and Rockschool exams at grade 6 or higher.
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, an RSL/BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or RSL/BTEC Diploma at DM or equivalent, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirements of 104 UCAS points.
- UK applicants will be asked to attend an audition.
- Applicants over the age of 21 may be considered based on relevant experience, without having the required tariff points.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications to Resonance are via UCAS, to apply for the Popular Music Production BSc (Hons) course, simply click APPLY NOW.
This will take you to the Popular Music Production course page on the UCAS website, where you can complete your application.
Click here for instructions on how to add Popular Music Performance as a UCAS choice.
Ideally, your application should reach UCAS by the 26 January. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. Applications can still be made after the June deadline through the UCAS Clearing system.
If you have any problems, please contact admissions@resonance-edu.org.
If you would like to apply for more than one Resonance course, please add each one as an option on your UCAS application.
FEES
The Foundation Year and degree courses provided by Resonance are validated by Solent University which is registered with the Office for Students (OfS).
Fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £9,250 for all UK and Channel Islands students. Additional fees may apply to non-compulsory excursions, tours and extra-curricular activities. Students will be notified of these extra fees in advance.
Resonance offers bursaries and scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition or accommodation, subject to a letter of application. Each bursary or scholarship will be considered by the Board of Trustees.
Additional costs will apply to Quals Plus courses and will vary according to the assessment process.
Other costs – such as accommodation, books, stationery, instruments, accessories, computers, optional summer school, personal expenses, food, and entertainment – are not included.
Costs also apply to the graduation ceremony, i.e. hiring an academic gown (currently £45) and photography (starting at £15). Full details will be provided at the beginning of the third year of full-time study.
FUNDING
Undergraduate students wishing to study at Resonance are officially registered as Solent University students and are entitled to apply to Student Finance England for support.
Full-time students can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans. For further details on how to apply, please visit: