Commercial Music BA (Hons) (Platform One, Isle of Wight)

Our degree in Commercial Music offers students a unique opportunity to acquire a range of skills and knowledge relating to the music industry of today. The course is designed to interface directly with the industry and includes significant work placement experience. Module content includes songwriting, composition, studio recording techniques, production, music technology, live performance, event management, web design, marketing skills, music business, live sound, the release of a commercial album and a residential tour to Amsterdam in Year 2 of the course. The course runs at Platform One on the Isle of Wight. Students would need to be resident on the Island for the duration of their course.

Platform One has been involved in delivering programmes in collaboration with the University of Chichester since 2003 and staff pride themselves on providing a high quality educational experience for all students. Resources include industry-experienced staff, two professional recording studios with Audient mixing consoles and M&K monitoring, pre-production programming studio, purpose-built rehearsal rooms, showcase room, music technology suite, experienced instrumental tutors, links with the music industry, including the Isle of Wight Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the Extreme Sports Festival and the Bestival. Endorsement deals with Marshall Amplification, Audient, Ashdown, Peavey, Pearl, Blackstar and Musicman ensure that all equipment and resources are of high quality and are up-to-date.

Students will work in bands with regular performance opportunities in professional venues. This includes the organisation and implementation of a tour in Year 2. Students successfully completing the Foundation Degree can progress to the BA (Hons) in Commercial Music at Platform One, or to the level three BA (Hons) in Music at the University of Chichester.

Indicative Course Content

Students undertake modules including:

Core Subjects include:

• Principles of Audio Recording
• Understanding Popular Music
• Session Styles
• Work Placement
• Advanced Studio Recording Techniques
• The Birth of Rock and Roll to the Death of Punk Music
• Post Production Techniques
• The Digital Age
• Composition and Arranging Techniques
• Composition for the Moving Image
• Music Industry and Self-Employment

Why this Course?

• Excellent resources include: professional recording studios and rehearsal rooms
• Contemporary instrumental tuition
• Innovative curriculum design
• Professional industry staff
• Music tour in Year 2
• Weekly music industry guests

Careers

• Music performance and session playing
• Sound recording and production
• Composition and songwriting
• Film, television and radio Platform One

Please note: This course is run at Platform One College of Music on the Isle of Wight. For further information, please visit: www.platformone.org/

Entry Requirements

3 Years Full Time. Delivery Full Time only.