Is this course for me?
You may have graduated a while ago or be largely self-taught in
using music technology within your creative practice. You may feel
the need to update your skills to keep pace with recent
technological and aesthetic innovations, or to try something new in
your music. Perhaps you feel a bit isolated – geographically or
culturally - from new trends, and wish to interact with other
musicians, composers, practitioners. You may be looking for new
inspiration. This course will offer you an opportunity to embrace
new ideas, add to your skills, and potentially improve your career
prospects.
What sort of experience do I need?
Typically you will have graduated with a music degree and be
working in the music industry. Or you may have graduated in another
subject and be active as a musician alongside your main profession
or career. Either way you will have significant experience in
working creatively with music technology, and be thoroughly
comfortable and proficient with computers, current software and
hardware, and the internet. You must have a working email address
and internet connection, a working phone, and be able to use
video-conference tools such as Skype.
What equipment do I need?
You will need access to a computer music workstation connected
to broadband for the duration of the course. Detailed minimum
specifications of hardware and software can be found in the course
document, or by contacting the course team. The specification is
flexible and based around the normal resources found in the home
studio of hundreds of thousands of musicians around the world.
Can I really study online?
At the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, we have
developed an online programme that is modelled upon – and almost
replicates - the residential conservatoire experience. Using
broadband, you interact with RWCMD staff, who teach you
individually by video conference. As part of this process, you
submit and exchange music files and blogs, and receive
encouragement, feedback and marks from your tutor.
How flexible is the course and can I specialise
?
The course is designed to fit into the structure of your busy
life. The framework is established on the principle of two active
years of part time study, but there is allowance for some
adjustment of the time scale if necessary. A system of rolling
enrolment allows for study to begin either in September or January.
The main focus is on the production of a creative portfolio, but in
addition you select options from a list of modules in various
topics and contexts, which include research into new outlets for
your music. These will be chosen in line with the students main
interests and will reflect individual specialist
interests.