Music Production and Engineering portfolio
The Music Production and Engineering program admission requirements include a portfolio submission. Your portfolio helps NSCC evaluate your abilities to ensure you have a reasonable probability of success and demonstrates your potential to build on your skills during your time in the program.
Important: This program uses SlideRoom, a third-party portfolio management software platform, for portfolio submissions. Once you've reviewed the requirements and prepared your materials, you'll need to create a SlideRoom account, upload your portfolio, and complete any required submission forms. An application fee of $15 USD is required for each portfolio submission in SlideRoom.
Portfolio contents
Your portfolio consists of the following items, to be submitted digitally:
- 2 original recorded compositions
- A “Production Details Form” completed within SlideRoom outlining processes, techniques and tools used to create your recorded compositions
Recorded compositions
Provide 2 recorded examples 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, 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.
Production Details Form
Complete the Production Details Form in SlideRoom outlining the processes, techniques and tools used to create your recordings. Prepare to provide details on the following:
- 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.
Original Work and AI Use
Portfolio submissions must be fully original and created solely by the applicant. This means:
- AI tools must not be used to generate any content (e.g., text, images, audio, or video)
- Work created by others must not be submitted
The use of standard tools and plug-ins within audio, video, and graphic design software, including those with AI components, is permitted to support your original work. The portfolio is intended to demonstrate your individual creative ability; submissions that do not meet these requirements may not be considered.
| Completed | Portfolio components |
|---|---|
| 2 recorded pieces of your work (WAV, MP3, or AIFF formats accepted) Production Details Form in SlideRoom. |
Portfolio Submission via SlideRoom
NSCC uses SlideRoom, an online platform, to collect portfolio submissions. There is an application fee of $15USD for each portfolio submission per program.
To submit your portfolio, follow these required steps:
- Step 1: Carefully review the portfolio requirements listed on this page.
- Step 2: Prepare, create, and gather all required files for your submission.
- Step 3: Once your materials are ready, visit the NSCC Music Production and Engineering SlideRoom submission page to complete your portfolio submission.
- Create a SlideRoom account
- Enter your NSCC Student ID number (included in your most recent email from NSCC Admissions after applying on nscc.ca)
- Upload your portfolio according to the program requirements listed on this page
- Submit your portfolio by the posted deadline (Atlantic Time)
You may begin your submission, save your progress, and return to SlideRoom at any time before submitting. Once submitted, changes cannot be made.
Upon successful submission, a confirmation screen and submission number will be provided for your records.
For technical support, visit the SlideRoom Applicant Help Centre
For questions about portfolio requirements, contact NSCC’s School of Access, Business, Creative Industries and
Education at
File types and upload requirements
Preferred Formats:
- MP3, M4a (.mp3 / .m4a): Recommended audio formats
Do Not Upload:
- WAV files (.wav) → convert to MP3 or m4a before uploading
- Editing/project files or uncommon formats
File Size Limits
- Audio: ≤ 60 MB
| Topic | 8 to 10 points | 5 to 7 points | 1 to 4 points | 0 points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative decision making | 8 to 10 points | 5 to 7 points | 1 to 4 points | 0 points | |
| Melody/Lyrics |
Melody is, memorable, expressive and appropriate for genre and style. Lyrics are meaningful, creative, and strongly support the mood/theme of the song. | Melody is clear and somewhat memorable. Lyrics communicate the theme adequately with some creativity. | Melody lacks originality or direction. Lyrics are unclear, incomplete, or do not connect to the song’s theme. |
No evidence provided. | |
| Composition Structure/Arrangement/Instrumentation | Song structure is well-organized and enhances the musical flow. Arrangement and instrumentation are creative, balanced, and highly effective. | Song structure is mostly organized and functional. Arrangement and instrumentation support the song but may lack variety or balance. | Song structure is confusing or incomplete. Arrangement/instrumentation is ineffective, minimal, or distracting. |
No evidence provided. | |
| Timing | Performance/editing is consistently on beat with precise rhythm and synchronization throughout. Transitions feel smooth and polished. | Work shows basic ability with tools. Timing is mostly accurate with only minor inconsistencies. Overall rhythm and synchronization are acceptable. | Timing is frequently off beat or inconsistent. Poor synchronization disrupts the overall performance/edit. | No evidence provided. | |
| Tone (Mic Choice/Placement/Sound Selection) | Mic choice, placement, and sound selection create a clear, balanced, and professional-quality tone that enhances the project. | Tone quality is generally appropriate. Mic placement and sound choices are adequate but may lack clarity or consistency. | Tone quality is weak, unclear, or distracting. Poor mic placement or sound selection negatively impacts the project. | No evidence provided. | |
| Tuning | Pitch/tuning is accurate, natural, and enhances the musical performance without sounding artificial. | Tuning is mostly accurate with some noticeable inconsistencies or over/under correction. | Tuning is inaccurate, distracting, or absent, negatively affecting the musical quality. | No evidence provided. | |
| Mixing/signal processing | 8 to 10 points | 5 to 7 points | 1 to 4 points | 0 points | |
| Mixing skills (Clarity/Depth of Field/Frequency Balance/Loudness/Stereo Width) | Mix is polished, clear, and well-balanced across all frequencies. Effective use of depth, loudness, and stereo width creates a professional and engaging sound. | Mix is generally balanced with acceptable clarity and loudness. Some areas may lack depth, consistency, or stereo balance. | Mix lacks clarity and balance. Frequency issues, poor loudness control, or weak stereo imaging negatively affect the listening experience. |
|
|
| Use of signal processing (EQ/Dynamics/Reverb/Delay) | Signal processing tools are used skillfully and creatively to enhance the overall mix without overpowering it. Effects are controlled, intentional, and professional sounding. | Signal processing is used appropriately with moderate effectiveness. Some effects may feel overused, underused, or inconsistent. | Limited or ineffective use of signal processing. EQ, dynamics, reverb, or delay choices distract from or weaken the mix. | No evidence provided. | |
| Written | 8 to 10 points | 5 to 7 points | 1 to 4 points | 0 points | |
| Description of process (mics, midi, samples from written component | Written explanation is detailed, organized, and clearly explains the production process. Specific tools, microphones, MIDI instruments, samples, and techniques are thoroughly described and justified. | Written explanation covers the main aspects of the process with some detail. Most tools and techniques are identified but may lack depth or clarity. | Written explanation is incomplete, unclear, or missing important details about the production process and tools used. | No evidence provided. |
|
| Screen capture or video of session/recording | Video/screen capture clearly documents the recording or production session. Demonstrates workflow, editing, and production techniques effectively with high visibility and organization. | Video/screen capture shows the main parts of the session and process but may lack clarity, detail, or organization in some areas. | Video/screen capture is incomplete, difficult to follow, or missing key parts of the recording/production process. | No evidence provided. | |
| Adherence to application specifications | 8 to 10 points | 5 to 7 points | 1 to 4 points | 0 points | |
| Extent to which the applicant follows all application specifications, including completing required components and submitting materials correctly. | Fully follows all application requirements; all components are complete, accurate, and submitted correctly with no errors. |
Mostly follows requirements; minor errors or small deviations that do not affect completeness. |
Inconsistent adherence; missing elements or incorrect submission details that impact quality. |
Does not follow requirements; submission is incomplete or incorrectly submitted. |
|
| Total/100 |
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