The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

• Music Performance
• Music Theory and Practice
• Music Industry Studies
• Work Experience
• Radio Programming and Production
• Sound Engineering and Production
• Mathematics
• Ethnomusicology
• Teamworking
• Music Technology
• Word Processing
• Event Production

This course is aimed at developing a musician’s ability in the areas of performance and musical awareness and to further enhance skills through music technology and computer applications.

It provides students with hands-on experience and
training in the various aspects of the music industry. Live performances and studio recordings are an integral part of the course, which is designed for musicians, songwriters and producers. Through continued commitment to rehearsal students develop the discipline that is required to work in the music industry.

Students present, produce and perform a number of live performances as part of their course work. These offer an ideal environment in which each student can put the knowledge and skills gained on the course into use.

Additional Options

Event production may be offered as a module on this course

Students will acquire competency in the theory and technologies associated with the fields of music composition and production, sound engineering and recording, music education, community music, sound for film/radio/TV multimedia, audio post-production, internet streaming, location sound engineering, sound synthesis and design, audio for games and so on.

Graduates of this course will have a firm foundation in music and the music industry preparing them for further study in this area, along with the know-how and experience to work in a professional music setting. Students can also progress to the Higher National Diploma in Artistic Development for Musicians at Dunboyne College.

Graduates can progress to degrees in TU, TCD, DBS, Dun Laoghaire IADT, Maynooth University (incl. Kilkenny Campus and St. Patrick’s College), Marino Institute of Education, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick and Athlone, South East Technological University Waterford, Munster Technological University, Tralee, TUD, DKIT, University of Limerick and other colleges around the country, including progress to First Arts in Maynooth University, where there are 175 places reserved for QQI entrants.

• Leaving Cert or LCA

• Mature Students

• Other equivalent qualification

• An interview and audition (voice or instrument) will be organised for each applicant.

• Applicants should be computer literate.

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

• Sound Engineering and Production
• Radio Programming and Production
• Music Technology
• Work Experience
• Word Processing
• Music Industry Studies
• Music Performance
• Ethnomusicology
• Teamworking

This one-year course is designed to give students an introduction to the world of sound engineering, the media and the music industry.

This course is designed to provide a combination of practical and theoretical tuition in all aspects of digital sound engineering and event production. Students will work
in a fully equipped digital studio and be involved in the production of live performance recording.

The overall aim of the course is to educate students for a variety of career opportunities within the audio industry and related areas. Students will gain a broad appreciation of the technology involved in sound production. Every year more hardware and software becomes available to create music and teach students about music.

This is a hands-on, skills-based course which equips students with a fundamental knowledge of the common applications of music technology.

Specialised Facilities:

• Students will work in professional industry standard studios.

Students may seek immediate employment in the music industry. Typical career opportunities are in the areas of sound engineering, music production and recording, live sound production and audio technology, or in a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with an engineering aptitude.

The course will provide you with a qualification that has many applications within the music and audio industries.

Students can progress to the Higher National Diploma in Sound Engineering at Dunboyne College. Students can also apply to Maynooth University, where there are 175 places reserved for QQI applicants.

There are also places in DCU, TUD Tallaght, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick, Munster Technological University, Cork, Dun Laoghaire IADT, UCC, Shannon College and other colleges.

Graduates may also pursue courses in colleges around the country or in the UK.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHER NATIONALS IN MUSIC?

Do you have a passion for music and songwriting? Do you want to elevate your skills and seize the numerous opportunities that Ireland’s thriving music industry has to offer? The Higher Nationals in Music, an innovative and comprehensive programme designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to excel in the global music environment.

This course goes beyond traditional classroom education by emphasising the practical nature of learning how to compose and perform music. You will benefit from one-on-one coaching and mentorship from experienced industry professionals, helping you refine your skills and talents.

Through collaborative projects and real-world scenarios, you will gain invaluable experience and insights into the music industry, preparing you for a successful career as an artist or music professional.

COURSE CONTENT YEAR 1

Throughout the first year, you will delve into various aspects of the music industry, learning about its structure, history and contemporary landscape. You will gain essential marketing and promotion skills, understanding how to effectively showcase your talents and projects. Our curriculum emphasises professional development, equipping you with the tools and knowledge required to excel in your music career.

As you progress through the first year, you will explore applied music theory, enhancing your understanding
of the principles and techniques that underpin musical compositions. The performance and instrumental techniques modules will fine-tune your skills as a musician, allowing you to express yourself confidently on stage and in the studio.

The course also covers music production fundamentals, offering a solid grounding in the technical aspects of creating and recording music. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to hone your songwriting skills, developing your unique voice and style as a composer.

YEAR 1 MODULES

The following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and are subject to change:

• Applied Music Theory

• Instrumental Techniques

• Marketing and Promotion

• Music Production Fundamentals

• Performance

• Professional Development

• Songwriting

• The Music Industry

YEAR 2

The second-year curriculum focuses on further refining your skills as an artist, allowing you to develop advanced performance techniques and create a compelling creative portfolio. You will delve into the art of musical direction and explore the practical applications of this crucial skill in the music industry. You will also master advanced composing techniques using technology and gain proficiency in live arrangement skills.

YEAR 2 MODULES

• Advanced Composition Techniques

• Advanced Performance Skills

• Creative Portfolio

• Creative Research Project

• Developing as an Artist

• Live Arrangement Skills

• Musical Direction in Practice

CERTIFICATION

• Year One: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (Performance)

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Music (5M2011)

• Year Two: Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Artist Development)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

With this qualification, you will be well-prepared to explore a multitude of roles in the music industry.

In addition to the diverse career options, the Higher National Diploma in Music program offers an industry- focused curriculum designed to meet the demands of today’s music landscape.

The course emphasises practical learning, artist development and collaboration, ensuring you are equipped to face the ever-evolving world of music.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

At least one of the following:

• Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or

• Mature Students

• Level 5 major award in a relevant area

• Other equivalent qualification

  All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications and will be asked to complete an audition (voice or instrument).

WHAT IS THE HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN SOUND ENGINEERING?

Are you passionate about music and sound? Do you want to develop the technical skills and knowledge required to succeed in the exciting world of sound engineering? The Higher National Diploma in Sound Engineering in Sound Engineering is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the ever-evolving audio industry.

This practical course is designed to give you hands-on experience in a range of audio engineering disciplines, including recording technology, live sound techniques and sound design for interactive media. With classes based in professional recording studios, live music venues and specialist computer labs, you’ll have the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and gain real-world experience in a range of settings.

Graduates can take advantage of a variety of potential career pathways, including roles as recording engineers, live sound engineers, sound designers, audio post-production engineers and more.

COURSE CONTENT YEAR 1

In the first year, students will gain a solid foundation
in essential sound principles, acoustics, studio design, recording technology, and sound engineering fundamentals through practical classes in dedicated computer labs and professional recording studios.

Additionally, they will explore the use of creative software techniques, live sound techniques, and marketing and promotion strategies, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of the industry.

The first year also includes modules on professional development and an overview of the music industry, setting the stage for a successful career in sound engineering.

YEAR 1 MODULES

The following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and are subject to change:

• Applied Sound Principles

• Creative Software Techniques

• Live Sound Techniques

• Marketing and Promotion

• Professional Development

• Recording Technology

• Sound Engineering Fundamentals

• The Music Industry

YEAR 2

The second year focuses on refining and expanding on specialist sound engineering skills developed in Year
1. Students will master advanced music production techniques, sound design for interactive media and
live performances, while working on their own creative portfolio. The intricacies of mixing and mastering will be developed in a creative research project.

The course not only provides the student with the technical expertise necessary to succeed in various roles within the audio industry but also fosters critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills.

YEAR 2 MODULES

• Advanced Music Production

• Advanced Sound Design for Interactive Media

• Advanced Sound Engineering

• Creative Portfolio

• Creative Research Project

• Live Mixing

• Mixing and Mastering

CERTIFICATION

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Sound Engineering), with a Higher National Certificate after year one.

Year One: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (Technology)

Year Two: Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Sound Engineering)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

This course opens up a world of exciting and diverse career paths for aspiring musicians and sound professionals. Graduates will be well prepared to explore a multitude of roles in the music, film and creative media industry or for further progression to Level 7 or 8 degree courses.

• Leaving Certificate

• Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

• QQI Level 5 major award in a related subject

• Mature students of all background

• Other equivalent qualification