True School’s Pro Music Production course prepares you for exciting careers in the music and film industry. You will learn to compose, arrange, program and produce music for artists, films, ads, and games from faculty are experienced industry professionals.
The course is certified by the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), India, and provides you with the option to earn a B.Sc (Hons) degree from the University of Hertfordshire, London, or a B.A (Hons) degree form Point Blank, London.
Students who successfully complete all 3 levels of our course are also eligible to apply directly for admission to a 1 year Masters course at BIMM Institute, UK.
Level 1 of the Music Production course develops a broad understanding of the various production techniques on DAWs, music programming, sound synthesis, sampling and recording techniques. You will build proficiency in playing keyboards/piano and gain a comprehensive awareness of music theory (harmony, solfege and ear training) . You will engage in a number of collaborative projects throughout your Level 1 studies that develop professionalism, leadership, communication and team skills.
Upon successful completion of Level 1, you will earn a Skill Certificate for the role of “Music Programmer” from the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) India.
Successful completion of all 3 years of this Pro programme provides you with the option to earn a B.Sc (Hons) degree from the University of Hertfordshire (UK), or a B.A (Hons) degree from Point Blank Music School, London, or an M.A. in Popular Music Practice from BIMM Institute, London.
Study@Home
True School’s Study@Home allows you to enrol in the first-year courses of True School’s acclaimed 3 year Pro music programmes, and study them from wherever you are. The courses taught within the Study@Home music programmes mirror the ones taught on-campus, and let you earn the same number of course credits that you can transfer easily to the on-campus music programmes if and when you decide to continue into the second year.
1.1 – Introduction to Music Theory 1 (Credits: 3)
In this module you will learn to read music on the treble and bass clefs individually followed by the grand staff. You will be introduced to all note values starting with whole notes/rests, subdivided upto 16th notes/rests, and you will be taught to identify all intervals within the octave, starting from any note. You will also learn to memorise 12 major and relative minor key signatures with the help of the circle of 5ths.
1.2 – Introduction to Music Theory 2 (Credits: 3)
In this module, you will be taught to derive and notate the diatonic triads from all 12 major and minor keys, including the melodic and harmonic minor scales. You will also learn to build, read and notate individual major, minor, diminished, augmented, sus2 and sus4 triads from any given root, in any inversion. You will be taught to construct and notate closed voicings in any inversions, as well as open voicings in any inversion. You will also learn to voice-lead progressions using closed and open triads.
1.3 – Fundamentals of Harmony 1 (Credits: 3)
In this module you will learn to compose appropriate harmonic progressions to given major and minor key melodies. You will learn the harmonic functions of the diatonic triads in major and minor keys, and how to use functional substitutes. You will learn to apply the passing and auxiliary diminished chords to progressions. You will also be introduced to voice-leading harmonic progressions with triads in 4 parts, in chorale style.
1.4 – Fundamentals of Harmony 2 (Credits: 3)
In this module you will harmonise short melodies upto 4-bars long, in 4-part chorale style. You will learn to analyse 4-part chorales in the style of JS Bach. You will be introduced to the modes of the major scale and their characteristic notes and cadences. You will then compose a (minimum) 16-bar modal composition with a melody, harmonic progression and bass line using a mode of your choice, and notate the piece on a master score.
Faculty
Gianluca Liberatore
Gianluca Liberatore
Gianluca Liberatore was born in Palermo, Sicily. The Italian island is the major in the Mediterranean sea and it has always been hosting an astonishing mix of cultures. The search for diversity became for Gianluca an important feature in his musical experience.
He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and the bass guitar at 14. Discovering the music of Bill Evans brought him in contact with jazz music and, consecutively, with double bass playing.
Gianluca studied in Italy at the Brass Group and the Open Jazz School of Mimmo Cafiero, attending masterclasses and having lessons with Harvie S, Reuben Rogers, Eric Revis, Eddie Gomez, Clark Cables, Gregory Hutchinson and others.
In 2010 he moved to the Netherlands, where he studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam under the guide of Frans van der Hoeven. In the four years of Bachelor program he got in touch with a variety of genres and musicians. Results of these years of studies and collaborations are performances in a number of festivals in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland.
Has performed alongside Ronal Douglas, Deborah Carter, Bob Stoloff during the summer jazz workshop at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. In 2013 he released a record with the Australian leader, composer and saxophone player Gemma Farrell.
As an educator Gianluca has been teaching bass guitar, double bass, music theory, songwriting, ensembles, and pedagogic subjects.
Anthony Cammarota
Anthony Cammarota
Anthony Cammarota is a Southern California born multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader. At the age of 9 Anthony began studying guitar and performing professionally as a teenager. Developing his passion led him to became a student at the Orange County High School of the Arts where he graduated top of his class as the premier jazz guitarist. After high school, Cammarota relocated to Seattle, Washington in order to study at Cornish College of the Arts where he received his B.M. in Jazz Performance after completing a 4 year undergraduate program. During his time at Cornish he studied jazz & classical guitar, music theory and composition under notable professors such as Dave Peterson, Michael Nicollela, James Knapp and Tom Varner. While in Seattle Anthony began to perform and associate with international musicians such as Bill Frisell, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Peter Bernstein and Wayne Horvitz, which led him to become a bandleader and composer in his own right.
Anthony has performed, composed and recorded music across North America, Europe and Asia, cultivating an extensive academic background and vast professional industry experience. Being equally skilled on both guitar and bass had led him to work with an eclectic variety of performing artists in the jazz, rock, pop, funk, hip-hop and electronic worlds. As both a performer and educator Anthony Cammarota has a deep command of musicianship that defies genres and creates a unique sound of his own.
1.1 – Ear Training (Credits: 2)
In this module, you will learn to sing the major and minor scales ascending, descending and in 3rds, and learn to find and sing all the intervals of the major and minor scales starting on any note, along with other specific singing exercises. You will learn to aurally recognise the major and minor scales, and all 12 intervals played melodically. You will also learn to read rhythms consisting of whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and rests fluently, and sing major and minor key melodies with these note values. You will also transcribe rhythms up to 4 bars long consisting of whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and rests.
1.2 – Ear Training (Credits: 2)
In this module you will learn to sing major, minor and diminished triads in any inversion. You will learn to aurally recognise the major, natural, melodic and harmonic minor scales, and all 12 intervals played harmonically. You will also learn to aurally recognise major, minor and diminished triads in any inversion, and augmented, sus2 and sus 4 triads in root position. You will also learn to read rhythms consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eighth & 16th notes and rests fluently and will sing major and minor key melodies with these note values. You will also transcribe rhythms up to 4 bars long consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eighth & 16th notes and rests.
1.3 – Ear Training (Credits: 2)
In this module you will learn to sing major, minor and diminished triads in any inversion. You will learn to aurally recognise the major, natural, melodic and harmonic minor scales, and all 12 intervals played harmonically. You will also learn to aurally recognise major, minor and diminished triads in any inversion, and augmented, sus2 and sus 4 triads in root position. You will also learn to read rhythms consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eighth & 16th notes and rests fluently and will sing major and minor key melodies with these note values. You will also transcribe rhythms up to 4 bars long consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eighth & 16th notes and rests.
1.4 – Ear Training (Credits: 2)
In this module you will learn to sing all the modes of the major scale. You will sing major, minor and diminished triads in any inversion and augmented, sus2 and sus4 triads in root position. You will learn to aurally recognise the major, natural, melodic and harmonic minor scales, all the modes of the major scale and all 12 intervals played harmonically. You will also learn to aurally recognise major, minor and diminished triads in any inversion, and augmented, sus2 and sus 4 triads in root position. You will learn to read rhythms consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eighth & 16th notes and rests fluently and sing major and minor key melodies with these note values. You will also transcribe major key melodies up to 4 bars consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth & 16th notes and rests.
Faculty
Anthony Cammarota
Anthony Cammarota
Anthony Cammarota is a Southern California born multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader. At the age of 9 Anthony began studying guitar and performing professionally as a teenager. Developing his passion led him to became a student at the Orange County High School of the Arts where he graduated top of his class as the premier jazz guitarist. After high school, Cammarota relocated to Seattle, Washington in order to study at Cornish College of the Arts where he received his B.M. in Jazz Performance after completing a 4 year undergraduate program. During his time at Cornish he studied jazz & classical guitar, music theory and composition under notable professors such as Dave Peterson, Michael Nicollela, James Knapp and Tom Varner. While in Seattle Anthony began to perform and associate with international musicians such as Bill Frisell, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Peter Bernstein and Wayne Horvitz, which led him to become a bandleader and composer in his own right.
Anthony has performed, composed and recorded music across North America, Europe and Asia, cultivating an extensive academic background and vast professional industry experience. Being equally skilled on both guitar and bass had led him to work with an eclectic variety of performing artists in the jazz, rock, pop, funk, hip-hop and electronic worlds. As both a performer and educator Anthony Cammarota has a deep command of musicianship that defies genres and creates a unique sound of his own.
Gianluca Liberatore
Gianluca Liberatore
Gianluca Liberatore was born in Palermo, Sicily. The Italian island is the major in the Mediterranean sea and it has always been hosting an astonishing mix of cultures. The search for diversity became for Gianluca an important feature in his musical experience.
He started playing the guitar at the age of 12 and the bass guitar at 14. Discovering the music of Bill Evans brought him in contact with jazz music and, consecutively, with double bass playing.
Gianluca studied in Italy at the Brass Group and the Open Jazz School of Mimmo Cafiero, attending masterclasses and having lessons with Harvie S, Reuben Rogers, Eric Revis, Eddie Gomez, Clark Cables, Gregory Hutchinson and others.
In 2010 he moved to the Netherlands, where he studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam under the guide of Frans van der Hoeven. In the four years of Bachelor program he got in touch with a variety of genres and musicians. Results of these years of studies and collaborations are performances in a number of festivals in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland.
Has performed alongside Ronal Douglas, Deborah Carter, Bob Stoloff during the summer jazz workshop at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. In 2013 he released a record with the Australian leader, composer and saxophone player Gemma Farrell.
As an educator Gianluca has been teaching bass guitar, double bass, music theory, songwriting, ensembles, and pedagogic subjects.
1.1 – Fundamentals of Piano Practice 1 (Credits: 2)
In this module, you will be introduced to the very fundamentals of piano playing. You will learn to play simple scales and chords adhering to correct tempo, time signature, technique and posture, which will enable you to play common pop song chord progressions with ease. You will also learn to sight read simple phrases of music on treble and bass clef.
1.2 – Fundamentals of Piano Practice 2 (Credits: 2)
In this module, you will work with technique exercises that will enhance your familiarity with the piano. You will learn how to smoothly transition between chords using inversions and to make simple piano arrangements of select popular songs.
1.3 – Intermediate Piano Practice 1 (Credits: 2)
This module will focus on 7th chords and you will learn how to construct, play and practically apply them in the context of songs. You will learn commonly used jazz chord progressions involving 7th chords and work on exercises that will enable you to fluently play the progression in all keys. You will also conduct a detailed analysis of select jazz repertoire in order to understand functional harmony.
1.4 – Intermediate Piano Practice 2 (Credits: 2)
This module will expand your harmonic and rhythmic knowledge on the piano and help you make musically rich arrangements. The study will focus on the practical application of all harmonic and rhythmic concepts learnt in the previous terms to develop a portfolio of repertoire, including at least one original composition.
Faculty
Sambit Deshmukhya
Sambit Deshmukhya
He started off learning keyboards when he was 9. When he was 17 he started learning Western Classical Piano after he got inspired by his visit to Trinity College London. He learned under a teacher for some time and then started learning the instrument by himself. Later on after high school while doing his Bachelors in Computer Application he started listening to a lot of Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B and Electronic Music and started exploring and learning Jazz by himself. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Application he went on to pursue his all-time passion for music as a career which he wanted to. He also has been a Piano Teacher with Furtados School of Music for 2 years and has taught over 900 students from a lot of schools in Mumbai. He also performs with his own band ‘CuttleFish’ which plays a neo-soul and experimental music and currently working on their original material. He teaches Keys & Arrangement for Producers.
1.1 – Introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (Credits: 5)
In this module you will be introduced to the basic features, functions and workflow of DAWs through a practical study of Logic. You will learn how to create templates, record audio and MIDI, manage projects and understand the difference between audio recording and MIDI programming. You will complete weekly assignments that demonstrate DAW proficiency, and at the end of the module there will be a written exam that assess your knowledge of the DAW and technical parameters.
In this module you will be introduced to the principles of sound synthesis and sampling. You will familiarise with different types of synthesis techniques such as additive, subtractive, granular, and FM. You will create original sounds with different characteristics (pluck synth, pads, lead, bass, etc,.) demonstrating proficiency in using virtual synthesizers and will learn to create and use samples creatively in compositions. You will also be introduced to basic sound processing techniques of EQ, compression and reverb. You will complete weekly assignments, written assessments and a practical assessment to demonstrate your synthesis and sampling proficiency.
1.3 – Music Programming Techniques (Credits: 5)
In this module you will learn to program various virtual instruments and use them in different musical styles. Along with internalising the technicalities of music programming you will also familiarise with the specific musical elements that characterize different genres of music. In-depth study of specific instruments and instrument groups will be conducted each week, focussing on playing style and techniques, and their applications to different genres. Through assignments, you will demonstrate proficiency in composing and programming bass lines, drums and percussions, guitars, strings and brass sections in different styles.
1.4 – Introduction to Music Production Practices (Credits: 6)
In this module you will be introduced to common music production practices and workflows, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the application of musical and technical proficiency and skills acquired from previous modules. You will create several tracks under guidance from the module faculty that cover a range of genres. You will acquire basic music arranging, mixing and mastering skills, learn to organize your workflow and coordinate with other musicians to complete recordings of your works in order to meet agreed delivery timelines.
Faculty
Aki Spadaro
Aki Spadaro
Born in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) in 1986, music became his passion and main activity from a very early age. After seven years of classical piano training, he began to play jazz at the age of fourteen. Since then, he has constantly involved both as an arranger and as a pianist in various projects, where he demonstrated remarkable versatility and openness to different musical styles (jazz, swing, progressive rock, funk, R&B, world music, southern Italian folk, soul).
Aki’s own projects and performances have often received awards in both national and international contexts. In 2007 he won the first prize in the music contest “Show No Profit” in Palermo with his funk band Subjaez; in 2009 he was among the finalists in the jazz soloist competition “Vittoria Jazz Award”; and in 2010 he received the Audience Award and the 2nd jury prize at the prestigious jazz contest “Chicco Bettinardi” (Piacenza Jazz Fest) with his Jazz trio Even3. He went on to release a record with Even3 titled Below Sea Level, which was well received by audiences and critics alike.
In 2010 Aki settled in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), where he initiated a number of projects and collaborations with artists from all over Europe. In 2013 he also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Piano at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
In 2014 he temporarily moved to India, where he acted as Head of the Keyboard Department at True School of Music in Mumbai, and also collaborated with the Whistling Woods International Film School of Mumbai as a musical advisor.
Once back to Amsterdam Aki obtained a Master’s degree in Composing for Film with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Nederlandse Filmacademie.
He has since composed music for a number of Dutch fiction and documentary productions. In 2015 he composed and produced the score for the short film “Vandaag”, which won the award for best short film in the Dutch YAKFA Festival and was selected in 2016 for the International Short Film Festival, Nijmegen.
In the last years, he has performed in the most prestigious stages of The Netherlands such as Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ (Amsterdam), Schouwburg de Meerse (Hoofdorp), Theater Ludens (Voorburg) and Schouwburg Venray (Venray).
1.1 – History & Context of Global Commercial Music (Credits: 2)
This module traces the origins and development of Jazz and Blues music to their current forms. You will learn the impact of sociopolitical and other historic events such as slavery, World Wars and technological evolution on these genres. You will also familiarise with the popular artists and repertoire of these genres of music.
1.2 – History & Context of Global Commercial Music (Credits: 2)
This module traces the origins and development of Rock n Roll, Crooners and Divas, Gospel and Country music to their current forms. You will learn the impact of sociopolitical and other historic events such as slavery, World Wars and technology on these genres. You will also familiarise with the popular artists and repertoire of these genres of music.
1.3 – History & Context of Global Commercial Music (Credits: 2)
This module traces the origins and development of British Invasion, Soul and American Folk music. You will learn the impact of sociopolitical and other historic events, as well as technological innovations on these genres. You will also familiarise with the popular artists and repertoire of these genres of music.
1.4 – History & Context of Global Commercial Music (Credits: 2)
This module traces the origins and development of Heavy Metal, Funk and Progressive Rock music. You will learn the impact of sociopolitical and other historic events as well as technological innovations on these genres. You will also familiarise with the popular artists and repertoire of these genres of music.
Faculty
Vehrnon Ibrahim
Vehrnon Ibrahim
Vehrnon has had many long term rolls in his career including Vice President of various National FM Radio Networks, a House Music DJ, Frontman of Indian Heavy Metal band Millennium, an Event Director, an Audio Engineer both live and in studios, a Music Producer and Song Writer, a Stage and Lighting Designer, the Creative Director of an Interactive Television Company and a regular Commentator on Music, Culture and Creativity…
Today, Vehrnon continues to work in Live Music Events, Radio and other Media and is also an Independent Music Artist Advisor with “FreeWillMusic” a system designed to help them make and keep more money…
1.1 – Study Skills (Credits: 3)
The study skills module prepares you for college level learning, and develops planning, learning organisation and time management skills. You will learn to make effective lecture notes, improve your reading and research skills, and develop communication skills to present your thoughts, opinions and arguments clearly and accurately using various means (written, verbal, presentations, reflective journals, etc.).
Learning Outcomes:
Use calendars, prioritisation and time blocking to effectively manage time
Make effective lecture notes using various digital tools
Apply active reading and research techniques
Use reflective journaling and critiquing for self improvement
Develop communications skills to present thoughts, opinions and arguments clearly and accurately
Faculty
Nilesh Thomas
Nilesh Thomas
After gaining a first class degree in Electronics and a diploma in Sound Recording & Engineering, Nilesh started his career as a recording engineer adding numerous songs, commercials and soundtracks to his credit before stepping into academia. He spent 15 years in Malaysia, where he led curriculum design, delivery and quality assurance of undergraduate music courses in partnership with UK universities and Berklee College of Music. During this time he furthered his education to earn a Master of Music Technology (MMusTech) degree with distinction from University of Newcastle, Australia. Nilesh is also an Avid Certified Instructor for ProTools and an Apple Distinguished Educator recognised for the application of technology and innovation in music education. During his academic career in Malaysia, Nilesh remained active in the professional industry and mixed Front of House (FOH) sound and produced a number of live concerts. His professional and academic interests include live sound engineering, acoustics, digital audio, blended learning, learning technologies, and outcome and challenge based learning. Nilesh leads curriculum development, digital learning initiatives, institutional partnerships and academic quality assurance at True School, and teaches live sound engineering courses.
101 SESSIONS
101 sessions are additional learning opportunities outside of your core curriculum that cover a number of relevant topics associated with professional music. You may choose up to two 101 sessions of your interest in each term from the available list.
Eligibility
A prospective student entering at level 1 needs to show the desire and ability to learn as a musician. This course takes complete beginners at Level 1. Students with prior experience in music production, music theory, or keyboard can do an audition to test out of subjects.
To prepare for the audition a prospective student will have to prepare a set of pieces on the keyboard, preferably in different styles. Students will also be required to submit links to their production work. From this, we will be able to assess their skill level on their instrument so the student can be placed accordingly.
Prospective students shall also be assessed on their knowledge of music theory; at level 1 little to no theory knowledge is required, as we will teach you from the very basics.
