Diploma: Sound Technology and Production

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma: Sound Technology and Production is to develop the learner for work in the field of sound technology and for further learning in higher education within a related field. This qualification provides depth and specialisation of knowledge, together with practical skills and experience in the workplace, to enable successful learners to enter the world of work as an employee or entrepreneur and specialise in sound technology for live events, radio production, music production, audio post production or a number of other career paths within the music and sound industry in South Africa and abroad.

A successful learner will be able to plan, manage and apply the relevant technical and creative audio engineering processes, using industry standard equipment and technology. Successful learners will be able to evaluate the principles of sound technology and apply the knowledge and creative skills required to critically analyse and solve the client brief requirements in a wide variety of contexts.

Rationale

The South African sound and music industry has shown growth over recent years and is starting to compete in the international market. This qualification has been developed in order to equip the qualifying learner with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to enter the world of work and to produce a sound engineer who can advance the development of this industry in the fields of radio, audio post production, live sound or music production.

It is assumed that learners have

• The cognitive aptitude to engage at least at NQF Level 4.
• A basic aptitude for sound technology.
• English at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This qualification can be achieved in whole or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), in terms of the policy and guidelines of the College concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required NQF Level and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through RPL learners may gain access to the qualification, can have advanced status and can get credited.

Access to the Qualification

Access to the Diploma is granted to all applicants who are in possession of one of the following

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) or its academic precedents, e.g. Senior Certificate.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).
• And international qualification that is equivalent to the NSC, as determined by SAQA.

The learning programme leading to this qualification consists of 360 Credits.

All 16 modules are compulsory.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Audio Technology Fundamentals 1, 10 Credits.
• Radio Production 1, 10 Credits.
• Music Production 1, 50 Credits.
• Audio Post Production 1, 30 Credits.
• Live Sound 1, 20 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Audio Technology Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Radio Production 2, 10 Credits.
• Music Production 2, 40 Credits.
• Audio Post Production 2, 40 Credits.
• Live Sound 2, 20 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 120.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Acoustic Principles and Studio Design 1, 20 Credits.
• Music Business Principles 1, 10 Credits.
• Music Production 3, 30 Credits.
• Audio Production 3, 30 Credits.
• Live Sound 3, 20 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 1, 10 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 120.

Upon completion of the Diploma: Sound Technology and Production the qualifying learner will be able to

1. Evaluate and apply the principles of sound when using audio technology.
2. Plan, manage and apply the processes required to produce a creative radio advertising campaign using industry standard technology.
3. Plan, manage and apply the processes required to creatively engineer a professional music track using industry standard technology.
4. Research, evaluate and apply the principles of audio post production when producing a post production mix using industry standard technology.
5. Design, plan and manage live events and select and operate optimum sound systems in a variety of performance circumstances.
6. Evaluate and apply acoustic requirements when designing a commercial recording facility.
7. Apply the principles and functions of a small business within the music and sound industry.
8. Explain the role and possible specialisations of the sound technician and the responsibilities associated with the profession.
9. Demonstrate professionalism within the workplace and take responsibility for own decisions and actions when working as a member of a team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The principles of sound measurement are understood and applied.
• The digital workstation is understood and used.
• Audio circuits used in sound technology are understood and constructed.
• Equipment specifications are interpreted and analysed.
• The electrical interfacing of an audio chain and its internal components are evaluated and applied.
• The principles and theory of digital audio are evaluated and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The business aspects of radio production are described.
• The elements of a radio campaign are researched and applied.
• The format, style and function of standard radio commercials are evaluated and applied.
• A radio commercial is prepared for distribution.
• A creative radio advertising campaign is designed according to a client brief.
• A radio advertising campaign is produced using industry standard equipment and techniques.
• An advertising campaign for radio production is effectively planned and managed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Recording production principles are understood and advanced recording techniques for a variety of instruments are evaluated and applied using industry standard technology.
• Knowledge of music theory is applied and MIDI sequencing is used to produce creative music tracks.
• The principles of music mixing are understood and advanced mixing techniques are evaluated and applied using industry standard technology.
• The ability to direct the creative and technical music production processes is demonstrated through effective planing, evaluation and documentation.
• The ability to synthesise and evaluate knowledge and skills to produce a master CD showing strong personal direction is demonstrated.
• The ability to master a final musical arrangement to broadcast quality is demonstrated.
• A press release pack for a CD launch is designed and produced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The ability to research, analyse, structure and communicate ideas in written and spoken word is demonstrated.
• The post production processes are effectively planned and managed.
• Advanced post production techniques are applied using Pro Tools.
• The ability to synthesise knowledge and skills to produce a creative soundtrack is demonstrated.
• Audio post production principles are evaluated and advanced recording techniques are applied.
• A final mix is produced to industry standard.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• A live event is creatively designed and promoted.
• A sound system proposal and rider plan for an events company is prepared.
• The principles required to operate a small Public Address System (PA) are understood and described.
• The knowledge and skills required to select, set up and manage an optimum sound system for a live event are synthesised and applied.
• A front of house and monitor sound system for a live event is effectively set up and operated.
• Sound checking and mixing sound for all performers in front of a live audience at an event is successfully carried out.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Acoustic fundamentals and the control of sound are described and sound proofing techniques are evaluated.
• Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems within a commercial recording and production facility are evaluated for temparature control and possible noise inteference.
• The lighting and electrical systems within a commercial recording facility are evaluated for sufficient supply.
• The equipment requirements for a commercial recording facility are evaluated.
• Appropriate health and safety requirements are established.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The principles of small business management are understood and applied.
• The structure of the music and sound industry is explained.
• Professional ethics, intellectual property rights and copyright law are evaluated and applied.
• Standard music industry contracts are interpreted and analysed.
• A recording and production facility is managed effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The role of the sound technician and the possible specialisations are explained.
• The function of the sound technician within the music and sound industry is assessed.
• The environments in which a sound technician will typically work in are explored.
• The ability to work effectively with a client and to develop a plan according to a brief is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Sound technology knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace.
• Work within an organisation is carried out as a member of a team.
• Outcomes of the programme are reflected upon.
• Industry needs are evaluated and documented.
• Personal and company performance is critically evaluated.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. Learners will be assessed on their ability to apply their understanding and practical skills to creatively engineer sound in a variety of contexts. Knowledge, understanding and practical skills will be assessed independently at the outset of the qualification. However, learners will be expected to integrate their knowledge and skills when recording and producing music or sound tracks, engineering sound for live events, or producing radio advertising campaigns.

All formative assessment tasks are internally moderated and all summative, exit level assessment tasks are externally moderated by suitably qualified and experienced subject specialists with a relevant qualification at NQF Level 8. All assessment decisions and moderation judgments must be clearly motivated and recorded.

Work Integrated Learning is an integral part of the assessment (within Cape Audio College). After the first four weeks of study each learner has scheduled daily studio time facilitated by their lecturers.