DL838 BA [Hons] Creative Music Production

IADT is offering a Creative Music Production Portfolio Clinic where you will receive feedback on your portfolio whether it’s finished or a work in progress – click here for more details.

Creative Music Production is delivered collaboratively by IADT and the Sound Training College (STC). This shared delivery offers universal, unique benefits; practical modules are taught in STC’s commercial studio and music production/practice facilities, with IADT providing expertise in technical subject’s areas, higher education, teaching and research. You will learn how to use industry-standard recording equipment and software from some of the finest music industry practitioners in Ireland.

The course focuses on industry-standard tools, processes, and client/artist relationships. Diverse, student-driven major works in the final years provide a platform for the working world.

What will I do?

— Explore your musical creativity and gain skills and knowledge to work in the music and media sectors within the Creative Industries.

— Study industry-standard recording equipment and software with leading practitioners.

— Creative Music Production pathway: gain in-depth knowledge of studios and music production software. Learn sound engineering and audio creation skills, audio programming and production for games. Cultural context is offered via research-based modules.

— Creative Music Practice pathway: develop as an instrumental performer while focusing on the creation of music and audio. Develop performance and technology skills. Explore and collaborate.

— Complete an ambitious project for the Graduate Exhibition in Year Four.

You will learn how to use industry-standard recording equipment and software from some of the finest music industry practitioners in Ireland.

Following a shared first year, study one of two pathways:

Creative Music Production

Gain in-depth knowledge of studios and music production software. Focus on the integration of sound engineering and audio creation skills. Topics include audio programming and production for games. Cultural context is offered via research-based modules.

Creative Music Practice

Develop musicianship as an instrumental performer while focusing on the creation of music and audio. Develop performance skills and learn to use technology creatively. Genre and ensemble provide opportunities for collaboration across instruments.

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Graduates can work towards a range of specialist roles in this area, including Sound Designer, Sound Engineer and Producer, Musician, Audio post-production, Audio Visual Technician, Audio Innovation Specialist, Audio Coding Specialist, Project Management and many more.

Graduates work worldwide in international recording studios, post-production companies, AV specialists, and major organisations. Graduates have gone on to work with major international acts including R.E.M, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Noel Gallagher and Band of Horses. Postgraduate opportunities exist in Ireland and abroad, including the MA in Broadcast Production, IADT.

Portfolio & Audition Submission

Following your application to the CAO by 1st February, all applicants, whether for the Music Production or Music Practice pathway, must access the IADT Digital Portfolio Platform.

• Music Production applicants: You are required to upload and submit your portfolio via the platform.
• Music Practice applicants: You must log in to the platform to indicate your chosen stream and provide your audition details. You will then be invited to complete an audition.

Creative Music Practice Pathway

For the Music Practice pathway, you will audition in person on your primary instrument (you may have an accompaniment, if you wish). Performances should be 3 minutes and can be in any genre or style. When applying through the IADT digital submission platform, please let us know what instrument you will be playing and include a brief description of your planned audition.

Creative Music Production Pathway

This pathway has two different portfolio options: Audio Portfolio OR Essay Portfolio. You should only submit one of these options.

Audio Portfolio

• Submit two contrasting pieces of music—they don’t have to be original. Additional marks will be awarded if at least one piece includes an original recorded element, such as a vocal, guitar, or piano part. For each track, include a detailed statement (approximately 250 words) outlining your role in its creation. Explain how the piece was recorded or produced, what production tools were used, critically analyse, and reflect on what you might change or improve.
• There is a 25 megabyte limit to the Audio submissions; we suggest 256 kbps MP3 files.

OR

Essay Portfolio

Write a 500-800 word essay about a music genre, artist, or event that inspires you. We want your personal feelings—your unique voice—rather than just facts and figures. If you review a concert, discuss aspects like song arrangements, sound, lighting, and how the artist connects with the crowd. Let your passion shine.