Music, Management
& Sound 2

INTRODUCTION:

The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to build on the knowledge gained in QQI Level 5 Music, to enhance their career prospects in the music industry and/or allow them access to further educational opportunities.

The Music, Management and Sound 2 course is also suitable for experienced musicians who wish to progress to Higher Education and includes preparation for auditions/ entrance exams.

RPL FOR MUSIC (RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING):

Where a learner does not have a major award at Level 5 in Music or equivalent but has some competency in the field of music performance and production, such as skills acquired from relevant life and/or work experience, Cork ETB will facilitate RPL for access purposes. In this case, they must demonstrate equivalence in Level 5, i.e., they must be able to evidence music skills at the audition process which equate to a minimum of a Level 5 on the framework in order to allow them to successfully participate in this programme. The applicant must also satisfy the entry criteria.

The specific Recognition of Prior Learning Process for this programme which has three aspects.

• Aural test in which the learner will demonstrate that they have the aural skills and competencies equivalent to QQI Level 5 standards.
• Audition in which the learner will demonstrate that they have the musical skills and competencies equivalent to QQI Level 5 standard.
• Interview in which the learner will be asked subject specific questions to allow them to demonstrate that they have the musical knowledge equivalent to QQI Level 5 standard.

The music department staff will oversee the RPL process for this programme.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants require Music QQI Level 5 award or equivalent.
• All applicants are interviewed and auditioned.
• Places are awarded on suitability.

DURATION:

One year full-time.

FEES:

• Student Services: €250
• QQI exam fees: €80*
• Facilities / Class Materials: €50
  Total: €380

Please note that only debit cards/visa/mastercard payments are acceptable for payment. The College cannot accept cash/cheque.

* Note: Students with medical cards are exempt from paying the QQI exam fee.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Level 6 Music (6M20602).

COURSE CONTENT:

The following subjects may be offered:

* There is a choice between Work Experience and Personal & Professional Development.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

For full details on progression opportunities see these links:

• Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
• QQI Requirements

Excellent progressions opportunities including:

• MTU: BA (Hons) in Popular Music (CR125 – CR129) (depending on principal instrument).
• Music Degree courses in Ireland and abroad.

GRADUATE PROFILE STORIES:

As we look back over the years, we are amazed at the levels of success attained by our graduates and by the sheer number of musicians and technicians who started their careers in CSN. A big music community or family seems to have been created here and, no matter what corner of the world these graduates are in, or what style of music they are involved in, they seemto be able to make connections with each other and in the greater music industry. An excerpt from singer-songwriter Niall Connolly’s blog last year drew our attention to this phenomenon.

Niall was on tour in Germany and, while in Munich, ran into Paul Solecki:

“Like many a graduate from Cork’s CSN Music, Management and Sound course, Paul is a doer. Commenting yesterday that he uses what he learned there every single day. I have to say I feel the same about the course. It taught me many things, primarily that a career in music is possible. Additionally, that if you want music to be your job, you have to be prepared to work at it.”

We have had many notable successes over the years, from Sinéad Lohan, Mick Flannery and O Emperor through to members of Walking On Cars and Frank and Walters as well as traditional musicians such as Niamh Ni Charra, Leonard Barry and Pauline Scanlon.

Equally, we are extremely proud of many of our unsung graduates who have been plying their trades at the highest level in various areas of the business, from management to sound, lighting and performance. These people are not always featured, nor do they seek the limelight, but they are essential elements in what is emerging as an organised music industry in Ireland.

Over the coming months we will feature a cross-section of these graduates. Keep an eye on this page and the main news section for updates.

It will be an opportunity for us to catch up with them and for CSN College to acknowledge the significant contribution these young professionals make to the music industry nationally and internationally.

Music Graduate Profiles, so far:

• Gavin Dunne “This is Ireland’s most successful indie musician and you’ve probably never heard of him” (Irish Examiner March 2nd 2015).
• Ber Quinn is one of the most highly regarded sound engineers in the music industry, working with artists such as The Divine Comedy, Villagers and John Grant.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The college has 6 ProTools workstations and a fully functioning recording studio on site with facilities that include digital editing, mixing and MIDI. Particular emphasis is placed on the assessment of the musician’s live and technical performances as they progress throughout the year. The college has access to full backline, instruments, P.A. system and rehearsal spaces.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Live performance, Sound engineering (studio and live), Management, Agency, Promotion, etc.