Short course suggestions

[Jared007]

Hi,

I was wondering if any one could recommend some short courses based in London to learn a bit more about music production in the studio? I work fulltime, so something compatible with that would be preferred.

I've setup and been using my bedroom studio for the last year and it's a great hobby and creative outlet. Now that I understand the basics of gear and some of the terminology, I was wondering if there is a course that would perhaps allow me to go in and record a song and get advice about:

- recording levels
- mixing levels
- plug in usage such as compression, eq etc and why certain settings were used over others

I am reasonably happy with the songs I record, but just feel I could learn a lot and probably improve my music with some hands on demonstration by some seasoned pros.

Any advice welcome!

Thanks, Jared.

[Mixedup]

Goldsmiths used to run some short courses under their PACE (ie adult/continuing education department) at Big Box which were pretty good for the money and evening/weekend. That was ten years ago though, so no idea if things have moved on there...

[Jared007]

Hi,

I've just looked them up and they do seem to run a few things that look pretty much like what I'm after. So thanks!

http://www.gold.ac.uk/pace/music-technology/

Cheers, Jared.

[Martin Walker]

Hi Jared!

If you’re after some hands-on help, why not consider some 1-to-1 tuition, where you and your personal tutor work together on your own computer desktop via the wonders of a Skype video/audio connection.

There some extremely talented professional musicians offering this service, including our very own Zukan (Eddie Bazil), who has worked with many big names across a wide range of genres, and has students worldwide.

Even after all my years in the business I learned a lot from his video tutorials, but for your purposes 1-to-1 with the man himself would be in another league for improving your own music, and very reasonably priced. Take a look at his web site to see all the stuff he covers and his contact email:

www.samplecraze.com

Martin

[Mixedup]

I know Martin's suggestion is well-meaning, and you can certainly learn some stuff remotely like that — and indeed it can be the only viable option if you're living out in the sticks — but personally, I reckon face to face tuition is better, where student and teacher are sitting in the same space, hearing the same thing, and where you have access to live rooms etc — as is getting out and meeting like-minded people locally.

[Jared007]

Hi,

Thanks for the ideas guys. Will certainly look into sample craze. I hadn't really thought of connecting up with someone like that before but it might be a really convenient way to do it compared to organizing and attending a part time course and balance work ...

Cheers, Jared.

[OD23]

The college I work at in Covent Garden has a whole range of music tech classes: http://www.citylit.ac.uk/search/?dept=Music&section=Music_technology

The courses are based around the various different software sequencers (Logic, Cubase, Live, Pro-Tools etc) but each will cover recording and mixing techniques in quite a bit of detail.

[Jared007]

Those citylit courses look quite good and suits my time better. Thanks again!

Cheers, Jared.