Project

PROJECT

INTRODUCTION

For the project I am going to research and gather information to find out the answer to my project question which is:  ‘What are the skills, qualifications and experience necessary for a successful career as a record producer and DJ?’ I will research lots of different types of  careers in the music industry as part of my career plans. In the music industry there are many opportunities for employment, for example as a singer, song writer, musician etc. The music industry is a large, growing industry and there are many less obvious areas to work in such as a CD and poster designer, sound desk technician and web site designer etc.

Although I wanted to find out about all types of jobs in  the music undustry I chose to focus on jobs in record producing and being a DJ as I would be interested in a career in this field of work. However, I do not have enough information about these careers and so will learn more about them through the work I do in my project.I want to understand more about the qualities needed to be a record producer or DJ. I want to know how someone is trained to do these jobs and how they get experience and work. I am also interested to know what courses are available for someone interested in this line of work and where they are offered. My research will also include looking at how difficult and competitive it is to work in the music industry and how to improve my chances if I decide to have a career in this industry. By the end of my project I will know if a career in the music industry would be right for me.

An important part of my project is to improve my research and study skills because these are important and transferable skills for any career. I want to improve my skills and knowledge by researching books in the library, using the internet, the media, speaking to people who work in the music industry and by carrying  out a survey.  


Two objectives for my project are improving my research skills and understanding about how to put together a career development plan. These objectives will help me with any career I may chose.


Research

I have done some secondary research using the internet. I used Google as a search engine because it’s up to date and reliable. Firstly, I researched careers in the music industry. I Googled jobs in the music industry and was able to look at different types of jobs. These included musicians, studio managers, digital managers, finance and PR jobs, artists, singers and creative music practicianers. This gave me an insight into the range of job opportunities and careers in the music industry. I learnt that there is a wide range of career opportunities in different aspects of the industry and I was able to find out lots of reliable and useful information. I then looked more specifically about careers in record producing and DJs. I chose these sites for record producer 

"http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm?a=what-training-or-knowledge-is-vital-to-becoming-a-record-producer" 

"http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/u/IndustryJobs.htm" 

I found these very helpful as I gathered a lot of information about record producing. I learnt about the skills required, what the jobs entailed including their responsibilities. I also found out about qualifications and salaries. Then I used this site Film and Music Video Production Degree Program and Career Video to watch videos of interviews with record producers explaining about their jobs and I learnt about what qualities are required to do these jobs. I don’t have the website for the DJ but I googled DJs and lots of website came out. I looked at those website to find out the information about the DJs. I found those  websites reliable because it’s helped me to finished my project work. For DJs I found out which qualifications, skills and experience I need to become a DJ and I also found how much salary they have. How salary experienced DJ get. I went to different websites to find out the information and it’s reliable because it’s easy to find information on internet by using google. I forget to copy the websites record for my project work.

The advantage of using the internet sites were that they ware convenient and easy to access. The sites gave me lots of reliable information which I needed to answer my project question.

For other secondary research I went to the library and got out a numbers of books about DJs and record producers.  The books I have found in the library are:

‘ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS’

Fourth UK edition

Revised and Updated

DONALD S. PASSMAN

‘HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS’

Sian Pattenden

‘THE GUERILLA GUIDE TO THE MUSIC BUSINESS’

2nd edition

Sarah Davis and Dave Laing

In these books I found lots of information about record producers and DJs which I needed for my project work. I found these books very helpful and they had very useful information for my work. I have learnt lots of different thing about record producers and DJs. The book ‘All you need to know about the music business fourth UK edition’ is up to date which is helpful, the other books are older but these are also useful.  

In my research I found the internet easier to use as I was able to find information quickly by researching Google. Using books from the library took longer because I had to physically find the books. I then had to read a lot of information before I found the relevant material that I could use for my project. However, the books were helpful because the information was in one chapter or section and was quite detailed. Also, in the books I chose there were interviews with DJs and record producers which I found interesting and relevant. 

After finished my secondary research I did some primary research which I decided to do as a survey on careers in the music industry. I gave people a questionnaire and in it I asked them if they worked in the music industry or if they were interested in working in it, which career they would work in. I also asked which qualifications are necessary for DJs and record producers etc.  I gave some questionnaires to the students in my class and some I gave to my teachers to do. I asked 5 questions in my questionnaire to do my survey. For my survey students and teachers answered all the questions and gave their opinions. 

Report

What are the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to create a successful career as a record producer and DJ?

In my secondary research I found the books in library. From these books I learnt that becoming a DJ is quite competitive as in the last decade there has been a massive increase in people wanting to be DJs. I learnt that potential DJs should go to clubs to listen and observe what goes on. They will then learn about what music people like to dance to. It is also an opportunity to meet the right people. To be a good DJ I learnt from my secondary research that a love of records is very important. You also need to buy a lot of records. To be a serious DJ you need to buy turntables, a mixer and headphones. Magazines such as DJ and future Music advertise DJ equipment, record decks have changed and music is listened to either on Vinyl, CDs or mp3s. There is a lot of new technology available to DJs.

Some UK colleges now offer DJ training courses including Lewisham. Most courses teach theory and practice. In an interview with Eddie Hallimell who DJs on BBC Radio 1 show ‘The Residency’ he talked about how, from the age of 15 he practised his skills. He studied Music Technology at college which he found helpful. He said it’s important to research clubs and gigs before you work there. Many DJs start out by putting on parties or illegal raves or by doing promotions in clubs. The money is not good first of all. Deals can be made such as getting a promotion of the bar earnings- usually between 5% and 10%. A DJ could get as much as £3,000 plus £2 for every person through the door.

From my internet research I found out that DJs use vinyl records, CDs or MP3s and other digital music files to play the music. There are three main types of DJ - club DJs, radio DJs and mobile DJs. Club DJs work in bars and clubs mixing their own music. They use other equipment e.g. drum machines, synthesisers and sound processors to produce their own unique sounds. Radio DJs present programmes e.g. jazz programmes, interview guest, play different types of music and have competitions. They may have help from someone else like technical or studio assistants to set up their equipment. Mobile DJs work anywhere e.g. school, weddings and community halls. They provide and set up their own equipment.

Some DJs have skills in playing an instrument, singing or rapping. DJs spend lot of hours listening to a different variety of music. DJs work irregular hours, sometimes early morning, evening, weekends and late at night. They use a variety of equipment to do the jobs e.g. turntables, mixers, microphones, amplifiers and headphones. DJs is also expert in using the latest technology, including lighting and image projection. DJs play particular types of music e.g. dance, hip-hop, trance, drum ‘n’ bass or music from a particular era such as the 1960s.

It is hard to get into because it is very popular. Most job opportunities are very expensive although may not lead to work as a DJ. You don’t need any formal academic qualifications, talent and experience are very important. 

There are some DJ training courses:

1. City & Guilds (7755) qualification in DJ Technique
2. NVQ Level 3 in Radio Production
3. BTEC national and higher national courses, degrees and postgraduate qualifications in music technology, radio production, media and performing arts (some have specialist units relating to DJ technology).
4. CSV Media runs Media Clubhouses across the UK which offer training in radio skills
5. The Scottish Arts Council can provide details of music projects offering DJ skills.

DJs get experience in hospital, community or student radio or through helping other of DJs. There are not many jobs advertisement you can contact with employers or agents. The BBC advertises jobs for radio broadcast assistant on its website. Once they have got experience they can send a sample CD to bars and clubs or radio stations. DJs can be promotion to larger employers or venues e.g. local to national radio stations or from town pubs on weeknights to large clubs at weekends. During the training as a DJ, he/she would experience working in a music production, promotion, publishing, recording or retail. Being as a club DJs, there are great opportunities to work in foreign countries mainly during summer holiday in popular places or destinations. It is difficult to get after the age of 30, although there are more opportunities with mature audiences.

The New Deal for Musicians is a scheme which helps unemployed musicians, DJs and offers guidances. This scheme is for over the age of 18, who have been unemployed for at least six months. Skills associated with this job

A DJ needs:

• a wide knowledge of different kinds of music or an in-depth knowledge of their specialist interest
• an excellent sense of rhythm
• manual dexterity and a steady hand to operate technical equipment
• to be creative with music and able to perform for an audience
• to be passionate about music and music technology.

Salary

salary with some experience will be around £50 to £300 a session. A top DJs may earn around £100,000 a year. Salaries range widely.

My secondary research from books gave lots of information about record producers. They can sell million of records. I found out that record producers are commissioned by a record company to go into the studio with a band or artist to record a single or album tracks. They can spend one day or several months in a studio depending on the project. Most established producers have an agent or manager who keeps their clients’ diaries and will negotiate a fee. The producer will hear demos of the band to decide whether he likes the music. He then decides on a suitable studio and choose an engineer to work with. The production starts when each member of the band does their individual bit and the track is built up from there. The band playing together and performing a song straight through doesn’t happen much any more. The desk button can boost the lower frequencies and higher frequencies. The producer tries to get the sound which the band likes best. A producer is like the director of a film. Once the recording is done, the record is mixed. The volume level of every instrument has to be perfect. Record producers can make a lot of money £75,000 or more for an album. The hours can be long-between 12 and 16 hours when working on a project. In an interview with record producer Topher Mohr he said that record producers need to be knowledgeable about technology. Many record producers started out as sound engineers or musicians. 

From my internet research I have found a record producer is a person who works for the music industry and their job is to oversee and manage the production of an artist’s music. In record producing there are two kinds of producers, the executive producer and music producer. A record producer normally works with the bands, session musicians etc. Some of the producers write lyrics for the artists. Many producers start their work as an engineer in a studio or as a session musician, to get experience in the music industry. They need to have an experience and knowledge for this job. The most important thing for all record producers in the music industry are they should have musical taste and a good hearing ability. Most of the record producers have qualifications in any of the following:

songwriting, composition, music production, sound engineering etc. Record producers should have knowledge about digital technology as nowadays creating a music has become reliant on computer software.

Salary:

A record producer’s salary ranges from £30,000 to more than £50,000 per annum. This range of money may not apply to freelance record producers. It depends on taking gigs on a project basis and the salary may be lower or higher. Basically it depends on the number of gigs on a project and the popularity of the recording artists.

Skills and personal qualities:

1. an excellent ear for music
2. awareness of current and emerging music trends
3. the ability to recognise a hit
4. networking skills
5. the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
6. knowledge of copyright law
7. budgeting skills etc

Qualifications:

For a record producer qualifications are not essential but you need to have different skills e.g songwriting, composing a song etc. Usually some of the record producers do practical work experience to get more knowledge about music. Some qualification in music may help you to become a record producer.

Qualification relating to the music industry:

1. BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in music technology
2. NCFE qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 in music business
3. EDI level 2 and 3 in music business (recording industry)
4. BTEC Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNCs) in music production
5. Foundation degree in music production, music technology, music practice and music industry management
6. Degree in music industry management, music practice and music production.

For my primary research in question 1 I found out 5/9 people would like to work in the music industry.  If people worked in the music industry most of them wanted to be a singer or a record producer. Most people thought that an ear for music is a very important skill for working in the music industry. Some people thought the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, self discipline and tenacity and knowledge of copyright law are necessary to have a career as a record producer and DJ. The mojority said experience and qualifications are important for both the DJ and record producer careers because there are so many different aspects to those jobs. The music industry is very broad and competitive so it was some said any experience would be essential and worthwhile in gaining a job. Some people said experience and qualification are not important for the DJ and record producer careers. 

Conculsion:

Firstly I carried out research on the Internet about jobs in the music industry. I looked at lot of different websites and found out lot of jobs in the music industry. Before researching on the internet I didn’t know that there were so many jobs in the music industry field and this research helped me to do my Project work. I looked at different types of jobs in the music industry and after that I chose two jobs a record producer and a DJ and found out lots of information about the skills, qualifications and experience they need. I also looked at some record producers’ videos to know more about this career. The Internet is very easy and reliable to use and I found it very helpful for my Project. When I finished my Internet research I looked at some books to find out more about the DJs and record producers. I found these in my college library. The books I researched were very useful because they had lot of information about the DJs and record producers.
After finishing my secondary research I did primary research which was a survey. I gave my survey to some of the students and teachers and from there I have found out their different views and opinions. When I was doing my survey I found it difficult because I had to go to each person and ask them to do my questionnaire for my survey and collect them back and I don’t like doing this. I found my survey helped me with my Project because it gave me practice in making a questionnaire and analysing it.
In doing my Project I have learnt lots of things like how to research jobs in the music industry by using books and the Inernet and the skills and qualifications needed to be a DJ and a record producer.  I learnt that the music industry has lots of different types of jobs  and experience is very important for all jobs. I also learnt how to do a survey and write a questionnaire and analyse the results.
If I have a chance to do my work differently next time I would do some more extensive primary research for my Project. I would interview someone who is working or has worked in the music industry. I would also do some more research secondary research on producers and DJs from magazines in the music industry.

Bibliography
‘ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS’
Fourth UK edition
Revised and Updated
DONALD S. PASSMAN


‘HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS’
Sian Pattenden


‘THE GUERILLA GUIDE TO THE MUSIC BUSINESS’
2nd edition
Sarah Davis and Dave Laing




Website for record producers
Film and Music Video Production Degree Program and Career Video

References 

 HYPERLINK "http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm?a=what-training-or-knowledge-is-vital-to-becoming-a-record-producer"
http://www.audiomasterclass.com/arc.cfm?a=what-training-or-knowledge-is-vital-to-becoming-a-record-producer

 HYPERLINK "http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/u/IndustryJobs.htm"
http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/u/IndustryJobs.htm

NCFE- Music Technology- Unit 1 Assessment

How do you save your data appropriately?

If I want to save my data I go to the top of the screen and I click the 'file'. Then, I go the 'save as' writing down my folder name, date and finally click on 'save'.

Set up a track?


First I press 'file' and click on 'new'. Then, I look at the list of templates and chose 'Empty Project'. 'New tracks' folder is shown in the screen. From there we can chose many tracks but I chose only two as for type it should be 'software instrument' and click on 'create'. Finally, the 'number of tracks' are sown in the screen.

Assign a sound to the track?


If I want to choose any sound track I go to the 'Library' in Logic Pro and click which is on the right hand side. Then, different types of software instruments are shown and from there I decided to choose 2 or 3 tracks for my jazz piece. For example, I chose 'Keyboards' software instrument and from there will be a list of different kinds of sounds. I click on 'warped organs' and even from this sounds there are lots of options for creating a piece of music. Finally, I chose 'atmosphere organ' which will be shown in the 'Global Tracks'.

Record a MIDI sequence?


If I want to record the MIDI sequence in to the 'Logic Pro'. First I connect the keyboard with the (IMAC) then I 'switch on' the keyboard button which is in the back. I go to the bottom of the 'Logic Pro' then I click on the record button. Now, play the keyboard buttons then its start recording.


Evaluate the quality of the recorded sequence and amend where appropriate.


                                                                                                                                                                      


How do you quantise a track?


How do you set up and record extra tracks?


How do you evaluate final recordings?


How do you move, copy & paste, erase and use other tools in the tool box?


First I click the pointer tool then I click the piece of music and drag it one place to another. If I want to repeat the piece of music then I click the piece of music and I click the 'Edit' the I click the copy button. I click to the 'Logic Pro' and then I click the 'Edit' button and paste.


How do you use automation?


How do you evaluate an end product?

Plan a campaign

After I researched the campaigns, I had to think about my own campaign. Firstly, I decided to do my campaign about prisoners, then I changed my mind and decided to do it about domestic violence. I think domestic violence can happen to anyone and it is important to inform people about it. My target audience is 16 to 24 years old. I had to make four initial designs about domestic violence on the paper and after that I had to choose one design. I chose initial design number 4 and developed the design on the computer by using 'Fireworks'.

The materials and equipement I need for the campaign is pencil, rubber, pen, colours, paper, computer (IMAC), internet, Fireworks and colour printer.

Aim:

• To rise awareness about domestic violence issues. 
• Alert people of the effects of different types of violence.

Objective:

• To understand the effects of violence.
• To provide safety planning for a victim of intimate partner violence.
• To contribute in order to abolish violence and abuse.
• To know the risk factors for becoming a victim or a perpetrator of family violence.

In my first campaign poster I researched the internet and found some images of domestic violence. I went to Fireworks and created a background by using emerald green gradient bars. I chose this background randomly just to see if it looked good or not.

I made a square box by using layers with black, grey and white colours. Then, I used the image of a little boy who was beaten very badly and hurt. The poster shows the boy thinking: ‘End Domestic Violence NOW’ in the ‘think bubble’. The words 'End Domestic Violence NOW' I wrote in black and I used academy engraved LET font. I did this to make the words stand out. I edited the little boy's image by removing the background to show he is alone and hurt. Likewise, for the other two images I chose these because many women are shown as inferior to men. The right-hand side image shows a teenage girl about to be beaten by a man, the image on the left-hand side shows a woman already beaten very badly by someone. The two images are similar in some ways, both women are sitting and emotionally scared by someone else and show the different effects of domestic violence.

The image of a hand tells us to stop violence and bring awareness to violence and abuse. I have used a clock on the right hand side to show it is time to stop the violence. The title for my campaign poster is ‘STOP VIOLENCE’. I chose this name because I want people to stop violence and the abuse of others. The word 'STOP' I wrote in blue capital letters with a black outline and I used academy engraved LET font. The word 'VIOLENCE' I wrote in red capital letters with a black outline and I used same font. The colour red is a symbol for blood which I thought was appropriate.

When I finished this poster I didn't like the background because it did not match with my target audience: it was too dull and boring. Therefore, I decided to change my background and also I made some changes to my poster to make it stand out and attract my target audience. These changes included removing the box on the right hand side, reducing the size of the two images at the top of the poster, making the word 'NOW' red with an exclamation mark and putting a website of my blog at the bottom of the poster. 

I made some changes on this poster to look more eye catching than before. I changed the background by using black and white gradient bars then added another layer using a pointer tool. Then I clicked on brush tool, stroke category, oil and then chose 'splatter'. I have used grey, white and red to make the background bubbles look interesting. At the top I used the pointer tool to make the images smaller and join in the middle. In the thinking bubble I wrote' End Domestic Violence' in black and I wrote 'NOW!!!' in red with a black outline. I made this bigger than the other text and with exclamation mark to show that people should be alert. I took out the square box on the right hand side because it didn't fit against the background. At the bottom I wrote a website in red with white outline to let  more people visit my website about the domestic violence.

The main message for this campaign is to raise awareness of domestic violence and tell the people what domestic violence is through my poster. My target audience is 16 to 24 years olds because if they learn about the issues when they are young they will be educated about the problem for the rest of their lives and know how to dealwith the problem if it affects them. I want to make people aware of the effects of violence and that it can happen to anyone, for example, children, teenagers and adults, althrough mainly women. There are different types of domestic violence like physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse. Domestic violence happens all over the world and it is difficult to measure who experiences domestic violence and how it affects their lives. People have to know about it and victims need to know how to help themselves, where to get help and be able to talk to someone in confidence.

I am going to use my posters to persuade my target audience to take notice of the campiagn and message.I am going to distribute and display my poster in different places used by young people. For example, school, youth clubs, colleges, universities, local libraries, sports centres, night clubs, churches and local shops I will organise talks and worshops for young people through their schools. I am also going to use my blog site where people can visit, see my poster and read the information I have provided. These methods will publicise and spread the message of my campaign to young people and help to persuade them to be aware of the issues of domestic violence and know what to do if it affects them or someone they know.

The material and equipment I need is:

• Coloured printer
• Paper
• Laminator
• Display boards
• Accommodation/ room for talks and workshops

Website for further information:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/domestic-violence/
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_family/family/domestic_violence.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/domesticviolence.html
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/Parentsandcarers/DomesticViolence/domesticviolence_wda35960.html

Colleges

London College of Music 

MA Record Production

Start Date: October 2009

Course duration

• One year.
• Part time students can spread their studies to suit an individually negotiated learning programme. Precise details should be negotiated at each year's enrolment.

Location

• Ealing

Entry criteria

• A 2:1 Honours degree or higher in Music Technology or a related subject, or substantial industry or prior experience in the field.
• This course requires advanced musical knowledge.
• Candidates will be asked to provide a portfolio of degree-level/professional work and written statement.

Mode of study

• Full-time (1 year)
• Part-time

Further Information

• Email: learning.advice@tvu.ac.uk

• Programme Leader: Simon Zagorski-Thomas: simon.zagorski-thomas@tvu.ac.uk
• Apply online here

Course Information

The lecturers on the course are already award winning music producers. For example: Mike Howlett and Grammy award winning producer and arranger Pip Williams. Students work in studios of professional specification - digital and analogue consoles with access to 5.1 monitoring and ProTools HD systems in addition to other, non-linear, platforms and digital and analogue tape systems. They study the history of the record producer in the music industry over the years and how record production has changed and developed. They also study on the musicology of record production: the psychology and psychoacoustics of recorded sound, the way that technology affects performance practice and vice versa. On the practical side they will have experience in pre-production, financial negotiation and management, arranging, performance direction, track laying, session planning, editing, mixing and post-production.

List of Modules

• The Producer’s Role 
• Capturing Sounds 
• Manipulating Sounds
• The Development of Audio Technology 
• Capturing Performances 
• Combining Sounds 
• The dissertation module 

BA (Hons) Music Technology & Video Production

UCAS details: BA (Hons) Music Technology & Video Production

• UCAS code:  J9W6 BA/MTWV
• Duration: Three Years
• Location / Campus code: Ealing (E)

Entry criteria

• 200 UCAS tariff points.
• Normally in a minimum of two subject areas. We expect a percentage of these to be at GCE A/VCE A Level. Points generated by GCE AS/VCE AS Level and Key Skills qualifications will be considered.
• IB Points: 29
• BTEC National Diploma: Merit
• Access: Pass

Interview/Portfolio

• You may be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of work (audio CD format).

Academic enquiries

• musictech@tvu.ac.uk

Course Structure

Year 1

• Introduction to Sound
• Audio Theory
• Music Technology 1 (MIDI & Synthesis)
• Writing for the Media
• Digital Video Production
• TV and Radio Industries

Year 2

• Sound Technology
• Creative Sound
• Music in Industry
• Work Placement
• TV Studio Production
• Documentary Production

Year 3

• Drama Production
• Audio Post-Production
• Project (Double module: Music Technology or Video)
• Digital Broadcast Media
• ExperimentalFilm & Video

TRINITY GUILDHALL


Music Diplomas from 2009

Diploma in music: Performance  and Teaching

Diplomas in Music: Theory and Composition

These diploma have three levels. Associate NQF level 4, Licentiate NQF level 6 and Fellowship NQF level 7. Level 4 diploma are first year in a full time undergraduate course. After finishing this course you can go to university or other higher education institution. Level 6 diploma are comparable with the standard reached at the end of the final year a full-time undergraduate course. After finishing this course you can go to university or other higher education. Level 7 diploma are comparable with the standard reached at the end of the postgraduate course. After finishing this course you can go to university or other higher education.