Music Production and Engineering portfolio

Applying to the Music Production and Engineering program? The program’s admission requirements include a portfolio submission where you will provide examples of your recording experience. Your portfolio helps NSCC evaluate your abilities to ensure you have a reasonable probability of success in this program.

Portfolio contents

Your portfolio consists of the following items, to be submitted digitally:

• 2 original recorded compositions
• A written document outlining processes, techniques and tools used to create your recorded compositions

Recorded compositions

Provide 2 recorded examples (WAV files or MP3 files) of any of the following:

• Self-recorded original composition performed by your band, recorded with a variety of instruments.
• Self-recorded original composition performed by others (i.e., band, singer songwriter, string quartet or other) recorded with a variety of instruments.
• Self-recorded original composition using computer-based production (i.e., electronic dance music, hip hop, singer songwriter, instrumental or other ) recorded with a variety of instruments.

Each of your 2 recorded submissions must contain at least 1 instrument from each of the following areas:

• Minimum of 1 rhythmic component such as acoustic drums, electronic drums, bass, loops, samples or virtual instruments.
• Minimum of 1 harmonic component such as acoustic guitars, electric guitars, piano, keyboards, loops, samples or virtual instruments.
• Minimum of 1 melodic component such as voice, saxophone, trumpet, violin, synthesizer or virtual instrument.

Written document

Write a document (Submitted as a Word or PDF document) that describes the processes, techniques and tools used to create your recording. Include the following in your description:

• If recorded instruments are used, list microphone(s), preamp or input/output used and any additional, relevant information.
• If loops and/or samples are used, list them and where they originated from.
• If any drum programming was completed, list the software used.
• If virtual instruments were used, please list.
• If MIDI programming was used, please note which instruments contained programmed midi.
• Describe your mixing process, including software, plug-ins and mastering techniques used in the mix.

Completed	Portfolio components
	2 recorded pieces of your work
	Written description of the process, techniques and tools used

Submit your portfolio through 1 of the following methods. Note that you may not alter your files once they have been submitted (your submission will be screen captured to ensure it has not been modified in any way).

File-sharing service

You may use a file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. to submit your portfolio for assessment. If using this method:

• Create a folder using the following name structure: “[Your first and last name] Music Production and Engineering portfolio”, e.g. John Smith Music Production and Engineering Production portfolio
• Place your WAV or MP3 files (WAV preferred) of the 2 required recordings in the folder, as well as your written requirement.
• Ensure folder permissions are set up to allow anybody with the link to view and download the folder contents, and that access to the link will not expire.
• Send the link to the folder in an email to  with subject line “Music Production and Engineering portfolio”. Include your name, "W" number, the program you are applying to and the link to the folder in the body of your email.
• If you’re capable of playing more than 1 instrument, we encourage you to let us know in your email.

Audio sharing website

You may use an audio sharing website like Soundcloud or Mixcloud to share your audio files. If using this method:

• Upload each audio file separately and title each one “[Your first and last name] Music Production and Engineering portfolio track 1” and “[Your first and last name] Music Production and Engineering portfolio track 2”.
• Ensure your files are sharable and do not require additional permissions to access.
• Send the links in an email to , and include your written requirement as an attachment to the email. Add “Music Production and Engineering portfolio” in the subject line. Include your name, "W" number, the program you are applying to and the link in the body of the email.
• If you’re capable of playing more than 1 instrument, we encourage you to let us know in your email.

	3 points	2 points	1 point	0 points
Technical ability Recorded instrumentation or virtual instruments used Sound (tone) of instruments	Demonstrated within the given guidelines. The tracks are well recorded. Multiple tracks were used for recording or song composition.	Demonstrated within the given parameters but could use some work. Multiple tracks being used that show basic use of recording software. Basic ideas demonstrated for song composition.	Simple ideas submitted.	No evidence provided.
Editing General editing skills Presentation	All editing is precise with no timing, tone or tuning issues. Samples and/or loops are well edited for timing.	Basic number of tracks used. Adequately presented.	Not all requirements met.	No evidence provided.
Song composition, mixing, creativity Mixing skills Music composition Mix clarity Listening skills	Easily demonstrates ability for entry level position. Well-adjusted levels for mix. Shows very strong music composition or production skills.	Work shows basic ability with tools.	Work demonstrates minimal knowledge with tools.	No evidence provided.
Total /9

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