In a nutshell
What are the qualifications about?
Looking to start a career in the music and sound industry? Whether you're interested in working as a composer, sound engineer or technician, a Sound and Music Technology qualification can give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to land your first job in the industry.
Who are they for?
The Sound and Music Technology qualifications are for anyone looking for their first sound industry job, as well as new entrants to the field who want to expand their skills. You don't need any previous experience, prior qualifications or access to work experience.
Why choose City & Guilds?
A City & Guilds qualification is proof that you have the right skills to do your job well - which is why so many employers look for people who have one. You can be confident your qualification is well respected within your industry.
City & Guilds qualifications are engaging and rewarding, and can lead to a whole range of fulfilling careers - including many of the UK's happiest professions.
Fast facts
| Qual. number: | 7503 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Vocational |
| Level: | 1, 2 and 3 |
| 60-1080 | |
| Duration: | Varies |
| Fundable? | Yes. See the Learning Aims Database |
| Last registration: | 31/08/2010 |
Your questions
... if you're taking these qualifications
- What sorts of things do they cover?
At level 1 the qualification covers:
Digital Sound Editing
Midi Sequencing
Sound Recording SkillsAt level 2 the qualification covers:
- Mixing and recording consoles
- Music instrument digital interface (MIDI)
- Development of studio recording equipment.
At level 3 the qualification covers:
- Multi-track recording and mixing
- Surround sound film audio
- Advanced audio electronics.
- How will I learn and be assessed?
To get a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) you learn with your training provider - maybe through practical sessions, group discussions or assignments.
VRQs are usually assessed by your training provider using assignments, practical tasks, exams or online tests.
- Which level is right for me?
Level 1
You are thinking about entering the sound and music technology sector. You would like entry into the field that also prepares your skills to help you progress.
Level 2
You are thinking about pursuing a career that involves sound or music technology. You'd like an introduction to the field that also gives you a set of basic skills that will help you as you progress to further training.
Level 3
You are thinking about pursuing a career that involves sound or music technology and want a solid set of practical skills to help you land your first job. Or, you might be a new entrant to the industry looking to expand on your current knowledge and skills.
- How long do they take?
Guided learning hours are the hours you spend learning with your training provider or on your own. The guided learning hours for this qualification are:
- Certificate: 60-140 hours
- Diploma: 480-1080 hours.
This is a rough guide - each centre decides its own timescales and you can often learn at your own pace.
- What jobs could they lead to?
Achieving a Sound and Music Technology qualification can help you advance towards a number of roles, including:
- music composer
- music industry promotions manager
- music publisher
- sound engineer (recording industry)
- sound engineer (theatre)
- sound technician.
If you'd like to progress in the music industry through additional training, you could move on to a different Sound and Music Technology qualification.
... if you're delivering these qualifications
- How would we deliver and assess them?
To deliver a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) you'll need to provide your learners with a suitable learning environment and the resources they need to complete the practical and theoretical aspects of the qualification. You will need qualified internal assessors.
The Sound and Music Technology qualifications are typically assessed using practical assignments plus a multiple-choice examination that covers all of the mandatory units.
To find all the requirements for assessment and delivery, download the course handbooks from the key documents section.
- What resources do we need?
You'll need to provide learners with the equipment and resources they need to complete the practical aspects of the qualification. All equipment must meet current industry standards. Examples of the equipment you'll need to provide access to include:
- a full fitted recording and performance studio with ability to record, overdub and mix 8-16 discrete signals on 24 track machine for band and artist sessions
- professional software-based mixing system and/or professional hardware-based mixing system
- a full range of stereo mastering equipment.
To find all the resource requirements, download the course handbooks from the key documents section.
- How can we get approval to offer them?
New to City & Guilds?
First become a centre - then you can apply for qualification approval.
Already a centre?
Download and complete the qualification approval form (PDF) and send it to your local City & Guilds office.
- Are there any learner eligibility requirements?
Anyone can take this qualification, but you must make sure all your learners can access the resources they need to complete it. These qualifications are not approved for young learners (under 16).
- Do these qualifications replace any others?
The 7503 Sound and Music Technology qualifications replace the 1820 VRQs in Sound Engineering.
Related subject areas
Related qualifications
Related careers
- Music composer
- Music industry promotions manager
- Music publisher
- Sound engineer (recording industry or theatre)
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