module specification

This module introduces you to the knowledge and methods that form the foundations for developing the theory and skills required as a Music Technologist, including developing fundamental understanding in acoustics and digital audio processing.

You will learn through engagement in a series of practical projects and in class tests designed to gradually develop the relevant proficiencies in audio production, including acoustic and digital audio, MIDI and electronic music instrument design.

By the end of this module you will have worked with Ableton and Max for Live, establishing core understanding of the programs and their fundamental operation.

Central to the module will be an exploration of the overlap between technology, creativity and self-reflective critical practice, using innovative and creative teaching and blended learning approaches the module acts to embed digital literacy at its core.

On completion of the module, you will have gained the knowledge, skills and basic practices of digital signal processing and MIDI, allowing them to develop further at level 5.

Throughout the course of this module, academic writing skills are developed in the preparation of technical reports, developing student critical thinking, and structuring of written work. Additionally, you will develop practices in citation and referencing as part of your research and report writing. 

Aims of the module:

• To provide students with key knowledge in the science of sound in relation to studio-based production.
• To develop students’ understanding of the processes within music technology including digital signal processing, sound synthesis, MIDI and object-based audio programming.
• To develop students’ ability to describe working processes and to present work-in-progress for different audiences.
• To develop students’ ability to be analytical, reflective and critical.
• To introduce career-planning and documentation skills.

Key subject areas:
• An introduction to the Science of Sound and Digital audio – including principles of sound, waveforms, hearing and decibels, PCM (pulse code modulation) and digital sound. (LO2, 3)
• Introduction to basic skills for producing music in a studio-based environment, including basic audio processing, and sound editing. (LO1, 2, 3)
• Introduction to professional standard music production software. (LO2, 3)
• Introduction to digital signal processing, plug-in design and MIDI. (LO1, 2, 3, 4)

The balance between independent study and scheduled teaching activities within this
module is 70% and 30% respectively.

Scheduled teaching follows the average contact time, per standard 30-credit module across the University, at 72 hours (3 hours per week). We have excluded from this total one week of revision for the in-class test and one week for the delivery. In addition to this the two weeks at the end of the module are dedicated to preparation for the Final Project submission, Presentations and Feedback sessions. The scheduled teaching is divided in Lectures, Workshops, and Seminars and they take place in the Computer Lab and in the Music Studios.

Independent study provides students with the opportunity to develop LO1, Students have access to the Computer Lab, AV Suites (part of the Music Studios), 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 which are 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.

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate: 
LO1. Demonstrate research, planning and time management in working independently towards defined objectives.
LO2. Apply understanding and knowledge of theoretical principles in audio and music technology.
LO3. Develop signal processing skills and knowledge in digital audio workstations.
LO4. Demonstrate problem solving strategies working with digital audio.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/996AF39C-89E2-9E1A-B689-3429A331C10F.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Hosken, D. (2014). An introduction to music technology. (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Huber, D. M. (2021). The MIDI manual: A practical guide to MIDI within modern music production (Fourth edition.). Routledge.
• Huber, D. M., & Runstein, R. E. (2018). Modern recording techniques (Ninth edition.). Routledge.
• Lakatos, A., Oakenfull, S. (2023) Music Producer's Creative Guide to Ableton Live 11. Packt Publishing Limited.
• Rossing, T. D., Wheeler, P., & Moore, F. R. (2002). The science of sound (3rd ed). Addison Wesley.
• Rumsey, F. (2021). Sound and recording: Applications and theory (Eighth edition.). Routledge.