module specification

This module will provide students with an introduction to sound and computer-based Music Production, it will facilitate the development of key skills and knowledge in sound and music practice.
The module is structured around a staged development of the key principles of sound and digital audio, leading on to developing students’ critical skills in analysis of reference works and final practice with Digital Audio Workstations, through a series of exercises working towards a final project.
The module is designed to facilitate the transition into undergraduate study by encouraging critical engagement and the development of basic skills and competencies in the realm of Music Production.
Therefore, by the end of the module students will have developed an understanding of the roles of computers and DAW’s in the production of music, sound editing, mixing and exporting.

Aims of the module:
1. To provide students with the preparatory knowledge in sound, composition and digital audio in relation to computer-based music production.
2. To develop students’ understanding of the roles in Music Production, key terminology, practices and skills.
3. To introduce students to methods for describing their working processes and to present work-in-progress for different audiences.
4. To develop students’ ability to be analytical, reflective and critical, through analysing reference works as well as their own productions.

Key Subject Areas:
•    Introduction to the basics of Music Production and the roles involved
•    Basic principles of Sound and Digital Audio
•    Computer based Music Production and Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s)
•    Basic MIDI sequencing and editing
•    Analysis of source materials
•    Basic composition skills using DAW’s
•    Logic Pro X and other DAW’s
o    Basic introduction to the software
o    Working with Loops
o    MIDI – MIDI events, writing with MIDI and MIDI instruments
o    Basic Sampling, Sequencing and Manipulating audio digitally
•    Basic techniques for processing and mixing
o    EQ
o    Dynamics
o    Exporting
 

Core Text:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/76F19C3D-72EF-2E43-CDE0-6970A92D3F43.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

• Hewitt, M. J. (2008). Music theory for computer musicians. Delmar.
• Huber, D. and Runstein, R. (2017). Modern recording techniques. New York: Routledge.
• Owsinski, B. (2016) The Music Producer’s Handbook, 2nd ed., Applause Theatre Book Pub.
• Owsinski, B. (2017) The Mixing Engineers Handbook, 4th ed., Bobby Owsinski Media Group.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
LO1. Knowledge and basic understanding of sound, music and digital audio
LO2. Ability to describe their work and demonstrating a basic understanding of music technology and production
LO3. Application of basic skills in using Digital Audio Workstation’s to create music.
LO4. The ability to write, produce, mix and export music in a computer-based studio environment.
LO5. Experience working collaboratively and individually towards consolidating a basic understanding of music production.

Song Analysis – 10% weighting
Students will be required to perform an analysis of a chosen song. This will develop the student’s analytical and critical skills, helping to contextualise the Music Production techniques they learn.

Music Production Exercises – 40% weighting
The Midterm assessment will be a portfolio of short exercises developing the student’s skills and knowledge of working in DAW’s. Included with this portfolio will be a narrative diary, reflecting on their engagement with the tasks.

Final Project – mixed original composition and 1500-word technical report – 50% weighting
The Final project will result in a fully mixed original composition produced in DAW’s. Students will be required to demonstrate all the skills and practice they have developed over the entire year. A supporting technical report of the work carried out will be included in the final submission.

Key Subject Areas:
• Introduction to the basics of Music Production and the roles involved (LO1, 3)
• Basic principles of Sound and Digital Audio (LO1, 2, 3)
• Computer based Music Production and Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s) (LO1, 3, 4)
• Basic MIDI sequencing and editing (LO1, 3)
• Analysis of source materials (LO1, 2)
• Basic composition skills using DAW’s (LO1, 2, 4)
• DAW’s (LO1, 3)
o Basic introduction to the software
o MIDI – MIDI events, writing with MIDI and MIDI instruments
o Basic Sampling, Sequencing and Manipulating audio digitally
• Basic techniques for processing and mixing (LO1, 3, 4)
o EQ
o Dynamics
o Exporting