Electronic DJ and AIM student Luke Warren
The AIM Diploma and Bachelor of Music in Composition and Music Production courses, previously only available in Sydney, will be expanding into Melbourne for the 2014 academic year. This will give music producers, composers and performers a chance to develop their creative and professional skills in a bid to create tomorrow’s new music.
The course offers specialist production and performance electives, guidance from industry professionals, recording, rehearsal and performance facilities, and the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded people.
Students are encouraged to experiment with their own compositional and production processes and styles, with up-to-date knowledge of broad contemporary practices and forms explored throughout the course.
Electronic DJ Luke Warren is a current student of the Composition and Music Production Course in Sydney. He has eclectic tastes from classical to abstract. ‘I love the different timbres and textures the music has as well as being groove-based – a lot of drumming.’ A desire to turn professional and take his music to the next level led him to apply for the AIM course.
Warren’s first step towards enrolment was an interview with the course Head of Department, Greg White, where he presented some of his composition work and discussed his interests and goals. He then underwent a basic music theory exam to determine whether he would enter into the bachelor program or start off in the diploma course.
Once accepted, Warren set about structuring his course to focus on his needs. ‘I’ve chosen to go out and do a lot of the arts entertainment management side of the electives as well, so learning about law and digital marking, that sort of thing – I feel like I’ve got a pretty well rounded look at the industry,’ said Warren.
In addition to industry knowledge, Warren learnt production skills, such as mixing, and mastering, and various compositional techniques that explored both classical and electronic arenas.
‘I’ve met lots of great people who are doing similar sort of stuff … I’ve been exposed to different instruments and instrumental techniques through composition seminars and now critical studies. I’ve learnt about different composers and styles of music I didn’t even know existed before I started,’ said Warren.
Through interactions with the industry-active teachers, Warren believes he has a clearer perspective about the music business and what it takes to succeed. According to Warren, ‘The understanding I’ve got out of the course is that most people who are professional musicians now, composers especially, are doing lots of different things with lots of small income streams.’ For a DJ, this means both producing and performing.
This knowledge has influenced Warren’s decision to manage himself as a ‘jack of all trades.’ He is currently working on several remixes on various labels and creating his own EP for his final composition portfolio. He is also finding success in live performance, with a previous support for Jody Wisternoff at Chinese Laundry and a stint in Ibiza a sign of more to come.
According to Warren, his upcoming graduation from AIM will prompt a period of reflection and creative experimentation. ‘Once I’ve finished I want to spend a lot of time applying all the stuff I’ve learnt to my own music – the different techniques, styles and what not,’ he said.
Musicians similarly interested in expanding their music composition and production skills are encouraged to apply.
The Composition and Music Production Course begins in late January 2014. Applications are now open.
A Melbourne Campus Open Day will be held on 18 January 2014 at 120 King Street, Melbourne City from 10am-3pm. Visit the open day information page for more details.
Find out about AIM courses in Melbourne here, or Sydney courses here. Visit the AIM website for general information or call 1300 301 983.
