module specification

In this module, you will develop further your practices in music technology, production and audio engineering covered at Level 4. You will explore different creative approaches to working with audio, producing, and mixing music.

You will cultivate professional-level technical skills in music production, alongside the sharpening of your critical and analytical listening skills, through the evaluation of reference works.

You will explore creative uses of sampling, glitch-based music production with integration of MIDI controllers with automation, an advanced exploration of different synthesis modes and their application for sound design in music, with the aim to produce more developed sounding productions. You will also explore approaches to music production for remixes and creating engaging music with pre-made stems.

Additionally, you will work to further understand advanced audio processes by applying mixing techniques to existing songs as well as your own productions. This will include more advanced concepts of equalisation, compression, saturation, distortion, and imaging.

This module aims to:

• Explore creative approaches in producing electronic music.
• Develop further your practices of music and sound production.
• Introduce advanced concepts of mixing.
• Further expand approaches to writing music.
• Introduce more potential career pathways for music producers including sound design and remixing.

Students must have studied music production modules at level 4 or have experience working in Digital Audio Workstations.

• Critical and analytical listening (LO1)
• Creative Music Production (LO2, 3)
• Digital Audio Workstations (LO1, 2, 3)
• Sampling (LO2, 3)
• Sound Synthesis and Sound Design in music production (LO1, 2, 3)
• Glitch production (LO2, 3)
• Equalisation and compression (LO1, 3)
• Distortion and imaging (LO1, 3)

Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of seminars, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time.

Students will be given the opportunity to engage in practical workshops in the music IT lab and studios, utilising specific software, MIDI controllers and where appropriate, hardware synthesisers, including guided demonstrations and group production tasks.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, as well as Logic Pro/Ableton Live templates.

Tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments.

In addition, students will undertake independent study, including researching, assessment planning and music production practice supported by the music technical demonstrator.

Students will engage in reflective practice, reviewing their own recordings.

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

LO1. Utilise advanced levels of critical and analytical listening, by evaluating reference works.
LO2. Demonstrate creative approaches to producing music.
LO3. Integrate and apply advanced music production techniques.
LO4. Critically evaluate music production approaches in a range of formats.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/E13B2870-2DC3-249A-51FD-67B6E1826117.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 struture 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).
• Owsinski, B. (2017) The mixing engineer’s handbook. 4th edition. Burbank, CA: BOMG Publishing.
• Owsinski, B. (2016) The music producer’s handbook. Second edition. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books, and imprint of Hal Leonard Corporation (MusicPro guides).