Edinburgh Napier University's Popular Music Industries department has announced the launch of its new Master's degree in Sound Production. The one-year, full-time MA course welcomes its first intake of graduate students in September, offering a career-focused programme with study options in studio practice, live / event sound, screen sound / post-production and sound design / synthesis. The course includes a mix of technical instruction, workshops, input from industry professionals and on-site training, providing students with hand-on experience in a variety of potential work areas.
"Napier's MA in Sound Production differs from many other courses in that it doesn't focus on working with rock bands" explains Graham Weir, Director of Popular Music Industries. "Entrants are expected to have a proven level of recording experience from their first degree, which can be extended and applied to different areas of the industry during this course. The first trimester is designed to give students a broad experience of the various techniques involved in studio practice, screen sound and live/event sound, enabling them to make an informed decision about potential areas of specialisation."
During their second trimester all students undertake an Audio Soft-and Hardware unit that covers fault finding, soldering, integrated circuits, software installation and other practicalities that are a "real life" necessity for any engineer or technician. They also specialise in two different areas of sound production, with further opportunity to develop practical and academic skills.
"This is always a busy time of year, with lots of undergraduate students requiring the services of studio engineers for their own degree projects" comments Graham. "The MA studio specialists will all have an opportunity to act as "house engineer", taking responsibility for different projects. Napier is also home to Screen Academy Scotland (Scotland's national film school) and there's a constant demand for post-production engineers to help with show reels and other film projects. We're also fortunate to have a large classical music department with orchestras, choirs and other ensembles, which enables students to gain experience of classical music recording, both in the studio and on location."
The third trimester involves more work experience as students undertake a final project in their chosen specialist field. Edinburgh's reputation as one of Europe's leading cultural and artistic capitals has led to the university establishing links with theatres, performance venues, studios and sound reinforcement / corporate communications companies where students have opportunity for placements and other project work. The Popular Music Industries department also has links with Toronto's prestigious Harris Institute, where five work placements are available for Napier MA students as a final project option.
As a Digidesign Certified Training Location, Napier also offers its MA students an opportunity to further broaden their studio and post-production skills with the optional integration of Pro Tools certification into their study programmes.
Students who do not want to undertake the full three-trimester programme may undertake the Postgraduate Certificate (one trimester) or Postgraduate Diploma (two trimesters). The MA course is also open to part-time students, who can complete the units over a two-year period. Applications are welcome from the UK, the EU and overseas.
