At M.M.S we have been specialising in music technology and sound engineering courses for over a decade. The Diploma Courses, endorsed by Steinberg and Apple, cover all aspects of modern music composition and production. They are designed for those wanting to master recording studios and produce music of a professional standard for a variety of outlets.
During the Diploma Course students progress through all of the School’s studios with guaranteed individual practical time throughout.
Learning the creative operation of several studios produces a diverse set of skills, opening up a host of career paths now requiring a combination of software and 'traditional' studio knowledge.
These courses were written by a collective of sound engineering pros and producers in conjunction with employers in the recording industry. Studio equipment and music construction are taught in an easily digestible format, focusing on practical sound engineering skills for today's industry.
Full / part-time options of either one full day or two evening lectures per week are available in conjunction with unlimited individual practical time to suit your schedule.
Within the course structure there is ample time for experimentation and everyone is encouraged to learn both the technical aspects of sound engineering and the creative side of the production process with their choice of tracks and musical style.
The studios are designed as a stepping stone system, maintaining familiarity and transferability as the course progresses. The introduction of additional studio kit and music production techniques is made logical, gradually moving up in complexity as knowledge and confidence grows.
Guest lectures come from leading industry names who share their expertise and experiences in the field. Our partners at Manchester City Music Network (MCMN) run Music Masterclass Programmes which are free to Midischool Students. Past topics of discussion have covered establishing and developing a record label; label to label deals; music for media opportunities; tour sound engineering; publishing; contracts; music in advertising, film, games and TV.
Lectures are supported by printed notes and all studio practical time is assisted by technical support staff providing individual help and extra tuition as required. The Course presents students with 6 assessments, mostly of a practical nature, all contributing to a final grading for the Steinberg Diploma qualification. A further qualification comes from Apple, for whom Manchester MIDI School is also an official training centre. Many graduates from our music college have gone on to work at the BBC; local radio stations; commercial studios; production houses; and record companies, whilst others have since received recording contracts or released material on their own labels.
The unique framework of the music technology and sound engineering courses at M.M.S enables students to learn at their own pace and work within their musical taste. Results and grades are discussed individually during tutorial sessions. We feel our approach is more personal than at other music colleges. As the course progresses an audio portfolio of each person's practical work is compiled. Since 'sound' is the very nature of the industry, students from the Diploma Course leave with the ability to demonstrate a proficiency and overall grounding in every aspect of the studio with their audio CV. Examples of work that has been mastered and burnt / pressed can then be passed on to prospective employers / record labels - giving instant access to skills and abilities, in conjunction with the Steinberg Cubase and Apple Logic qualifications.Unlike many music colleges, no previous knowledge of MIDI or recording studios is assumed or required.
The learning programme is unique in that it is taught in a purpose built teaching studio, in conjunction with 7 additional studios and programming suites in groups of just 16. At other music colleges and on other music technology courses you are in danger of being lost among 30+ students in a classroom!
The M.M.S Diploma is the only course of its kind giving individual studio practical time on a daily basis - 7 days and evenings per week - with dedicated technical support staff at all times.
As the Certified Steinberg and Apple Training Centre for the North West, the sound engineering courses at M.M.S. are at the very cutting edge, teaching the latest music software as it is launched.
Our teaching staff are qualified lecturers who remain professional producers working in the music industry whilst teaching the music technology courses here.
The school literally operates from within the industry it serves, alongside the day to day life of: Musicians / Engineers / Producers / Recording Studios and Rehearsal Rooms / Promoters / Record Labels and Record Manufacturing.
Being immersed in a pool of accumulated knowledge and experience is the real value of training at M.M.S. Manuals and textbooks, while informative, miss the fundamental point: 'Sound' must be experienced first hand to be truly appreciated and understood in depth.
- Introduction to recording studios
- Fundamentals of sound
- MIDI (What is MIDI?)
- Computer configuration and interfaces
- Computer operating systems and management
- Basic music theory
- Beat construction, sampling and sequencing
- Remix techniques
- Music arrangement
- Recording vocals
- Mixing desks - various analogue and digital (inc. automation)
- Audio Editing
- Synthesis and soft-synths
- Cubase Audio / Logic Pro - digital recording, plug-ins and automation
- Effects / dynamics - gates and compressors
- Critical listening
- Mixer maps
- Production skills
- Mixing down and mastering
- Software installation, studio wiring and maintenance.
- Basic studio design
View photos of Manchester Midi School's facilities. (Click on each one to enlarge in a popup)
