Higher Certificate In Creative Music Technology NQF5 (Game Audio & Music Production)
SAQA ID: 91873, 120 Credits, NQF 5
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Music Ear Training 101
The Music Ear training 101 module provides students with the practical exercises and drills necessary to refine their perception of musical sound and enhance their critical listening skills essential to improve their performance as engineers and or producers. Students will practice hearing, analysing and noting elements of rhythm and intervals.
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Music Ear Training 102
The Music Ear training 102 modules continues from where 101 left off and are designed to provide students with the practical exercises and drills necessary to refine their perception of musical sound to enhance their critical listening skills essential to improve their performance as engineers and or producers. Students will practice hearing, analysing and noting harmony, melody and tuning elements.
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Modern Music Theory 101
This module will introduce students to musical terminology and the various applications to structure music pieces. Students will apply rhythmical examples in traditional notation and within a musical score and indicate rhythmical symbols while reflecting on how these rhythmic elements are used in contemporary music. Students will also learn about pitching, scales and rhythm to prepare them to create chord progressions in music composition.
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Modern Music Theory 102
This module will introduce students to the various chord types and their variations within chord progressions, including sus and slash chords. Students will learn how to write melodies and harmonisation. Finally, students will learn about chart reading, 7th Chords, Harmonic and Melodic Minors, Circle of 5ths, Modulation, and the three-note challenge.
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Game Music Production Technique 101
This module will introduce you to the theory and practical skills of game music production. The course will teach students about the concepts, functionality, and application of virtual instruments, recorded vocals, and plugins within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Techniques and expertise learned in this course will allow students to engage with musicians and songwriters and give them the skills to create music effectively with the knowledge to use the music software from a basic level to an intermediate one. Lessons will strictly be given in Cubase.
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Game Music Production Technique 102
This module will focus on analysing video game music production genres. Sound design, tips, and production techniques, as well as the history and foundational elements of the game genres, are covered, giving you the skills to create music in a variety of different styles with an understanding of where the tools and creative thought processes first stemmed from.
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Audio Fundamentals 101
This module covers the foundational principles and theories behind sound engineering practices. This module aims to provide students with a theoretical understanding of common sound engineering principles and practices used in modern studios, including familiarity with cables, connectors, digital audio technology, and mono-& stereo-microphone techniques.
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Studio Sound Engineering 101
This module covers the practical application of studio sound engineering practices within a studio environment. The purpose of this module is to enable the students to apply various studio sound engineering procedures in a modern studio. The module focuses on introductory recording techniques for vocals, bass, acoustic and electric guitar.
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Signal Processing 101
Signal Processing focuses on the mixing tools used by sound engineers in the studio and lives sound production. The module focuses on mastering mixing tools and seeks to establish a good understanding of how to operate these tools in a mixing environment. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to use Faders and Pan knobs to create a balance for a song; how to use EQ to enhance the sonic presentation; how to use Dynamic Processors to add control and power; Time-Based effects to add depth and movement; and, finally, use Automation to transform a static mix into a dynamic mix.
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Recording Project
The Recording Project Module assesses the students on recording techniques covered through the SSE102 module. Throughout the semester, the students will have to complete several projects to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year, recording voice-overs, singing or rapping vocals, and various string instruments.
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Music Software Cubase
This module enables musicians and audio engineers to maximise their understanding and experience of Cubase software. It is a comprehensive module covering the basics of Cubase, such as how to set up a project, use MIDI, and use loops and sequence music. The module also takes you through the track creation process from scratch, from the initial idea through mastering. Cubase has many features this module covers, including automation and mixing techniques. There are sections on using VSTs and audio effects to help you create professional-sounding mixes.
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Game Audio Design 101
Combined with their skills and knowledge in sound production, engineering and processing, students will learn about game audio design: here, students will incorporate their music into the game environment using Wwise® middleware. Students will learn to cue music and sound appropriately into the gameplay functions, such as providing audio cues to alert the player of events, conveying information about the game world, or creating an emotional response.