module specification

In this module, you will develop advanced practices working in the studio environment, expanding upon your learning at Level 5. In doing so, you will gain more experience working independently in technical roles relating to music production and specifically audio engineering.

This module aims to open pathways as recording engineers, mixing engineers and sound recordists by introducing you to further approaches to music production in a recording studio.

You will learn through a series of workshops focussing on pre-production and planning, use of analogue consoles, analogue mixing and summing, advanced and creative recording techniques and managing large scale recording sessions.

You will have the opportunity to evaluate and recreate recording approaches to a range of recordings, developing critical listening and synthesis of knowledge and practice. By doing so you will explore a range of techniques unique to specific styles of music.

Students are encouraged to work collaboratively, as well as networking externally, expanding their working network to bring in musicians and artists with which to produce in the studio. By doing so, student's will be building their portfolio and open up freelance working opportunities following graduation.

The aims of this module are:
• Enable students to work more effectively and confidently in the recording studio environment.
• Encourage students to work independently and collaboratively on recording studio projects.
• Allow student's to develop advanced level working practices in studio engineering.
• Develop transferable skills working in audio, sound recording and signal flow.

Student's must have completed modules in recording studio practice or related subjects.

● Critical listening and breaking down recording techniques (LO1, 2, 4)
● Advanced principles of microphone placements (LO1, 3)
● Multitrack drum recording techniques (LO1, 3)
● Experimental recording techniques (LO1, 2)
● Studio signal flow and patching (LO1, 3)
● Outboard and analogue signal processing (LO1, 3)
● Recording session planning and studio documentation (LO1, 2, 4)
● Analogue summing and mastering (LO1, 3)
● Monitoring and headphone mixes (LO1, 3)
● Studio practice and health and safety (LO1)
● Advanced Pro Tools Functions (LO1)

Students teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of seminars, and studio practice workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in practical workshops in the Music Studios, including guided demonstrations, group and individual 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. 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 studio practice supported by the music technical demonstrator.
Students will engage in reflective practice, reviewing their own, and each other’s recordings.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate effective professional level working practices in the recording studio environment.
LO2. Develop and formulate a production plan for a range of recording sessions and musical styles.
LO3. Apply a range of advanced studio and recording techniques.
LO4. Evaluate critically the results of recording sessions and productions.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/38182AC8-89B0-5654-7C8B-CC0BBF55D184.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
● 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).
● De Santis, J. (1997) How to run a recording session. Emeryville, CA: Mix Books (Mix pro audio series).
● Eargle, J.M. (2006) Handbook of recording engineering. 4. ed., 1. softcover print. New York, NY: Springer.
● Gibson, B (2020) First 50 Recording Techniques You Should Know to Track Music. Hal Leonard.
● Huber, D.M. and Runstein, R.E. (2018) Modern recording techniques. Ninth Edition. New York ; London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
● Massy, S. and Johnson, C. (2016) Recording unhinged: creative and unconventional music recording techniques. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books, an imprint of Hal Leonard Corporation (MusicPro guides).
● Owsinski, B. (2017) The recording 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).
● Rossing, T.D., Wheeler, P. and Moore, F.R. (2002) The science of sound. 3rd ed. San Francisco: Addison Wesley