BA (Hons) Music Production course preparation

Suggested reading

You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.

In the meantime, there’s just one suggested textbook you might like to read, if you can, before starting your degree. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive or reading cover to cover. But if you can pick one up second hand, borrow from a library, or access online, we suggest:

• Hubber, D. M. & Runstein, R. E. (2017). Modern Recording Techniques. Burlington: Focal Press.

Alternative reading to help you compose, perform, and record

Producing music can be a challenging process, regardless of the genre or style of music you are creating. It can also be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding. Allowing us to imagine, to innovate, and to bring something new into being. Like most other subjects, the process of music production begins with study and we ask you to consider these books which will inform anyone planning to study a music production degree:

• Mic It – By Ian Corbett
• Music in Everyday Life – By Tia DeNora
• Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers by By Dennis DeSanntis

Useful websites

• Music Industry Education & Careers Resources – UK Music
• Music Industry Career Tips – Musicians Union
• Microphone Techniques for Studio Recording – Shure
• Audio Basics – Audio University
• Learning Synths – Ableton
• musictheory.net – Free music theory lessons and exercises
• freesound.org – Free collaborative database of Creative Commons Licensed sounds
• Game Audio Resources
• Women’s Audio Mission (WAM)

Things to try over summer

The Music Production programme will provide you with a wide variety of useful, practical skills for careers in traditional fields such as audio engineering, performance, and audio for TV or film, and in new, emerging fields, preparing you for music and audio careers that may not even yet exist. As you prepare for your time at Edge Hill University:

• Think about what you might ultimately like to do as a career. There are many more opportunities in the music industry than you may think. Some of the guides listed in our list of useful websites will help you start to think about the various possibilities.
• Look at learning an instrument or reading music. Although our BA (Hons) in Music Production is not a performance degree, per se, the ability to play an instrument and read music is certainly an asset. No matter which side of the recording studio glass you sit, having a basic understanding of music, how it works, and how it is performed is essential. Formal private or group music lessons in voice, piano, guitar (or other instrument) would be helpful, but not required/necessary. If lessons are not currently an option for you, watching introductory YouTube videos may be a good place to start.
• Familiarise yourself with basic music theory. You’ll take a number of required and optional modules that will deepen your understanding of the theoretical, cultural, historical, and practical aspects of music, sound, and audio. Take some time now to understand basic music theory, the physical properties of sound, and some digital audio basics (see the useful links provided above for resources in these areas).
• Listen to music. The best musicians, singer-songwriters, audio engineers, sound designers, composers, and music industry professionals listen to music at every opportunity. Spend time attending concerts and other live music events. Listen to your favourite recordings and broaden your horizons by listening to music that might be new to you.
• Read about the industry. Read Billboard, Rolling Stone, NME, BBC Music Magazine, or other trade publications to learn more about news and current trends in the music industry (many of these publications are available online or at your local public library). While at Edge Hill, you’ll have the opportunity to attend many live performances on campus and in nearby cities.