Point Blank Music School is proud to have teamed up with world leading plugin specialists Waves to deliver this cutting-edge Live Sound Engineering course. Hosted at top London venue the O2 Academy, Islington, this course teaches you the practical skills you need to work as a sound engineer in a wide range of live music venues. Starting with the basics of signal flow on analogue desks, you will quickly progress to using Waves Soundgrid system. You will learn how to mix gigs: getting to grips with both analogue and digital mixing desks, microphones, monitors, DI boxes and much more. Small classes ensure you benefit from plenty of hands-on training from professional sound engineers. This area of the music industry is alive and kicking with bands using live performance as a successful revenue stream more than sales of their music. You can get work in these active areas of live gigs in venues and on the busy festival circuit. This course is great preparation for the real thing: you'll be putting your skills to the test at two live shows at top London venues which have played host to the careers of Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, Gossip and many others. It’s a great way to start your music career and ensure you are at the forefront of live sound technology.
I have learned so much from this course and my instructor is absolutely amazing. I came from not knowing much about mixing to getting a full understanding of all the tools to make a record. I have used all the resources I learned…it was challenging, which is what I needed to push me out of my comfort zone. Antoine, BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering
We host regular studio tours in the Orsman Road Studio Complex on Wednesdays at 2:00pm. Address: 26 Orsman Road, Hoxton, London, N1 5QJ. The Admissions Team will show you around the facilities, answer questions and help get you enrolled. We will be happy to arrange an alternative time if you are not available during our scheduled tours. In the meantime, watch the London School Video Tour now. Please make sure you contact us to book a tour as they do not run every Wednesday. We also host Open Day events every six weeks. Please contact us for more details.
Internationally renowned hip-hop DJ and producer. Worked with Wu-Tang members RZA, Raekwon and Ghostface, and DJ'ed for the likes of 50 Cent, Alesso and Travis Scott.
Imogen has gone on to play at Berghain and support the likes of Ben UFO and Nina Kraviz at Printworks, London. She's released music on techno institution Earwiggle on Sunil Sharpe's compilation EP.
Will has released chart topping records on Dirtybird & Defected, has remixed for Riva Starr, Hot Natured, Jamie Jones & Azari & III and his radio show has over half a million monthly listeners.
Plastician started Terrorhythm Recordings & established his name as key grime producer Toured USA with Aphex Twin's Rephlex label & featured on the Grime album. Remixed M.I.A.'s URAQT track for XL.
Award winning Sound Designer for Game of Thrones, Lost & Tropic Thunder. Took multiple online courses at PB and says: "The courses put me way outside my comfort zone - and that’s a good thing!"
BBC Presenter. Made his name on 1Xtra, now presenting early breakfast on Radio 1. A DJ since age 14, when Dev decided to get serious about making his own beats, he swiftly enrolled at Point Blank.
US based Juan released three disco-influenced albums in ten years on DFA. Studied Deep & Minimal House to expand his production style & toured extensively with DJ sets & live performances since then.
Internationally-renowned DJ and producer, recently hitting #1 on Beatport alongside fellow PB alumni Patrick Topping with their 'Paradise on Earth' mix series. Nathan has taken a number of our online courses.
PB Certificate student Travis is a KCRW DJ spinning lost un-classics, playful electronics, spine-snapping breaks and a quirky selection of mind-melting grooves by the pound. Served fresh weekly.
Kamel aka Dead-Tones is Guy Gerber’s protege, personal assistant and tour manager. Over Summer he is based in Ibiza as Rumours' main resident, and has releases on labels including Kindisch, Motek, Dialtones Records.
Andre, head honcho of OFF Recordings, has had a slew of successful releases on the likes of Ovum, 100% Pure and Sleaze. He has toured and performed with huge success in all corners of the globe.
Alysha Wood joins Gemma Cairney, Monki & Mistajam as Point Blank graduates who enjoy successful radio careers. Alysha has worked on the new Chris Moyles Radio X launch among other achievements.
"I was introduced to Fierce Panda & Ho Hum Records by my PB music business tutor. It was a great opportunity for me and led to where I’m working now as International Manager in music promotions".
Since studying at Point Blank, Halina has become an established and distinctive voice within electronic music with several releases, including her album 'REDUX', under her belt.
Varun Murali is an integral member of hugely popular Swarathma, one of India's leading folk-rock bands. With several international tours & TV appearances, they are India's most sought after indie act.
Spoony is a legend in UK dance music having brought garage to the masses in 2000 as part of the Dreem Team. He's since gone on to become a staple on Five Live but proved he's always learning by enrolling at PB!
Paradoks began his studies with us on our degree program in 2017. Since then, his release, 'Eternal', on Timeless Moment, reached #1 on Beatport.
DJ/Producer Reiki (Tay Jean) DJ’s at SBTRK, Dubfx & Kalbata & in Jamaica. Influences: hybrid music genres fused with both Eastern & Western elements, Reiki's MINDPORT EP was a killer!
”PB was one of the best things I did. My tutors still keep in touch & give me advice. I met amazing people." Rachel is now Resident DJ at Hed Kandi, and A&R at Island Records.
Cathleen has been dancing all her life & already accomplished a bunch of amazing things while studying at PB. She toured with Kanye West as part of his creative team and is a DJ and classically trained pianist.
After taking a variety of online courses, DJ/Producer Detboi saw his crazy brand of tropical flavoured, bass-heavy rave skyrocket. Releases on Skint, Surface Noise & Herve's Cheap Thrills.
Co-founder of 'A Club Called Rhonda', has organized parties in LA & beyond for the past 8 years. Known for its stylish crowd and underground vibe, Rhonda hosts up-and-coming DJs and artists alike.
The Canadian-Lebanese artist has stacked up releases on Paul van Dyk’s VANDIT label, played The Gallery at Ministry of Sound as well as Tranceport tours in Argentina and had a residency for London’s The Energy Box during his time at PB.
PB graduate Gina holds residencies in top California night clubs, tours internationally & plays festivals around the world from Rhythm & Vines in New Zealand, to Soundwave Canada & Burning Man.
After a string of headline shows at top international festivals & singing to Ministry of Sounds 'Unitrash', R3WIRE landed a role as music curator, host and ambassador to MTV UK's 'Club MTV'.
Basheba has received backing from SBTV, Afro Punk, Mobo & Vevo and radio support from BBC London, Radio 1, Radio 1 Xtra, Kiss FM & Capital Xtra. She has also been featured on MTV UK & US.
International Music Production & Sound Engineering Diploma graduate Nikhil Mehta released on Starter Records, Cr2 & Armada Trice as well as garnering support from the likes of Nicky Romero & Tiesto.
After studying on our Radio Course, Anna went on to work on radio shows including BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound Radio, Rinse FM & Kiss FM. She currently works for Beats 1 & Apple Music.
Composes music for One Direction, Versace, Chevrolet, Lexus, SBTV and many more. Originally, Jake won a pitch for a global Swatch advert campaign, an opportunity that was presented to him right here at Point Blank.
Musician, singer and trained audio engineer, specialising in object-based 3D sound for motion picture and commercial music production. Anna is an Ableton Certified Trainer and NI Product Specialist.
Aamir Yaqub won a Grammy award for his work engineering Rihanna's album 'Unapologetic'. He has worked at some of the world's best studios and collaborated with a range of international artists.
In-demand live act, played Space, Fabric, Tresor, Zoo Project. Releases on Cubism, Kevin Saunderson’s Legendary KMS, liebe*Detail, Soma, My Favorite Robot, Wiggle. Read about Saytek in The Sun.
Resident DJ for Goldie's Metalheadz label, presenter at 1Xtra, Radio 1 & Ministry of Sound. Recorded/remixed for Goldie, Roni Size, Guy Called Gerald, Trey Songz, Chipmunk, Nas & Damian Marley.
Ricky produces and DJs under the name Tapefeed. Having held a residency at London techno party 'Superstition' since the beginning of 2018, the duo have played at such renowned venues as about:blank, Tresor and Printworks.
Credits: Trevor Horn, Brian Eno, Seal, Nick Cave, Newton Faulkner & The Cure. Integral to Ian Brown's success. Headlined Glastonbury, V Festival. Co-produced Solarized & UK #4 The World Is Yours.
Ableton certified trainer, producer, performer, making music since 2006. As a vocalist and songwriter, she has collaborated with the likes of Rae & Christian and Yesking and produces under the moniker Mjiri.
Shadowchild is one of the pioneers of the UK Bass scene and is founding member of UK label, Food Music. He has DJ'ed at the world's biggest venues and released on a slew of successful labels.
As a founding member of world famous rap group, N.W.A., Arabian Prince has written, rapped and produced some of the most influential tracks in the history of Hip Hop with an industry career spanning almost four decades.
With a career spanning many different media formats, Daniel's music can be heard in his work for clients such as BBC, ITV, Jason Bruges Studio and Warner Music Group.
Cristiano is an Ableton-certified trainer, producer and sound engineer. Utilising his vast knowledge of music technology, he has helped design studios for clients such as Dubfire, Nicole Moudaber and Kevin Saunderson, to name a few.
Jan has worked on projects with major artists that include Oasis, Paul Weller, The Prodigy and KT Tunstall. He also has a number 1 album, 'Sonik Kicks', and an incredible live tour under his belt.
David Stone is one half of Drum n Bass act Gerra & Stone & his work has received regular plays across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra & Kiss FM. His tracks regularly chart in Beatport top 10 . He's also a successful DJ & PB graduate.
As one half of Phaze Action, Robin has spent a decade defining his sound and delivering tracks with both musical depth and accessibility, releasing on acclaimed labels and remixing artists such as Femi Kuti, Metronomy and Saint Etienne.
Elena is a composer, a producer, a sound designer and a classically trained pianist. She has established herself using knowledge of classical theory and applying it into contemporary musical styles and genres.
Tom Green AKA Rockwell has released on Metalheadz, Ministry Of Sound and Sony Music; toured the world as an international DJ, appearing at events and venues like Fabric, Ultra Europe & Glastonbury.
With a Top 5 UK hit, Top 20 hits in Germany, Holland, France and a No. 1 in Italy, Chris has remixed over 100 songs for global artists and performed at events inc Glastonbury, Coachella, Womad & more.
Robin is a composer for film and TV, having worked for clients such as Channel 4, National Geographic & Panasonic. He won the award for Best Music at the British Independent Film Festival for his original score of the film 'Retreat'.
Active in the music industry since the 80's with extensive A&R, DJ and broadcast experience with Kiss FM and MTV. Self-published novel about the industry and presents a weekly show on mi-soul.com.
Worked as A&R manager at Fierce Panda who discovered Coldplay & Keane. Ellie booked festivals & ran 100s of successful industry events. She runs her own label & live promotion company Cool For Cats.
Frank McWeeny is a studio director and content producer at the BBC. He also presents French Toast Radio which has received praise from Annie Mac, and makes documentaries for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM.
Mark runs Big Smoke Studios and is a recording engineer, mix engineer, musician, producer and lecturer with over 20 years of professional experience and industry practice.
Signed as 'Legion’ to legendary Ram Records run by Andy C. Has written, recorded, engineered and released countless hits, including credit on multi-platinum US chart smash Future - "F*ck up some Commas".
Beginning his career as a Jazz guitarist, performing alongside artists such as Pierre-Alaina Goualch, Claude has since created soundtracks for games such as 'Penguin Tales' and 'My Time at Portia'.
Heath Holme is an Ibiza-based, electronic music artist and DJ. Renowned for his sophisticated deep techno style as well as his music production.
Venetia is a passionate teacher of English for academia, having a M.Ed. in Teaching English and a B.A. in English Language and Literature. She has taught English to students of various levels in the UK and abroad.
Ben is keyboard player for Pest (Ninja Tune). As a producer he has releases on Bonus Round, Don't Records, Victim Records and more. His live show has been to Berghain, Boomtown, Bloc and Uglyfunk & more.
Noel has had a varied career in the music industry working as a songwriter, producer and engineer, having worked with Sony Music, Universal Music, Universal Films, Polydor Records and Warner / Parlophone.
Top guitarist Dave works live and records with artists such as Craig David, Sugababes, LL Cool J, Redman, Jocelyn Brown, Candi Staton & Bobby Womack. Dave records guitar sessions for students at PB.
Chris was a songwriter in UK Electro band, Stateless. As a composer, Chris has produced music for international brands such as Facebook, Channel 4 and Virgin Media, as well as Film and TV.
James specialises in music for the concert hall and theatre, as well as to accompany films, television and animations. He's collaborated with many major brands, including Sony, 3M and Chevrolet.
Tony has composed and produced top 10 hits for Craig David, Beverley Knight and Artful Dodger. His credits for media include the soundtrack music for the BBC 'Wildlife' Series presented by David Attenborough.
An Ibiza-based music producer & DJ, Pierpaolo has been honing his DJ skills in Europe since moving in 2009. He currently DJs across Ibiza with his Planet 7 project and has performed live with his live techno project, Nors.
Electronic engineer, performer, instructor and veteran DJ and producer. Over a decade of experience in the studio and onstage. His body of studio work shows a mastery of music creation techniques.
John has worked as a producer, musical director and bassist for numerous artists, including Freddie Dickson and Riot Jazz, as well as working for brands such as Sony, Warner, Universal and VEVO.
International concert tour manager/live audio engineer for 25 years for bands including George Fitzgerald, Maribou State & Nightmares On Wax on over 200 shows per year. Andy wrote 3 books about live music industry.
He's the founder of Sound of Everything Records which has amassed a back catalogue of over 200 releases. Yannis is a music professional with a background in Entertainment Law and Digital Marketing.
A Lisbon-born, London-based audio professional with extensive studio and live experience. Credits range from pop to urban and alternative. Has worked with acts signed to Universal, Sony and Warner.
Darren Henry, a.k.a Quest, is a pioneer of the UK Dubstep sound since its inception back in the early 2000s, with releases on top tier labels including Deep Medi Music and Dub Police.
Releases on One Inch Punch, Bad Sekta & Frogs as Ronin. DJs on radio. Tours complex Ableton Live work around world playing with Vex’d, Milanese, Crystal Distortion, Hellfish & Dead Silence Syndicate.
Has worked for leading sound design agencies Replay Heaven and Sample Magic on numerous hit records. Released and produced under various guises and teaches music technology theory across the world.
Aka Mr Dex. DJ'd with Ghostface & Raekwon (Wu-Tang), Omar, Estelle, Sway, Scratch Perverts and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Hosts The DeX Files weekly on itch.fm/live. Member of ‘A Bunch of Deckheads’ DJ agency.
Championed by Ellen Degeneres once she signed to Atlantic Records in the USA, Ellie has had a 5-year sponsorship with Quicksilver, as well as achieving many top-10 Beatport Trance releases.
Recording, mixing and mastering engineer for artists including Tinie Tempah, Katy B, Craig David, Beckie G, Fetty Wap, Kelis, Nadia Rose, Wretch 32, Kideko, Sinead Harnett and many more.
Producer/Engineer/Sound Designer with over 30 years of experience. Worked with Dave Stewart at The Church. Credits include Gary Barlow, Gene, Warm Jets, Placebo, Boy George, D’Influence amongst many others.
A prolific and successful writer, singer and producer with a US Billboard #1 and over 40 releases in over 15 years of adventures in the music industry.
Tom has worked in the music industry for over 15 years. From DJing in top clubs, including Ministry of Sound, Egg and Pacha, working at record labels or writing electronic music, he has always held a passion for music.
Worked with Judge Jules, Sonique, Spiller, Marco V & Sophie Ellis Bextor. Remixed Freddie Mercury, Kylie Minogue & Tom Jones. Makes audio for Dreamworks, Reebok, Sony & Premier League.
Ben mixes sound for artists touring UK, Europe, USA, Japan, Australia & New Zealand. Mixed 30,000 capacity festivals & London venues Brixton Academy, Forum, O2 Academy, Koko, Shepherds Bush Empire.
Known as 'BB', Roberta has trained in singing for more than 15 years. She's a highly regarded vocal coach in both the UK and EU, with her own breakthrough method in developing voices.
Nathaniel Morse was the winner of Redbull's first United States "3style" DJ battle in LA. He was awarded “Best DJ in LA” and then “Best DJ in America” by the Sun Times in 2014 & 2015 respectively.
Aka Hektagon, debut 'London' (Freaks of Nature) was supported by Mary Anne Hobbs in Bass Music scene. Remixes for Baobinga, ID, High Frequency Bandwidth, Piece of Shh...show his eclectic taste.
Dale combines House, Trance, Progressive & Electronica. Releases on Napith, High Contrast, Vandit & Perfecto prefaced his own imprint CDRY. He wrote Kerosene with Dogzilla & indie band Belasco.
DJ Markman incorporates classic 90s House with futuristic R&B, UK Garage & Bassline. Ableton Certified, his live sets pay homage to the likes of Adamski, Orbital & The Chems.
Rory spent many years working with music and sound before choosing to specialise in creative sound design for games. He continues to freelance in the games industry while inspiring students to do the same.
Starting out in the 80's, Dave's incredible adventures include Psychic TV, Anne Clark, ONU Sound System, Andy Weatherall, Lee Scratch Perry, Billy Ray Martin, with countless albums and live projects.
An Ableton Live expert, Ben has worked with artists such as Little Boots, Rudimental & Damian Lazarus. His approach to performance is influenced by his extensive use of hardware and effects.
Julian has scored global hit records as one half of Stretch & Vern and Reflekt & has written for Kylie Minogue, Little Boots & Dirty Vegas as a Sony/ATV-signed writer.
DJ KD or Deeptektiff has almost two decades of experience in the Dj industry. He has performed with acts like Yousef, Justin Prime, Prok & Fitch, Sultan & Ned Shepard, Paul Thomas & more.
Francesco has shared the booth with international artists at top venues such as Amnesia, Pacha, Insomnia, Bora Bora and Cafe Del Mar to name a few.
#1 charted artist & engineer with 20+ yrs experience. Has worked at EMI & Ronnie Scotts & signed with Edel, Warner Chappell, Ministry of Sound, Tommy Boy & XL Talent. Founder of Revolution Mastering.
Veteran DJ of The End, Fabric and Corsica Studios, Ceri's production work has support from Richie Hawtin, Mr G and more.
Mercury Prize nominee Sam Willis has released with R&S, KOMPAKT & Black Acre and remixed for Caribou, Simian Mobile Disco & Panda Bear. Was Head of Press at Rough Trade Records and Head of A&R at R&S.
Adi designed sound for nine major racing titles, engineered for Pulp, developed plugins and has MSc, MA & PGCE qualifications.
Editor of ELPHNT.co.za and Ableton Certified Trainer, Thomas is half of Original Swimming Party and founded Ableton User Group, Cape Town.
Stavros has multiple sample pack number 1s and his music has featured on HBO, BBC & other platforms. Runs Inside Out Records.
PB graduate working in the electronic music industry in China. Runs Strawberry Festival; an independent record label; annual electronic music festival Spirit Tribe; partner in a music streaming app. Active in China's music scene.
Certified Ableton Trainer with releases on Beijing-based label Do Hits. Residency for Bristol’s Noods Radio. Explores experimental and underground from ambient to club music, soundtracks for motion pictures and performance art.
| Duration | 3 Months |
|---|---|
| Available start dates |
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| Weekly timetable | 1 daytime class per week. Gig days start at 5pm. Please contact us for details. |
| Fees |
|---|
| £1,995 paid in full |
| £100 reg fee + balance of £1,895 |
| See details during the enrolment process. |
We supply all the equipment you need for your class and for practice time at our studios. You have access to our facilities 7 days a week during term time for the length of your course (excluding scheduled breaks).
If you wish to buy equipment or software for your home studio, remember that Point Blank students qualify for discounts from Apple Education, Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ and other leading industry partners.
The Live Sound course is taught one day per week at the O2 Academy in Islington. The day of your course will be confirmed before the course starts. In addition there will be live gigs for you to attend and engineer at. Please contact us for further information.
Assessment is an integral part of learning and you may hear it referred to as formative or summative:
Summative Assessment Types
Most students show themselves to be stronger in some assessment types than others. To make it possible for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the best of their abilities, a wide range of assessment types is offered. Students will be asked to produce work in a wide variety of formats including:
This is a full time course and students should undertake 20 hours of study per module per week. This time includes lectures, 1-2-1 sessions with our instructors, studio bookings and self-study. Students can work whilst taking the course. We recommend students work no more than 15 hours per week.
Students from the UK, European Union or European Economic Area can enrol by clicking the "Enrol Now!" link above.
Non-EU students may need to apply for a Student Visitor's Visa. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.
Music production modules are delivered at our London campus which comprises of two buildings (on Orsman Road and Penn Street) within 400 metres of each other. The Live Sound module is delivered at the O2 Academy in Angel. Click here for more information on how to find us.
If you have further questions, don't be shy, please contact a Course Advisor who will be happy to help.
Each module requires your attendance at one daytime class. Classes start at either 10am or 2:45pm and are four hours long. Your timetable will be confirmed a week before the start of each term. If you have specific timetable requests, please contact us before booking and we will do our best to arrange your classes at times that suit you.
In addition to classes, students are expected to schedule sufficient practice time each week. The studio facilities are open to you 7 days a week gaining you valuable studio time and reinforcing the skills learned in class. Students can also book regular 1-2-1 sessions with our instructors outside of class time. Tier 4 students will be monitored to ensure they fulfil the statutory requirements of their visas
