The Music Tech Training Centre is a specialist learning provider offering short courses in the fields of Sound Recording, Audio Engineering, Music Technology and Music Business. Training is delivered as both enrichment workshops as well as fully accredited courses tailored to meet the needs of creative individuals and flexible enough so that anyone with an interest in this area can get involved.
Feedback from MTTC trainee Mark K on his experience with the Music Tech Training Centre. Mark joined the programme in early 2016 and has very quickly mastered a range of music production techniques. He works with young people on a daily basis as a sports coach and wants to go onto teaching others the basics of beat making as an extension to his existing skill set.
Introduction to Live Sound Engineering
A typical accredited programme offered by MTTC is the Live Sound Engineering Practice course. On this programme trainees will work towards achieving the solid understanding of the topics listed above and in the process meet the assessment necessary criteria required to attain an NCFE Level 2 qualification in Music Technology. The course itself has been designed to address the specific skills requirements of setting up and running a PA system but therefore goes way beyond the qualification criteria points. Designed to meet the technical needs of live sound engineers just starting out as well as those already practicing in the field, there is sufficient flexibility built in with regards time commitment, duration, and affordability.
Additional Skills Development
Teamwork and team building activities will be integral parts of the provision where real value is placed on each learner’s ability to handle assigned responsibilities. As well as the acquisition of skills and knowledge pertaining to the subject area, participants can also accrue many transferable skills such as:-
- enhanced confidence & boosted self-esteem,
- improved communication skills,
- increased self awareness
- heighten awareness of others,
- improve planning and working to deadlines,
- elevate self motivation
In designing the course, I have taken into account the fact that the individuals who are usually interested in this programme are very likely to be in full time or part time employment and unable to commit to a regular college structure. Many will be hobbyists who are active on the music circuit and have a desire to sharpen their skills in a relaxed learning environment. Most will be over 18 years of age and would rather learn at an easy pace whilst collaborating with a more mature group of fellow students. Trainees will on completion of the course, attain a Level 2 Award in Music Technology. There are no subject specific entry requirements besides a keen interest in the field and a willingness to complete the required tasks.
The Music Tech Training Centre has been set up by myself David Smart p.k.a Dr Duce. I am a qualified music technology specialist lecturer and hold a Masters Degree in Popular Music Production, PGCE, BA Hons Degree in Music Technology and FdA in Multi Media Studies. Besides being a music educator I am very active in the music industry as a musician, songwriter and music producer. I was Head of Music at Feltham YOI Res B, a position I held from 2008 to 2015. In this role I work with sentenced prisoners and ex-offenders, helping them develop a range of music production and other transferable skills including song writing, beat making and mixing techniques as well as personal and social development techniques to help them break the cycle of offending. Beyond the prison gates I partner with the Hackney Music Development Trust and the Feltham Community Chaplaincy Trust supporting ex-prisoners, particularly young men from Black & Ethnic Minority groups to successfully reintegrate back into normal society and help with addressing some of the issues associated with this process.