This course deals with creative, technical and practical aspects of creating and recording music in the studio. This process is analysed from the pre-production stages up to the final export of deliverables. Factors influencing the commercial success, or popularity of a song are analysed.In tutorial sessions critical analysis of learners' productions and other commercial productions takes place. The relative strengths and weaknesses of productions are assessed by means of critical comparisons.

This course builds music theory and practice gained at NQF 6. It focuses on advanced theoretical concepts, transcription and arrangement skills, and their applications in creative compositional and improvisational contexts.This course also progresses functional keyboard proficiency to UNISA Grade 4 or ABRSM Grade 5.The theory component covers advanced topics such as tonality, modes, irregular time signatures, intervals, triads, and inversions. Students will explore chords of major and minor scales, greater chords, non-harmony notes, and harmonic analysis. Lessons will develop students’ skills in melodic design, chord substitutions, cadences, structure and form, and polyrhythms, preparing them for transcription, orchestration, and original composition.The keyboard skills component includes performing advanced scales, extended chords, and harmonic progressions. Students will learn to transpose melodies for orchestral instruments, improvise with modal frameworks, and integrate aural training into performance. Practical assignments include translating scores into MIDI using a DAW and reading and interpreting jazz lead sheets.Emphasis is placed on composition and arrangement. Students will compose, arrange, and record original works that demonstrate advanced music theory concepts and skilled musical performance, paying homage to various music genres. They will learn to manipulate melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, structural, and performative elements to evoke emotions and engage audiences effectively.By the end of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to compose, arrange, and record original music, interpret and transcribe scores, and apply advanced music theory concepts in creative compositions.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the NQF 6 Music Performance course or have equivalent experience. It focuses on further refining technical mastery, interpretative skill, and stage presence.Students will receive 24 private tuition sessions of at least 30 minutes each (60 minutes recommended), tailored to their chosen instrument and aimed at mastering complex repertoire. The cost of private tuition is over and above the normal tuition fees.Students are required to practice for at least three hours per week over 24 weeks. This structured practice will focus on advanced technical exercises, stylistic interpretation, and preparation for public performance.The final assessment requires students to perform four pieces, representing a range of styles and demonstrating advanced skills in technical precision, interpretative depth, and artistic expression. These performances must be equivalent to UNISA Grade 7, ABRSM Grade 8, or higher.This course integrates advanced performance techniques with artistic and professional development, preparing students for solo performance or further specialised studies.

In this course students engage with multi-track music and video recordings to master advanced audio mixing processes, incorporating both software (Pro Tools) and hardware-based mixers. Topics covered include balancing, panning, dynamic processing, spatial imaging (2D and 3D), advanced automation, routing techniques, and configuring input/output (I/O) pages. Topics covered include balancing, panning, dynamic processing, spatial imaging (2D and 3D), advanced automation, routing techniques, and configuring input/output (I/O) pages.The course also explains finalizing 5.1 mixes for delivery in professional formats while introducing the underlying concepts, configurations, and technologies of common surround sound systems.Through practical assignments, students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and workflows, enabling them to achieve professional-quality mixes and navigate the challenges of multi-dimensional sound production.

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This course describes the selection, matching and integration of the components of sound reinforcement systems, for optimum performance and efficiency. Learners will be given the underlying theory and prevailing industry practice in formulating sound reinforcement system designs. The formulation and interpretation of technical riders for live events is also discussed.

Video Post Production and Non-Linear Editing 7 expands on previous knowledge, focusing on advanced video editing and post-production techniques for long-form projects.The course introduces students to more complex workflows, including automating media ingest through Dynamic Media Folders, managing metadata, and working with multichannel audio and surround sound. The course also covers advanced colour management techniques and introduces the use of Paint, Compositing, and Tracking tools for image correction and visual effects.Students will learn how to prepare for editing, perform advanced trimming and timeline management, and customise settings to optimise their workflow. Topics such as timecode interfaces, frame rate conversion, and working with legacy standards (SD Betacam and film) are covered. Additionally, the course introduces cloud editing technology, media servers, and media management systems such as Media Central and Nexus. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in script-based editing, using metadata for output, and enhancing video quality with advanced visual effects.

This NQF Level 7 course provides an advanced understanding of motion graphics and compositing, focusing on the techniques and tools used to create dynamic visual effects and animations. Students will learn to use industry-standard software to design, animate, and composite graphics for various media, including film, television, and digital platforms. The course covers key concepts such as keyframing, masking, and particle systems, along with advanced techniques for integrating live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI).Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, enhancing their skills in creating visually compelling motion graphics. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce professional-grade animations and composite sequences, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the creative and technical aspects of motion graphics and compositing.This course is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their expertise in motion graphics and compositing, whether for career advancement or personal growth. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the competitive field of digital media production.

Colour grading has become a crucial skill in modern post-production, and this course equips students with the knowledge and techniques to meet the growing industry demand for professional colourists. Using Avid Media Composer and Symphony, the course explores powerful tools like HSL and Curves corrections, allowing for robust colour adjustments.In addition, the course introduces students to DaVinci Resolve, an industry-standard tool for professional colour grading. By comparing the grading capabilities of both platforms, students will understand how to integrate Resolve's advanced grading features into their workflow.Students will gain hands-on experience in using Symphony's advanced secondary correction tools, enabling them to handle complex colour grading tasks with speed and accuracy. Throughout the course, students will learn how to analyse images, diagnose colour issues, and apply effective corrections.They will be trained to grade in multiple passes, utilising tools that offer flexibility in tackling even the toughest image challenges. The course also covers shape-based secondary tools, allowing students to create animated masks, vignettes, and gradients for dynamic control over colour and visual effects.By the end of the course, students will have mastered a range of colour grading techniques, including advanced relationship-based grading, streamline workflows and achieve professional-grade results in less time. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in colour grading for film, television, and digital platforms.

In this course students will learn how to plan, design, and execute visual effects during the production phase, including the use of green screen, forced perspective, motion control, in-camera composites, stereoscopy, high-speed cameras, practical effects and integration with CGI.The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with hands-on workshops, emphasising collaboration between the camera, art, and effects departments. Using industry-standard tools and technologies, students will gain a deep understanding of how to blend live-action footage with VFX elements to create seamless and visually striking results.By the end of the course, students will be equipped to design and implement in-camera effects that enhance storytelling and reduce reliance on extensive post-production processes.

Students will gain expertise in advanced camera calibration techniques, PTZ camera protocols, and other camera control systems. The course includes detailed training on Sony 9-pin machine control, tallies, slates, various timecode types (including VITC and LTC), pull-ups, pull-downs, and 3-to-2 pull-downs.Emphasis is placed on understanding broadcast standards, Main Control operations, and quality control procedures. Practical skills include using test patterns, test tones, video scopes, and hardware codecs, as well as managing satellite links. The course also examines video resolution, data rates, and data compression technologies, providing a comprehensive understanding of video file formats and their interchangeability within the broadcast chain.

In this course, students will learn to describe and apply key concepts related to optics, camera mechanisms, and light sources while gaining practical experience in shooting high-quality video. The course covers essential topics such as video signals, CODECs, file formats, and data rate calculations, as well as camera settings, lighting techniques, and depth of field. Additional topics include aperture, focal length, f-stop, creating in-camera blur effects with shutter speed, and selecting lenses (prime, telephoto, and wide-angle). Emphasis is placed on working effectively within a production team, the role of the Director of Photography (DOP), and fulfilling the role of a camera assistant. This course aims to equip students with the skills needed to produce well-composed and technically sound video content.