DepartmentsAudio Production

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AUDIO PRODUCTION AT WATERBEAR

Skills in audio production are now an essential tool of the modern music professional.

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AUDIO PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE

MAKING

MUSIC

Audio production and music technology are essential parts of making music, and the direction you take and how far you want to push this valuable skillset is up to you. Whether you want to record and produce music for a living, or simply want to make better demos, knowing how to create audio that sounds great is essential. That’s why all WaterBear students take part in audio production classes to expand their technical knowledge and compositional skills and to investigate different methods of recording.

MUSIC

TECHNOLOGY

The music technology available to you at WaterBear will really help boost your creativity. You’ll learn to navigate different Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Ableton and Logic Pro in one of our many Mac suites. You’ll also be using other industry-standard tools such as Native Instruments Komplete and Slate Digital All Access, giving you access to over 60 world-class plug-ins, synths and online production masterclasses.

WaterBear

FACILITIES

You’ll have access to free, bookable recording and rehearsal facilities within WaterBear studios and partner studios across Brighton and Sheffield. You’ll also have access to a wide range of industry-standard facilities, including dedicated instrumental teaching spaces, working music venues, social areas, songwriting and meeting rooms, and Mac suites. Our teaching environments are fitted with state-of-the-art digital A/V technology, alongside classic vintage gear and modern musical equipment, giving you the best of both worlds.

HOME

RECORDING

Although WaterBear provides all the necessary equipment for you to use in classes, we also recommend that producers coming to study here have regular access to their own equipment. That’s because it’s very likely you’ll be recording and releasing your own music soon after you start with us, if you aren’t already.

LIVE

PERFORMANCE

You’ll have regular opportunities to perform live in working music venues in Brighton and Sheffield. We also offer support slot opportunities at numerous festivals, gigs, and events across the UK throughout the year. Live performance, along with the support of emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to what we do at WaterBear.

1-1 Mentoring

Musical Development

At WaterBear, one to one mentoring is at the heart of your growth. Alongside support for your academic progress, artistic growth and career planning, you will receive dedicated time with industry professionals to focus on your musical skills whether that means mastering your technical and songwriting practices, exploring new production and engineering techniques and live sound.

ARTIST AND CAREER

DEVELOPMENT

Our Music Industries team, composed of active artists, producers and industry professionals, will support you through both your artistic development, and career planning. The focus is on real-world application and industry-facing outcomes, including work experience, live performance opportunities, live industry projects, masterclasses, showcases, soundchecks, A&R feedback, and industry networking and events.

WORK

EXPERIENCE

Through our extensive partner network, you’ll have access to work experience opportunities across many areas of the industry. These include festivals, touring, recording, session work, record labels, publishing, PR and marketing, live event management, backline, tech’ing, musical instrument manufacturing, teaching, studio internships, and much more.

WATERBEAR

COMMUNITY

You’ll be part of an incredible community of artists, musicians, and music industry professionals, all focused on creating great music and supporting one another’s creative careers. Every member brings unique ideas, strengths, perspectives and experiences that will enrich your learning and help you grow as an artist and professional.

FLEXIBLE

VIRTUAL LEARNING

Through our online virtual learning environment (VLE) all course content is available 24/7, whether you are studying on-site or fully online. You’ll have access to a wide range resources, and tuition, all tailored to suit your individual needs. Everything online is accessible to all students, allowing you to tailor your own learning journey at your own pace.

Audio Production Opportunities

Audio Production students at WaterBear gain access to a wide range of professional experiences designed to develop creative, technical, and industry-ready skills. These include:

Masterclasses & Q&As

Learn directly from top producers and engineers through exclusive sessions with industry professionals, including teams from Altar Studios and more.

Exclusive Stem Packs

Access high-quality multitrack stem packs for remix projects, giving you hands-on experience working with real-world sessions.

Innovation Projects

Take part in forward-thinking production challenges that encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving.

Collaboration Opportunities

Work alongside artists, songwriters, and musicians across pathways to produce original material in a professional, collaborative setting.

1-1 Industry mentoring

Get tailored feedback and guidance from WaterBear’s development team to help shape your sound, refine your workflow, and prepare for career opportunities.

Live Sound & Event Production Experience

Gain practical skills running sound for gigs, showcases, and festivals, learning how to mix in real-time and adapt to different performance environments.

WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM

To reach your full potential, you’ll need to be taught by great tutors. At WaterBear we have some of the best tutors and mentors in the UK today. As working professionals, the tutoring and visiting faculty team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary. Our visiting faculty also bring a wealth of experience in the form of in-class masterclasses and Q&A sessions throughout the year.