POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL

POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL Undergraduate Guide POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL

Introduction

Our Mission About Point Blank We select outstanding talent from the music Point Blank’s mission is to prepare students Established in 1994, Point Blank began industry to join our elite team of instructors from diverse backgrounds for a successful life as a commercial recording studio and provide them with the training required career in the music industry by providing before evolving into a hands-on teaching to teach our courses to a rigorous standard access to: facility. Today we’re recognised as an of excellence. Students learn at our state- inter­nationally-renowned music school and of-the-art studios on the latest equipment in • A diverse, global community and student training ground for the next generation a highly creative learning environment. Our experience unmatched in creativity and of global artists and industry influencers. accredited courses offer internationally innovation Voted “Best Music School” by the readers recognised academic qualifications and of DJ Mag, Point Blank offers bespoke include degree-level programmes. Since • The latest state-of-the-art equipment tuition from campuses in , Los we started sharing the music industry’s se- Angeles and through our online school, crets, over 50,000 students worldwide have • Teaching excellence via highly trained with personalized teaching and intimate turned to Point Blank to provide the best instructors with a wealth of industry classes. Our goal has always been to possible foundation for successful careers experience and Point Blank’s network of harness and demonstrate the creative across the fields of music production, sound contacts and partnerships process of making music at the highest engineering, music business, singing, radio level. production and DJing.

”If you‘re serious about your music, Point Blank is the place to be...“ Pete Tong MBE, internationally renowned BBC Radio One DJ/ Step Inside the Music Industry broadcaster and global music industry figure for over30 years.

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Quality Assurance & Awards BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Institution Code: P73 // Course Code: WW33

Point Blank offers programmes that It is significant that: This is a once in a lifetime opportunity , Chemical Brothers and art School in Shoreditch which features are quality assured by Middlesex to pursue your passion for music whilst Swedish House Mafia to name a few, this the best equipment and facilities in the also gaining a BA (Hons) degree in 360-degree experience will ensure your music business. University and students receive a • 100% of students in 2017 agreed that music production and sound expertise across a range of disciplines Middlesex award upon successful the teaching quality of the course was engineering, validated by Middlesex including production, remixing, sound You can complete this degree course in either ( ) completion of these programmes. strong NSS Q1-4, 2017 . This is 15.7% University. It features multiple design, studio and live sound two or three years (3 year pathway featured Our degrees are ideal progression above the sector benchmark for the year. opportunities for students to get started engineering, mastering, how to manage below). Student Finance is available for the routes into careers in the music industry. in the music business through our your career (or manage others), making three year pathway and places are limited. • 82.5% of students agreed that assessment dedicated industry liaison programme. music for TV, film and games, Pro Tools The School was among the first and feedback was clear, timely and fair and and how to start your career in the indepen-dent HE institutions to (NSS Q8-11 , 2017). This is 2.7% above the Developed and taught by music industry music industry. You will be attending successfully be registered by OfS and sector benchmark for the year. professionals who have worked with our state-of-the- TEF and has won numerous awards for excellence within its field. • 100% of students agreed that academic Modules support was strong and helpful (NSS Year 3 Year 1 Year 2 The School has received a high level of Q12-14). This is 17% above the sector Term 1 Term 4 Term 7 student recognition through a) scores of benchmark for the year. ■■ Intro to Music Production (Logic Pro) or ■■ Composing for Film & TV • Advanced Composition

■■ 100% (2017) and 91% (2018) for ‘Overall Intro to Music Production (Ableton) Production Analysis • Advanced Recording & Mixing ■■ Music Composition Student Satisfaction’ in our first two years • Our 100% graduate outcomes score Term 5 Term 8 taking part in the NSS and b) winning the in highly skilled employment or further Term 2 ■■ Record Deals & Branding ■■ Advanced Sound Design 2018 WhatUni Student Choice Award for study is 23.9% above the sector average. ■■ Sound Engineering ■■ Creative Production & Remix ■■ Music Entrepreneur ■■ ‘Best Independent HE’ institution. Sound Design Term 6 Term 8 Term 3 ■■ Electronic Music Performance ■■ Audio for Games ■■ Art of Mixing ■■ Mastering ■■ Production Portfolio ■■ Music Industry

4 // www.pointblankmusicschool.com www.pointblankmusicschool.com // 5 BA (Hons) Music Production & DJ Practice Degree BA (Hons) Music Industry Management Degree Institution Code: P73 // Course Code: WW44 Institution Code: P73 // Course Code: W5W5

This DJ specialist programme is the fast Mag and Pioneer DJ Radio, alongside career (or manage others) and more. For many years, Point Blank has shared Course activities include setting up a As you can see, on completion, you will track to a career in the music industry. It is shows from Carl Cox’s Global, Toolroom You will be attending our state-of-the- the secrets of the music business and record label; planning and executing have options to take on a wide range of your opportunity to pursue your passion and Defected. art school in Shoreditch which features seen its students find high profile live performances and tours; and how roles within the music industry. for music and DJing whilst gaining a BA industry-standard equipment and facili- work in the industry. In an exciting and to negotiate music industry contracts (Hons) degree validated by Middlesex Developed and taught by music industry ties to ensure you’re ready for a career opportunity-filled musical landscape, and deals. You will gain an understan- We understand that many people want University in the process. With in-depth professionals who have worked with in music. this degree gives you the skills, depth ding of Intellectual Property (IP) law and to study with us due to our exceptional DJ-focused content, this is an intensive Pharrell Williams, Chemical Brothers of knowledge and practical experience copyright and the relationships between student experience as evidenced in our and practical course with plenty of career and to name a few, this degree You can complete this degree course you need to work within the music industry record labels, music publishing compa- National Student Survey (NSS) results opportunities for students. Before gradu- programme ensures your expertise in in either two or three years (three year as well as the contacts to get started. nies and the live sector. We will help of 91% for Student Satisfaction. The ating, you’ll have regular opportunities to crucial areas of the music industry such pathway is featured below). Student you identify career opportunities and School has also won various awards for play out including at DJ Mag’s Work Bar, as DJing, production, remixing, sound Finance is available for the three year show you how to develop a strategy for other outstanding achievements. How- getting your mix featured on Magnetic design, mastering, how to manage your option and places are limited. success in your chosen field. ever, places on this programme remain Modules strictly limited. This degree course Modules includes regular masterclasses from Year 1 Year 2 leading figures in the music industry, Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Term 1 Term 4 such as Nick Halkes (XL Recordings) ■■ History of the Music Industry ■■ Music Branding & Promotion and multiple career developing oppor-

Term 1 Term 4 Term 7 ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ The Recording Industry Digital Marketing tunities and events. Intro to Music Production (Logic Pro) or Native Instruments Maschine • Advanced Composition ■■ Intellectual Property & Copyright ■■ Artist Development ■■ Intro to Music Production (Ableton) ■■ Production Analysis • Advanced DJ Skills ■■ Essential DJ Skills This is a two year accelerated course. Term 2 Term 5 Term 5 Term 8 ■■ Music Publishing ■■ Professional Development Term 2 ■■ Record Deals & Branding ■■ Music Entrepreneur ■■ Music Management for the Music Industry ■■ Music Composition ■■ Creative Production & Remix ■■ Advanced Sound Design ■■ Digital Music ■■ Business Setup & Management ■■ Sound Design ■■ Music Futures Term 6 Term 8 Term 3 Term 3 ■■ Electronic Music Performance ■■ The Art of VJing ■■ The Live Music Industry Term 6 ■■ Art of Mixing ■■ Creative DJ Skills ■■ Production Portfolio ■■ Music in the Global Marketplace Start-Up Lab - Personal Project ■■ Music Industry ■■ Music Licensing

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If you are interested in enrolling on one We understand that many people want to We are happy to offer this Foundation If you can’t study with us in person in Taught by experienced music producers UK/EU students can contact us for of our three BA (Hons) degree program- study with us due to our exceptional student Year entry into HE for those who may London but still want to learn how to who have worked with artists including information on Student Finance for this mes but do not yet meet the entry requi- experience as evidenced in our 2018 not otherwise be able to study with us. produce cutting edge music and how to Armin Van Buuren, and online course. rements, this Foundation Year could be National Student Survey (NSS) results This could be your route into Point Blank. excel in the music industry, our online BA Jamelia, there are eighteen carefully your launching pad. Point Blank has been of 91% for Student Satisfaction. The Student finance will be available for this (Hons) in Music Production & Sound crafted modules over three academic delivering high-quality Higher Education School has also won various awards for Foundation Year subject to validation. Engineering is the ideal option. You can years, two per term taken concurrently. courses since 2012, when we established other outstanding achievements, including achieve a degree qualification in a subject This is your chance to benefit from the our partnership with Middlesex University. ‘Best Independent HE Institution’ at the This is a one year course. you feel passionate about - without practical music industry expertise and We recognise that demand for these 2018 WhatUni Awards, as voted by our leaving the comfort of your own home. innovative teaching methods that Point courses makes competition for each students. Blank is known for whilst also gaining place extremely high. a BA (Hons) degree validated by Midd- lesex University. Modules Modules Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 1 Term 1 Term 4 Term 7 Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 ■■ Intro to Music Production (Logic Pro) or ■■ Composing for Film & TV • Advanced Composition ■■ ■■ ■■ Personal Development for Higher Edu- Understanding Music Theory Understanding the Music Industry Intro to Music Production (Ableton) ■■ Production Analysis • Advanced Mixing cation ■■ Foundations of Sound Design ■■ Fundamentals of Sound Engineering ■■ Music Composition ■■ Introduction to DAWs ■■ Introduction to DJ Techniques ■■ Foundations of Music Composition Term 5 Term 8 ■■ Fundamentals of Production: Term 2 ■■ Record Deals & Branding ■■ Advanced Sound Design Analysis & Genre Study ■■ Creative Audio (Logic) or ■■ Creative Production & Remix ■■ Music Entrepreneur Creative Audio (Ableton) ■■ Sound Design Term 6 Term 8 ■■ Electronic Music Performance ■■ Audio for Games Term 3 ■■ Mastering ■■ Production Portfolio ■■ Art of Mixing ■■ Music Industry

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Student Opportunities Student Success

We maintain an active dialogue with As part of the Point Blank experience, Our graduates have been highly successful at employers in the music industry through we offer students at the London school finding work within the music industry. This our industry liaison programme, giving free music career advice sessions with trend has been borne out by our recent our alumni genuine career opportunities. professional music consultant Kwame core metrics report to HESA where Point For example, Decca and Columbia Records Kwaten of Ferocious Talent Management. Blank students scored 100% in attaining hold regular auditions with Point Blank Kwame has steered the careers of highly skilled employment in the industry. students to unearth new talent in the many successful artists including Dido, Point Blank students have also achieved cohort. We host a range of live events Rumer and Laura Mvula as well as No.1 success in the UK and International for students to showcase their talents scoring No.1 hits himself as a producer singles charts as well as across music such as Pioneer DJ Radio, DJ Mag, our (Shola Ama) and artist (D:Influence). platforms such as Beatport and Juno own in-house PB Live Sessions and Kwame’s feedback and advice is an Download. Our graduates include artists many more. Our strong industry con- invaluable tool for our students. such as Leona Lewis, Goldie, Felix Jaehn nections ensure that unique and Aluna Francis from No.1 act Aluna- internships, studio placements and You can find more information on George (see opposite); Radio One DJ/ FEATURED AlunaGeorge competitions become available on a these types of opportunities on our Presenters including Gemma Cairney, STUDENTS Aluna Francis is one half of top UK duo AlunaGeorge. She studied music regular basis. From these, we have had daily digital magazine Point Blank Monki, Edith Bowman, and Mistajam; # 1 production at Point Blank and then took off to massive chart success with many graduates who have gone on to Plus. A&R representatives for Universal and ”You Know You Like It“ to NME’s Best Track of the year and UK No.1 hit work at studios inclu-ding Abbey Inter scope Records ( Rene, Ben ”White Noise“ which she performed live at the with Disclosure. Road, become in-house sound plus.pointblankmusicschool.com Scarr) and many other successful Aluna’s talent has taken her a long way – we are proud she studied her art engineers for labels such as Mute industry figu res. By studying at Point with Point Blank. Records and work at radio sta-tions Blank, students join our global such as Radio One and Kiss FM. network. You can see our ever- growing list of student successes on our website.

12 // www.pointblankmusicschool.com FEATURED STUDENTS #2 PAULA FAIR-

FIELD ward winning Sound Designer Paula Fairfield is an a ows who has worked on a host of movies and TV sh Sin City, Tropic Game of Thrones, Lost, including oke to Thunder, Predators and many others. We sp - Paula about her work and what prompted her to stu dy music production online at Point Blank.

Please introduce yourself. What is One summer I got an apprenticeship at rush every time I watch a completed se- for low or no-pay sound for short films I work exclusively to picture. The Point your name and where are you from? the National Film Board of Canada and quence against picture. It is so much fun etc and that is a good way to get oppor- Blank courses definitely put me way out- My Name is Paula Fairfield. I am origi- worked as an assistant to an award- and I get paid to do it. What’s not to love? tunities and meet people. side my comfort zone, and that’s a good nally from Canada but have lived in Los winning picture and sound editor. At that The hardest part is dealing with tight thing! Angeles for 11 years. time, film was still edited on magnetic budgets and deadlines. Sound is pretty What prompted you to take a course tape stock, moviolas and Kems. As I wai- much the last process in filmmaking and with Point Blank? What appealed to What has been the best thing about Can you tell us a little about your job? ted to cut edited magnetic tape pieces by the time we get the project, everyone you about these courses? the course so far? I am a supervising sound editor and desi- of sound into prepped tracks, I watched has run out of money and time. Consider I have owned Ableton Live for a while Surprisingly, I find myself making music gner for feature film and TV. I have been in awe at the sound editing my boss was what contribution sound makes to the and have never had the time to get into and really, really enjoying it. It’s very li- working in the commercial industry for 15 doing. I had no idea this was how sound movie experience and then consider that it. I tried once but because it is such a berating. It makes me work in a totally years and before that I ran a media cen- for movies was done. So when you ask we often find ourselves fighting for1 /2% different way of thinking, it wasn’t imme- different way. I didn’t think I would enjoy ter for artists in Canada, worked as a pic- ”Is this what you always wanted to do“ of the entire film budget( yes you read diately apparent how to use it in the half it as much as I have so far - I sit down in ture and sound editor for artists and also the answer is ”No. I didn’t know this job that right!!!). hour I had here and there to look at it. I the evening to work a little on an assign- made my own multi-media based video, existed“. At the risk of sounding corny, the had some time this summer and thought ment and I look at the clock and it’s 4am film and audio works. process of adding sounds to image was so What tips would you offer someone it would be fun to finally learn it. Simi- and have to tear myself away. I may not magical and I got completely hooked. who is interested in working in this larly, Reaktor has always eluded me as be brilliant at it but I am loving it. And I How did you get started in this line of field? it seems like you need to be a nuclear am learning tons of stuff every day. work? Is this what you always wan- What do you like most about your It’s tough right now, but I guess that can physicist to use it. It is an interesting tool ted to do? job? And what’s the hardest part? be said about all industries. Best thing and one very well suited for design work. Thanks Paula! I went to the Nova Scotia College of I love designing sounds. I love breaking is to try and build a portfolio of work and My main hesitations about taking cour- Art and Design, where I concentrated a sonic event down conceptually into its network with industry people. There are ses at your school were that a) I am not on video, audio and photographic art. tiniest parts and then building it. I get a online sites always advertising the need a musician (though I wish I were) and b) POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL How did you originally synth. I got fascinated with all the wires As soon as I left After having a number of commercial When I was studying music there weren’t get into songwriting and etc. as I never knew about anything like college I was play- and critical successes with songwri- many places where you could learn to music, and what made that. So that was one of the benefits ing with these ting & production, (gaining a number produce music. It was more a case of you decide it was so- about going to that place, getting expo- guys and they got of Grammy nominations in the pro- reading the manuals and learning by mething you should sure to early electronic music. excited because I cess), how did you eventually make making a lot of mistakes. At Point Blank follow as a career? could read clas- the leap from being the writer, full- you get hands on experience and have I met someone at college who had a sical music. They time, to teaching others how to write people who can show you tips that you I got into Songwriting contact at Island Records, the record asked me to for themselves? wouldn’t see in a manual or text book. through playing piano company for Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, write brass and at school. People were Gregory Isaacs and rock bands like string arrange- A long time ago I was asked to deputise telling me it sounded ”Free“. I went down to London to audi- ments and it a teaching job at South Thames college pretty good until one tion for Island and they must have liked Steve Winwood was really nice and they were running a small depart- of the teachers said I the way I played. While I was still at college to hear this ment in music production. My job was to should get some pro- I was playing on a Bob Marley record! stuff on the radio knowing I’d played on it. teach Pro Tools as it was then and pia- per lessons. They sent no. I was really inspired by my students me to a local teacher I just played what I knew which was clas- I did an audition for a guy called Rico Rod- as the gear that we had then was really in Stamford Hill and I loved it. I kept doing sical pieces and they all got excited about it. riguez who was a jazz trombonist back in basic but they made the best of it. Some FEATURED

LECTURER my grades and winning competitions befo- At the time I didn’t really appreciate who I the early 60s and he’s a very revered older of the things they were playing was unbe- re getting a scholarship to study properly. was playing for… statesman of ska music and I got into his lievable. Pretty much my whole class were Point Blank Songwriting Student I thought I’d take it really seriously and band. I was the youngest guy there. They told the founding members of So Solid Crew Everybody has got the chance to be up PHIL – to everyone’s amazement – me their band was going to be supporting who had all come from the church. They there with the very best, if you keep wor- got a place at Dartington Hall in Bob Marley on the European leg of his Ex- were really enthusiastic and hungry for the king, keep developing and try different RAMOCON Devon. From there I got exposed odus tour 1978 and asked if I wanted to do it. knowledge and any little thing they could things and experiment by mixing genres. Phil Ramocon has racked up somes in the impres- music to things I hadn’t known about get from me and the other tutors. Personally I like catchy things so my advice sive accolades in his 25 year before, lots of classical music. That tour was the first time I came across to you is just make it catchy! industry. His enthusiasm and passion for all Bob in person and it was when he was in Apart from learning from a hugely genres of music has lead him to work with The Amadeus Quartet and famous his peak. Bob heard me play every night experienced songwriter and men- y, Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs, Neneh Cherr classical people go down there with Rico and I started chatting to him. tor like yourself; what other bene- Marianne Faithful and even Bob Marley to and give lessons and masterclas- We shared the same outlook on life as fits to young musicians do you see ses. I kind of got obsessed and at- a spiritual journey with a moral purpose. coming from taking music cour- name a few! tended them all and got exposed to Bob Marley After the tour ended I would often get ses such as those at Point Blank? d-winning lots of different forms of composition, the call to work with him in the studio In this interview, our Grammy awar concertos, symphonies so wrote a lot of I then came across a guy called Steve whenever he was in London. This is important in contemporary music Music Composition instructor spills the that stuff. Winwood who was in a band called Traf- where it’s all about the collaborative pro- beans on his legendary career... fic. Through him I worked with the sax player It was definitely an honour to watch him cess. Also, in a college environment you There was also a big electronics de- where I met Jimmy Cliff and various other work close up, talk with him and be a part get to meet loads of people that have similar partment there that had a massive Modular musicians that were signed to Island Records. of his creative process. music interests and tastes. POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL

Expert Lecturers Classes

Our courses are taught by music industry We teach in small class sizes (max 16 stu- professionals whom we select for dents), students have their own production their combination of talent, personality, workstation with the latest software and experience and tangible success in their hardware. field. Our lecturers have long lists of credits and have collaborated with Students are alloted regular one to one some of the biggest artists in the tutorial sessions time with lecturers from world including Pharrell Williams, across the faculty. Students also gain Björk, Swedish House Mafia and access to the practice studios outside of Chemical Brothers. You can see the lecture hours. full list of Expert Lecturers on our website at pointblankmusicschool.com. The studios are open Mon-Fri from 9:30am - 11 :00pm and Sat-Sun 10:00am - 6:30pm.

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Course Fees & Funding Student Finance

We know that funding options for your Course Duration UCAS Code UK / EU Course Fees International Course Fees Student Finance You may be able to apply for a tuition fee Maximum tuition and maintenance loan NB. Students residing in Wales are not course can be confusing. We can assist you Per Year Per Year Available loan of up to £6,165 and a maintenance amounts for UK residents / eligible students currently eligible for Student Finance tuition with this to make things a little easier! BA (Hons) Music Production loan of up to £12,382 per year. are shown below: or maintenance loans. 3 years WW33 £9,000 £12,000 ✔ & Sound Engineering BA (Hons) Music Production Being an undergraduate student involves 2 years W3W3 £14,985 £15,485 ✘ The amount of maintenance you can apply Funding - London We would encourage all applicants to & Sound Engineering two main expenses: tuition fees and living for will depend on your circumstances. EU Tuition London Maintenance contact the Student Loans Company for BA (Hons) Music Production costs. 3 years WW44 £9,000 £12,000 ✔ students and Distance Learning students London personalised advice, applicable to their & DJ Practice are not normally eligible for a maintenance England £6,165.00 £12,382.00 domicile prior to applying for a course: BA (Hons) Music Production Students can either choose to pay for 2 years W4W4 £14,985 £15,485 ✘ loan. & DJ Practice Scotland £6,165.00 £1,875.00 their course privately or we have a range England – 0300 100 0607 BA (Hons) Music Industry 2 years W5W5 £8,985 £9,485 ✔ Northern Ireland £4,030.00 £6,780.00 of courses which are eligible for Student Management Scotland – 0300 555 0505 Finance loans. Wales Not eligible Not eligible Northern Ireland – 0300 100 0077 Foundation Year (Subject to Validation) 1 year N/A £5,850 £6,850 TBC The course fees for our higher education Paying privately Online BA (Hons) Funding - Online programmes are listed here, for some courses For students wishing to pay privately, we Music Production 2 years WW88 £5,970 £5,970 ✔ Tuition Online Maintenance Online there may be an additional registration fee. & Sound Engineering Degree have a number of payment plans available, Please contact us for more detail. England £6,165.00 Not eligible including annual and termly instalments.

Scotland Not eligible Not eligible If you would like further information re- Northern Ireland £3,022.00 Not eligible garding course fees or funding, please call + 44 (0) 207 729 4884 or email: Wales Not eligible Not eligible [email protected]

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POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL

WWW.POINTBLANKMUSICSCHOOL.COM

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH A COURSE ADVISOR:

Point Blank 26 Orsman Rd Hoxton, London, N1 5QJ United Kingdom Phone UK 020 7729 4884 USA 323 282 7660 INT +44 20 7729 4884 Email [email protected]