Embedded Files
This page is dedicated to providing course-specific information relating to your start with us in September. New information will be added to this page over the coming weeks and we will inform you when this becomes available.
Meet Oli, your course leader
Meet Oli, your course leader
In this short video welcome you will:
Get to know Oli a little better ahead of your start in September
Find out what you'll be doing in your first month at dBs
Learn how best to utilise your time between now and September
Welcome to Sound Design with course leader Oliver Brand.m4vMEET YOUR TEACHING TEAM
MEET YOUR TEACHING TEAM
Miles Warren
Module Leader
Miles is a creative coder and audio programmer, and is the director of innovative creative tech company, Pyka. While his interest in sound began through instrumental music, he discovered a passion for sound creation and manipulation; a streak he is always eager to share with students.
Gill Sargent
Module Leader
Gill is an innovative and experienced figure within the Bristol music scene, teaching the likes of Roni Size - and playing a key role in festivals across the UK. Holding qualifications in History & Philosophy, a certified Pro Tools instructor and Advanced Final Cut Pro, Gill is a passionate educator and researcher whose eclectic experience makes her an invaluable member of dBs.
Emmanuel Spinelli
Module Leader
If you want to go outside of the box, speak with Emmanuel. With decades of experience exploring the world of experimental music, Emmanuel is a limitless source of left-field inspiration. You'll get a true idea of this in your third year module; Innovation in Sound.
Course preparation FAQs
Course preparation FAQs
Will lessons begin on Monday 12th September?
No, your first week at dBs Institute will be Induction & Freshers' Week and will focus on getting everyone prepped for their first week of study and engaging in a range of workshops, guest lectures and other activities. You can find more detailed information on the dedicated Induction & Freshers' Week page.
What do I need to bring for the start of term?
It is essential that you invest in some good quality headphones (as opposed to ear buds) and bring these with you to all sessions as you will no doubt be spending many hours listening. It is a good idea to also carry with you a portable USB storage device to enable you to backup and transfer projects between dBs and home. We also recommend investing in a Zoom Recorder, as much of your sound creation will be informed by field recording.
Is there anything I should be doing between now and when I start?
As recommend by Oli in his welcome video, we suggest using your time to explore the world of sound creation and manipulation. This can be done using hardware and software synths if these are available, as well as using field recordings which can then be manipulated using effects in your DAW of choice.
Additionally, we've provided a list of books and online resources that will be useful in preparing for your start at dBs.
Suggested Reading*
Suggested Reading*
Holman, T (2010) Sound for Film and Television London: Focal Press
Farnell, A (2010) Designing Sound, MIT Press
Collins, K (2008) Game Sound, MIT Press
Raybould, D and Stevens, R (2015) Game Audio Implementation: A Practical Guide Using the Unreal Engine, Routledge
*It’s important to note that there isn’t any expectation that you’ll buy these books before starting your course. However, if you would like to do some reading in preparation, these are a good place to start!
Useful Resources
Useful Resources
Game Engines
Unity (Free): https://unity3d.com
Unreal Engine (Free): https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/what-is-unreal-engine-4
Middleware software
FMOD (Free): https://www.fmod.com/
Wwise (Free): https://www.audiokinetic.com/en/products/wwise
Digital Audio Workstations
Ableton Live Trial: https://www.ableton.com/en/trial/
Logic Pro X Trial (Mac only): https://www.apple.com/uk/logic-pro/trial/
Misc. resources
dBs Institute YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dBsSoundMusicInstitute
Cujo Sound YouTube (Sound Design/Implementation): https://www.youtube.com/c/CujoSound
Akash Thakkar YouTube (Game Audio): https://www.youtube.com/c/AkashThakkarAudio/
Other information
Other information
If you are currently holding a conditional offer and do not achieve the results you needed please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Call us on 0117 325 9290 or email admissions@dbsmusic.co.uk
Report abuse