Digital Music
Many potential students are anxious about whether they have the right level of equipment and prior knowledge to complete the course. On the left is a list of the things you will need to get going. In most cases we have suggested two levels : the bare minimum and also what you would need to work with more comfort.
Nothing here is particularly esoteric and most basic computer music workstations will be more than adequate.
If you are starting from scratch or have a question, why not call the support line or send us an email.
Digital Music
Many potential students are anxious about whether they have the right level of equipment and prior knowledge to complete the course. On the left is a list of the things you will need to get going. In most cases we have suggested two levels : the bare minimum and also what you would need to work with more comfort.
Nothing here is particularly esoteric and most basic computer music workstations will be more than adequate.
If you are starting from scratch or have a question, why not call the support line or send us an email.
Technical Requirements - Overview
You’ll need a computer, some sequencing software and an internet connection, plus a basic home studio.
Remember if you are considering an upgrade, students on full length courses like Digital Music qualify for substantial educational discounts on software and some hardware.
So talk to us first before you splash out!
The Computer
Absolute minimum:
PC: Intel/AMD Processor 1.4GHz,
1GB RAM, DVD drive
or Mac: Power Mac G4 1GHz,
1GB RAM, DVD drive
Recommended (life is a lot easier with better computers):
PC: Pentium 4 2GHz (or equivalent),
2GB RAM, DVD drive
or Mac: G5 1.8GHz or any G5 or Intel Mac,
2GB RAM, DVD drive
Software
We support the following sequencing programmes:
Cubase, SX3, SL3, SE3, and above for PC & Mac.
Sonar V4.
Logic Pro V6 or Logic Express V6 and above.
Digital Performer Ver 5 and above
Protools LE or TDM V7 and above.
The sequencer files require you to be able to play back up to 24, sometimes up to 32 tracks of audio simultaneously. You may need to consult the manufacturers website for up to date information on the minimum requirements.
Recommended Minimum Cubase SE3
You will also require the following software which you can download for free.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader V7 or above
• QuickTime Player Ver6 or above
• iTunes.
There are a small number (5-10) of tracks you need to buy from iTunes at $1 or £0.79 each which we are unable to give you as part of your course materials for copyright reasons.
Internet Access
You will require access to an internet connection and an email address.
Submitting assignments via the website and download project updates may not be feasible/possible on some dial-up connections.
Remember if you don’t have a fast connection, you may be able to upload and download larger files using WiFi hotspots or internet cafes with fast connections.
Basic Home Studio
You need a MIDI keyboard and either sound modules or virtual instruments. You need a soundcard that plays back and records audio. If you are in any doubt please contact our help desk and they’ll tell you where you stand.
Recommended Minimum Setup:
Soundcard: M Audio 24/96
Keyboard: M Audio USB 66 note keyboard.
Monitors: Tascam ABC’s
Required skills/knowledge
You’ll need a minimum or 3 months experience of making music before you get into DM.
If you are starting completely from scratch then contact our helpline and they will help you prepare to start the course.
Basic Computer Literacy. How to turn it on, install programmes, use a mouse, open and close documents, move files around etc.
Basic Keyboard Skills: Sooner or later you’ll need to be able to play a keyboard to some extent. Can you play a simple tune on the keyboard? Can you play chords on a keyboard? Alternatively for guitarists, some people find a guitar-MIDI interface an effective way of controlling a sequencer from an instrument on which they are already proficient.
We expect you would have managed to install your sequencer programme and know the most basic functions. If not then please contact us first and we can help with this.
You do not need any knowledge of music theory, nor do you need to be able to read music. You do need some musical ability in order to complete the course!
Time Requirements
We assume that you can spend a minimum of two hours a week or 100 hours a year, 50 hours a year for DM:Select.
How long each project takes, varies enormously from student to student. If we ask you to write a 3 minute piece, it might take you a few hours or a few days.
Our courses are uniquely flexible. As long as you pay your annual tuition fees, you can extend your course as long as you like. You can work in short bursts and take a break.
Most students submit a project every 4 to 6 weeks and consequently we assume that Digital Music will take you 9 to 12 months and DM:Select 4 to 6 months, depending on the number of projects submitted.
It’s your time and we’ll support you in whatever way we can.
Educational Discounts and Prices
All our recommended hardware and software is available through our educational equipment partner Music Village Education. So check out the prices at http://www.mveducation.com.
Remember however that only enrolled students are eligible for preferential pricing and our suppliers require confirmation in writing of student status from us.
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