module specification

In this module you will be introduced to core music production techniques and principles, developing your practice, and understanding of creating music, using industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).

You will be exploring many computer-based strategies of making music, utilising practical approaches while developing your sound design abilities through the use of synthesisers, samplers, and audio effects.

By becoming familiar with a range of creative sound manipulation and generation techniques, you will be able to better develop your skills as a music creator, while evolving your knowledge and understanding of current and developing practices.

Therefore, this module aims to:

• Develop your creative production using MIDI sequencing, editing and manipulation.
• Develop your creative production using audio editing and manipulation in the DAW environment.
• Explore methods and modes of sampling and loop-based production.
• Explore sound synthesis and sound design for electronic music production.
• Understand and explore digital audio signal flows within the context of multiple DAWs.
• Provide an experimental space to integrate audio effects inside your productions.

Your progress on the module will be formatively assessed over the course of the semester through a series of DAW specific tasks using both Logic Pro and Ableton Live before a final electronic music production, where you will be encouraged to explore appropriate DAW or plug-in software of your choice.

Key subject areas:
• MIDI recording and sequencing (LO1, 2, 4)
• Drum beat creation (LO1, 2, 4)
• Audio editing and manipulation (LO1, 2, 4)
• Creating different synthesised sounds for music production (LO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Sound selection (LO1, 3, 4)
• Integrating different audio effects for music production (LO1, 4)
• DAW-based music production (LO1, 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 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 Computer Lab and in the Music Studios.

Independent study provides students with the opportunity to develop LO1 and 4. Students will 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, including templates for DAWs that are available to students in all of the above facilities.

Opportunities for reflective learning are promoted through feedback on written reports which are embedded in the final assessment, with emphasis on reflection of their work. Formative assessment feedback from the cohort is planned to address and aid their learning development needs and to capture their learning achievements.

On completion of this module, students should be able to: 

LO1. Develop a range of computer-based production techniques, in relation to writing and composing music.
LO2. Develop audio and MIDI sequencing and editing skills, through composition and drum programming.
LO3. Understand sound synthesis and its role in electronic music production.
LO4. Gain a fundamental understanding and practice in DAWs.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/2106A0A0-756E-CEA1-153F-DD2BCB65A650.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Allen, J.A. (2018) Music theory for electronic music producers: the producer’s guide to harmony, chord progressions, and song structure in the MIDI Grid. Minneapolis, MN: Slam Academy.
• Brett, T. (2021) The Creative Electronic Music Producer. Focal Press: Routledge.
• Corey, J. and Benson, D.H. (2017) Audio production and critical listening: technical ear training. Second edition. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group (Audio Engineering Society presents).
• Kuehnl, E. and Haak, A. (2019) Ableton live 101: an introduction to Ableton Live 10. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
• Rey, R., Gold, H., Cook, F.D. and Kuehnl, E. (2021) Logic Pro 101: music production fundamentals. 101 series. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.