module specification

In this module, you will be given the opportunity to explore a range of research approaches by investigating a topic of your own choosing relating to Music Technology and Production. In doing so you will be introduced to themes and approaches of research relating to music, its production and consumption.

By undertaking the research project, you are required to generate new qualitative or quantitative data and to then analyse and evaluate it in a research report. For example, for a qualitative research project, you may choose to research audience perceptions through interviews, surveys, or observations. Or for a quantitative research project, you may wish to carryout empirical testing in relation to sound and technology.

As well as developing your wider understanding of the contexts of your work, this module also aims to open pathways in research, including post graduate studies and research and development roles in relation to music technology.

The aims of this module are:
• Enable students to explore research topics of their own choosing.
• Develop critical understanding of music technology and production.
• Develop students’ knowledge of specific music technology and production topics. 
• Allow students to conduct a piece of qualitative or quantitative research.
• Develop students’ ability to manage research projects to meet to deadlines.

Students must have completed modules relating to music technology or production at Level 5.

• Quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. (LO1, 2)
• Research topics relating to music technology and production. (LO1, 3)
• Survey methods. (LO1, 2)
• Empirical testing and reporting. (LO1, 2)
• Test conditions relating to sound and music. (LO1, 2)
• Research ethics. (LO1, 2)
• Preparing research plans. (LO1, 2)
• Research reports and evaluating findings. (LO1, 2, 3, 4)

The start of the module will include a series of introductory seminars and workshops aimed at introducing concepts of quantitative and qualitative research in the field of music technology and production. Through these introductory sessions, student's will take part in research activities which will allow them to develop their practices in research.

Following these introductory sessions, student's will put forward a research plan, which will include an overview of the topic and their proposed methodology for formative and summative feedback. Student will have the opportunity for Reflective Learning, by reacting to the feedback received, before progressing with their research project.

Student's will then take part in group and individual tutorials across the semester, which will allow for regular formative feedback on the progress of their research projects and reports.

Blended Learning is maintained across the module, with the VLE, where learning materials are uploaded regularly. Student will also be given formative submission links on the VLE, allowing for ongoing feedback and reflective practice.   

The balance between scheduled teaching activities and independent study in this module is 30% and 70% and respectively, with 5 weeks of scheduled group seminars and workshops, and 7 weeks of individual and group supervision tutorials. Independent study comprises of research activities, investigation, and testing.

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

LO1. Formulate a research problem in relation to Music Technology and Production.
LO2. Apply and manage appropriate researching methods.
LO3. Critically evaluate arguments and draw on relevant existing research.
LO4. Write a research report which presents your findings in a clear manner suitable to its intended audience.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/D742BA36-D940-4ABC-EE29-E36230E82A40.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Reading:
• Anderton, C. and Pisfil, S., 2021. Researching Live Music: Gigs, Tours, Concerts and Festivals. London: Focal Press.
• Berz, W. L. 1994. Applications of research in music technology. Reston: Music Educators National Conference.
• Bryman, A. 2016. Social Research Methods. Fourth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Burns, T and Sinfield, S. 2008, Essential Study Skills, SAGE Publications Ltd.
• Fillmowicz, M. 2021. Doing Research in Sound Design, Oxford: Routledge.
• Lemercier, C., Zalc, A. and Goldhammer, A. 2019. Quantitative methods in the humanities: an introduction. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press.
• Reid, A., Peres Da Costa, N. and Carrigan, J. eds., 2021. Creative research in music: informed practice, innovation and transcendence. ISME specialist themes in music education. New York: Routledge.
• Tracy, S. 2019. Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact, Second Edition. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell.
• White, C., 2023. The music in the data: corpus analysis, music analysis, and tonal traditions. New York: Routledge.
• Young, G. and Shanahan, J. 2018. Undergraduate Research in Music: A Guide for Student's. Oxford: Routledge.