MS3050 - Studio Craft: Sound and Music Production (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||
| Module title | Studio Craft: Sound and Music Production | ||||||||
| Module level | Foundation (03) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
In this module you will be introduced to sound and computer-based music production. It will support the development of key skills and foundational knowledge in sound and music practice that will underpin your further studies in creative media projects, including music production, journalism, podcasting, and audio post-production for film and media.
The module is structured around a staged introduction to the core principles of sound and digital audio, leading towards the development of critical listening skills and practical competencies in sound recording, editing, sequencing, and arranging. Students will apply practical techniques and produce a portfolio that may include elements such as a basic podcast and a loop-based music arrangement.
The module is designed to support the transition into undergraduate study by encouraging critical engagement and the development of essential skills and competencies in audio and music production.
By the end of the module, students will have gained an understanding of sound recording, sequencing and editing audio, and the role of computers in contemporary sound and music production workflows.
Aims of the module:
1. To provide students with preparatory knowledge in sound and digital audio.
2. To introduce students to practices in sound recording and editing for a range of media applications.
3. To develop students’ understanding of roles, terminology, practices and skills within sound production.
4. To introduce students to methods for describing their working processes and presenting work-in-progress to different audiences.
5. To develop students’ ability to be analytical, reflective and critical through the analysis of reference works and their own productions
Prior learning requirements
none
Syllabus
Key Subject Areas
· Introduction to sound and music production and related roles (LO1, LO3)
· Fundamental principles of sound and digital audio (LO1, LO2, LO3)
· Computer-based music production (LO1, LO3)
· Basic audio sequencing, arranging and editing (LO1, LO3)
· Analysis of reference and source materials (LO1, LO2)
· Sound recording (LO1, LO2, LO3) · Podcasts (LO1, LO2, LO3)
· Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) (LO1, LO3)
o Introduction to DAW software and workflows
o Basic digital audio manipulation
· Introduction to basic audio processing and mixing techniques (LO1, LO3)
o Effects and audio processing
o Exporting audio projects
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
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 Media IT Labs. Independent study provides students with the opportunity to work collaboratively and individually towards consolidating a basic understanding of music production.
Students have access to the IT Labs 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, 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 with a regular request of reflective commentaries in all written submissions.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of sound, music, and digital audio in a range of practical projects.
LO2. Describe and communicate their working processes, showing a basic understanding of music technology and production practices.
LO3. Analyse reference works and their own productions using appropriate terminology, demonstrating emerging critical and reflective skills.
Bibliography
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/96EB1F76-CD33-B627-0E96-3F48E9CB4640.html?lang=en-GB&login=1
Core Text:
· Lindgren, M. & Loviglio, J. (eds.) (2022) The Routledge companion to radio and podcast studies. 1st edn. London: Routledge.
· Huber, D. and Runstein, R. (2023). Modern recording techniques. New York: Routledge.
· Owsinski, B. (2017) The Mixing Engineers Handbook, 4th ed., Bobby Owsinski Media Group.
· Rumsey, F. (2021) Sound and recording: applications and theory. 8th edn. New York, NY: Routledge.