module specification

In this module you will be given 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 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 (LO1, 3)
• Basic principles of Sound and Digital Audio (LO1, 2, 3)
• Computer based Music Production and Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s) (LO1, 3)
• Basic MIDI sequencing and editing (LO1, 3)
• Analysis of source materials (LO1, 2)
• Basic composition skills using DAW’s (LO1, 2,)
• 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)
o EQ
o Dynamics
o Exporting

Scheduled teaching follows the average contact time, per standard 15-credit module across the University, at 36 hours (3 hours per week). The scheduled teaching is divided in Lectures, Workshops, and Seminars and they take place in the Music IT Lab.
Independent study provides students with the opportunity to work collaboratively and individually towards consolidating a basic understanding of music production.

Students have access to the Music IT Lab and Library facilities at London Met. Blended Learning is maintained via Weblearn Course and Module pages with full documentation of the activities developed in class. Opportunities for reflective learning/PDP are promoted through feedback and written reports, embedded in all assessments with emphasis on reflection of their work. Formative assessment and feedback is planned to address their learning development needs and to capture their learning achievements with a regular request of reflective commentaries in all written submissions.

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.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/9330697C-619E-F29E-96BC-81DBEFAB2888.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Text:
• 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.