MMus Creative Music Technology
by Distance Learning

Is this course for me?

You may have graduated a while ago and or be largely self-taught in using music technology. Either way, you will often feel the need to update your skills keep pace with the latest technological innovations or want to try something new in your music. Perhaps you feel a bit isolated – geographically or culturally from the exciting developments in music and need to interact with other musicians of similar background. You may just be looking for some new inspiration. We each have our own motivations, but this course will offer you an opportunity embrace new ideas, add to your skills and through gaining a masters degree, significantly 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 paid career. Either way you will have significant experience working creatively with music technology resources and be fully comfortable and proficient with computers and the Internet.

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 on the desktop music workstation at the present time.

Can I really study online?

At the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, we have used our experience to develop an online programme that replicates the conservatoire experience. Using broadband technology we are able to free-up the processes of communication and interaction, allowing you to exchange music between your workstation and the college, interact with RWCMD staff, be taught individually by video conference, submit and exchange music files and blogs, and engage via discussion boards with fellow students. All our key staff are experienced users of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) based courses and understand the potential of this medium at first hand.

How will I be able to interact with other students ?

A very important part of developing as a musician is studying and discussion with fellow students. This is at the heart of conservatoire education. The MMus course incorporates discussion boards and opportunities to exchange ideas and work on joint projects between students to provide peer support and encouragement.

How flexible is the course and can I specialise ?

The course is flexible in order to fit alongside all the other things going on in your life. The framework calls for two years of part time study but allows for some adjustment of the time scale if necessary. There is a rolling enrolment and study begins either in January or September. The main focus is on the production of a creative portfolio, but in addition there are option modules in a variety of contexts which provide research into new outlets for your music. These will be chosen in line with the students main interests and will reflect individual specialist interests.