Electronic Music Composition MMus

Overview

The London College of Music (LCM) is known in the UK and abroad as a leader in music technology studies and, in particular, popular electronic music composition.

This course will be of special interest to composers of electronic music in the traditional sense and to contemporary artists who combine this role with that of engineer, musician, producer and DJ.

You will have access to one of the largest audio complexes in Europe which includes professionally equipped music studios, acoustically designed recording studios and multi-performance production studios.

Our extensive research in this subject area means our teaching is informed directly by current ideas on the academic study of record production. You will learn from teaching staff renowned for their professional expertise alongside other highly motivated artists who may become part of your own network.

Course detail

This is an industry-focused electronic music course, and it assumes you have a level of competence in composition or music sequencing and production.

You will study a broad range of electronic music, from popular electronic dance music styles to art forms such as electroacoustic music. Your composition studies will include one-to-one tutorials in a specialised area of electronic music.

You will also examine:

• the history and concepts of electronic music
• the creation of sound installations
• live performances.

A number of options allow for further exploration in the theory and practice of sequencing, sound synthesis, sampling, production techniques and the use of Max/MSP.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, seminars and tutorial discussions. Our teaching rooms are equipped with ProTools HD systems, Audient mixing consoles and C24 control surfaces, and lectures will involve frequent practical demonstrations and examples.

The teaching hours for the course are concentrated into two days per week for full-time and one day for part-time students. For the rest of the week you will use the facilities to complete your assignments and develop your composing skills, create music with other LCM students and engage in self-directed study. There are weekly seminars in the first semester followed by one-to-one supervision for your dissertation.

On completing the course you will have acquired the skills and knowledge to gain an enhanced route into the industry or pursue further studies.

Study & career progression

This course helps you build a wide range of skills, knowledge and creative strategies essential for a successful career in the contemporary, fast-changing music industry.

Once you graduate you could go on to work as a:

• composer
• sound designer
• remixer.

Alternatively, you may want to further your study at PhD level.

You need an honours degree (2:1 or above) in music, music technology or a related subject, advanced musical knowledge (although knowledge of notation and instrumental skills are not required), a portfolio of degree level or professional work, and a written statement. We may also offer you a place based on relevant experience or training, normally from within the work environment. All applications are considered individually.