| Candidate Name | Jacob Topham |
| Candidate Number | 12984714 |
| Pathway | UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production |
| Project Title | Singer-Songwriter Production and Marketing. |
| Section 1: Context (approx. 300 words) |
| In this project, I propose to compose, produce and release 2 original compositions successfully and develop my understanding and skills in these subjects. In my first 11 units, I have studied a broad range of skills including composition, production, live sound setup, sound engineering, performance, and film music. I particularly enjoyed collaborating with peers in level 3 project 5 to write and produce a song and would like to continue exploring process, using more plugins, instruments, and skills to develop an original texture and timbre. In level 3 project 2, I composed a sound track for a short indie film where I used a lot of prerecordedsamples and sounds to build a soundscape, this deepened my understanding of operating a DAW, in later projects I did further research and practical work with interesting hardware including different types of microphones and instruments. I learned a lot about these projects and would like to continue to do so in this project. My previous projects have influenced my proposal by giving me the opportunity to explore what I enjoy most. I have chosen this pathway because it gives me the opportunity to create the types of music I enjoy most without relying on the constrains I would face in a band by allowing me to move at my own pace and it removes the fear of peoples poor punctuality effecting my plan, throughout the project. This project caters to my immediate aspirations by allowing me to improve my technical skills in music production and composition. I will aim to gain confidence using advanced DAW features, plugins and recording techniques while refining my production techniques, successfully completing this project will demonstrate my current abilities and a step forward in my skills as a music producer. In the future I plan to study music production at university. This project will build my portfolio and demonstrate a baseline of my skills. A professional portfolio could lead to future freelance work, collaborations, or independent releases. This project willpush me to establish myself as a professional and versatile music producer. |
| Section 2: Research (approx. 50 words) |
| I will research into successful music producers, artists, marketing strategies, and the techniques that have built the modern-day music industry. This research will help me deliver a successful product of a high standard. Some resources I plan to use include websites, textbooks, videos, and photos. Sources will be shown through Harvard reference. |
| Section 3: Problem solving (approx. 100 words) |
| I will consider potential problems before the practical side of my project begins and research into how ill mitigate the risk. Alot of issues may still occur due to lack off planning, to try and resolve this, i aim to stick closely to deadlines, so i can change fix said issues without being overloaded with tasks. Documenting thease issues is important for future referance when dealing with a simular issue. For example, last year i found there were some communication errors, so this time i have considered how to avoid this from happening again. |
| Section 4: Planning and production (approx. 50 words) |
| It’s important that I balance ambition, time, and realism. I plan to do this through my SMART targets, that’ll measure progress and plan time. I will plan and research equipment and software, so I know it’s providing something to the outcome of the project. I’ll set realistic timelines, so that I reach milestones at a good timeframe. |
| Section 5: Practical skills (approx. 100 words) |
| I have learnt a range of skills in previous projects, which include; recording, mixing, health and safety, songwriting, marketing, and deepening my skills on instruments. In this project, i can combine what I’ve learnt over the last 2 years to showcase and further expand my current knowledge. I have been singing since a young age, so wanted a ‘singer/songwriter’ aspect included. I have learnt a lot about promotion on project one when managing a live music event, so have basic knowledge of social media, and in person marketing. I’ll need equipment such as; studio handwear (mics, preamps, mixing table, MIDI),Instruments (pianos, guitars), Soft wear (plugins, DAW), rehearsal rooms, and college macs. |
| Section 6: Evaluation and reflection (approx. 100 words) |
| I will do reflections and evaluations at the end of each of my research and planning pages to show i have a good understanding of what I’ve written about. I will also thoroughly evaluate my skill improvement on my production page, and talk about what I’m learning, and how it will affect the final product. In my songwritingrehearsals, I will constantly scrutinize every part that could be improved to figure out where and how I can make those improvements. I will complete a final product evaluation at the end of the project, where I can explore and reflect on the success of my final project, and how well it is linked to the plan. |
| Section 7: Presentation (approx. 100 words) |
| I will present the entire project through my digital space online portfolio, where I can then link, site, and copy any external work that I have done, such as on social media. If I need to upload videos, I can do this though YouTube, then copy the link. I will create an organized system where all pages are easy to find and ensure that all spelling and grammar is upheld to a decent spec. |
| Proposed Research Sources and Bibliography (Harvard Format) |
| Gonzalez, D. (2013). Home Recording Tips – 10 Mic Placements For Acoustic Guitar. [online] Disc Makers Blog. Available at: https://blog.discmakers.com/2013/08/10-mic-placements-for-acoustic-guitar/ [Accessed 17 Apr. 2026]. microphone configurations and stereo recording. inglis, sam (n.d.). Do I Need A Ribbon Microphone? [online] www.soundonsound.com. Available at: https://www.soundonsound.com/sound-advice/do-need-ribbon-microphone [Accessed 20 Apr. 2026]. MusicRadar. (2020). Explainers: how a ribbon microphone works. [online] Available at: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/explainers-how-a-ribbon-microphone-works[Accessed 17 Apr. 2026]. How do ribbon mics work? Neumann.com. (2018). What is a Dynamic Microphone? [online] Available at: https://www.neumann.com/en-us/knowledge-base/neumann-im-homestudio/homestudio-academy/what-is-a-dynamic-microphone [Accessed 17 Apr. 2026]. how do dynamic microphones work . Stempel, P. (2026). Types of microphones. [online] LEWITT. Available at: https://www.lewitt-audio.com/blog/types-of-microphones [Accessed 13 Apr. 2026]. gives insight into strength and weaknesses within different types of microphones . SweetCare. (2025). What is Phantom Power and why do I need it? – SweetCare. [online] Available at: https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/what-phantom-power-need/#Why-do-I-need-phantom-power [Accessed 17 Apr. 2026]. Phantom power. whatis it? why is it? techformusic. (n.d.). What is a microphone Polar Pattern? [online] Available at: https://techformusic.co.uk/what-is-a-microphone-polar-pattern/ [Accessed 17 Apr. 2026]. White , P. (1996). First Steps In Direct-to-stereo Recording. [online] www.soundonsound.com. Available at: https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/first-steps-direct-stereo-recording[Accessed 17 Apr. 2026]. Direct-to-stereo Recording. |