Imagine a Sound

Make It Happen

Sound Design & Synthesis

MP181 MP183

The main goal of this course is to develop an open-minded approach to Sound Design, using whatever combination of techniques and instruments available. With this practical outcome in mind we cover different synthesis techniques, in their abstract form and as implemented in popular instrument designs, alongside extensive use of effects and other sound-shaping techniques.

Graduates from the Sound Design & Synthesis course can get work from music instrument manufacturers, television, cinema, theatre, video-game companies, or use these skills for their own productions.

What you will learn

Introduction to synthesis, 'fake' and 'real' instruments
Brief history of synthesis and synthesis techniques
Analogue subtractive synthesis and digital counterparts
Oscillators, filters, amplitude
Modulations sources and destinations, modulation matrix
LFO and envelopes
CV/gate or midi control
A modular approach to sound design
Mellotrons and digital sampling
Other synthesis techniques: FM, wavetable, granular, physical modelling
Hybrid synth designs
Native Instruments Kontakt
Native Instruments Absynth

Full-time or part-time?

MP181	The course lasts 18 weeks, with a frequency of one lecture per week of six hours for the first 14 weeks and the last four weeks dedicated to the final assignment.
MP183	This course features the same elements as the MP181 with the difference that it is a full-time course with a minimum 18 hours per week of sessions. This course suits best those who don't have access to a computer and require the use of the school's facilities to practice.

Course requirements

To be accepted onto this class you should have a Music Production 101 Certificate.
Diplomas from a different school or equivalent knowledge and experience may be accepted, subject to a preliminary interview and possibly an entry exam.

Having access to a computer equipped with a music production software package, preferably Logic Pro, is not striclty required but strongly suggested. Students enrolled in the full-time course can use the school's facilities.

The course book 'Sound Synthesis and Sampling' can be purchased securely online or from any book store.

Course details

course code	MP181 (part-time) MP183 (full-time)
length	18 weeks
schedule	MP181: 1 day per week, 12:00-18:00 MP183: 3 days per week, 12:00-18:00
maximum class size	6 students
entry requirements	preliminary interview, MP101 certificate, entrance exam
course fee	MP181: £2520 + registration fee MP183: £4140 + registration fee
registration fee	£250