Music Technology BA (Hons) modules

Year one

Block 1: Introduction to Studio Recording & Production

An introduction to the practice and theory of digital audio recording, mixing and mastering. Students will develop abilities in handling mixers and microphones (including simple recording of found objects and instruments), as well as digital editing and mixing. In addition, the theory of digital audio, and the characteristics of file formats and digital storage media will be introduced. The handling of sequencing and MIDI control will be introduced, along with an introduction to basic audio signal processing.

This module is delivered by a mixture of studio practicals, critical listening, reading and self-directed study.

Practical 74 hours
Consolidation 40 hours
Reading 44 hours
Self-directed study 122 hours
Assessment 20 hours

Block 2: Ideas in Music & Technology

This module is a seminar and lecture series introducing students to a diverse range of issues and perspectives related to recent and current cultures in music and the sonic arts. The focus will be on how historical and philosophical themes of the last century have influenced today’s sound- and music-making. Exploring individual artists and thinkers, broad aesthetic movements, and the development and impact of technologies on culture, music and sound. Listening will be a key activity: inquisitive, contextual, critical and analytical.

This module is delivered through lectures, critical listening workshops, reading and self-directed study.

Lecture 48 hours
Workshop 24 hours
Listening 56 hours
Self-directed study 144 hours
Assessment 28 hours

Block 3: Sound Analysis & Synthesis

An understanding of how sound works is essential in developing an appreciation of, and an ability to work with, sound as a medium. As part of modern production practice it is also a fundamental skill in working with a range of devices to create new and diverse sound colours and textures.

An introduction to the physical/acoustical foundations of musical sounds. Students will study sounds through both waveform and spectral representations and understand how temporal and spectral acoustical features relate to the primary perceptual parameters such as musical pitch, dynamics, and timbre. Equipped with the means to describe sounds physically and also perceptually (musically), students will explore acoustical manipulation of sounds as well as investigate the interrelatedness of the musical parameters in acoustical study of musical works, instruments or tools (e.g., audio effects).

Knowledge is put into practiceusing a range of sound synthesis and signal processing hardware and software. The module has strong contextual links to methods and practices of sound design currently used in industry, using both an informed understanding of sound synthesis, signal processing theory and a creative approach to problem solving in the production of an end product.

The module is block taught over seven weeks, delivered by a mixture of lectures, workshops, listening, reading and self-directed study.

Lecture 24 hours
Workshop 12 hours
Practical 36 hours
Reading 40 hours
Reflection 70 hours 
Self-directed study 94 hours
Assessment 24 hours

Block 4: Making and Performing Music 1: Tools & Techniques

This module covers a wide range of creative applications for technology in music-making, both compositional and performative, focusing on the study of genres, styles, repertoire, and techniques. Lectures, practical work and self-directed study enable students to develop an understanding of the range of practices, contexts, paradigms and techniques that are associated with music and the sonic arts in the contemporary world.

The module is block taught over 7 weeks, delivered by a mix of workshops, listening, reading and self-directed study. Workshops will focus on listening and analytical exercises in early weeks, along with group discussion. In later weeks, they will turn to peer listening and tutorial support for student work in progress.

Workshop: 72 hours
Self-directed study: 188 hours
Assessment: 40 hours   

Year two

Block 1: Creative & Professional Work: Presentation & Promotion

An open module designed for students to undertake a short intense project to develop specialist creative, technical, professional and/or research-led skills, while simultaneously developing professional practice. Special thematic sub-projects, supported by lectures, workshops, and personal tutorials, are offered each year, from which students may choose one or more across the duration of the module. Indicative examples of sub-projects include:

Improvisation Ensemble
Sensors and interfaces
Advanced Synthesis and Sequencing
Electronic Instrument Building
Coding or Live Coding
Spatial Performance
Spatial Composition

For each chosen project, students will devise ways of promoting and presenting their work, both collectively (e.g. organising a group performance) and individually (e.g. accumulating a personal portfolio) within a public forum.

Teaching will vary according to the projects undertaken, but will comprise lecture and seminar activity, technical instruction, contextual and critical study within regular workshops. Work towards student projects will be guided through tutorial support.

Workshop 44 hours 
Tutorial 12 hours 
Reading 40 hours
Reflection 60 hours
Self-directed study 104 hours 
Assessment 40 hours

Block 2: Sound for Film, Games & Media

Covers the technical and aesthetic considerations of the creation original musical compositions and sound designs in a variety of audio-visual contexts. Content includes application of existing skills and the development of new skills in relation to designing sound and context-specific compositional strategies in a range of ’real-world’ scenarios, focusing primarily on sound and moving image.

The module is block taught over seven weeks, delivered by a mix of workshops, listening, reading and self-directed study. Workshops will focus on listening and analytical exercises in early weeks, along with group discussion. In later weeks, they will turn to peer listening and tutorial support for student work in progress.

Workshop 21 hours
Tutorial 28 hours
Self-directed study 230 hours
Assessment 20 hours

Block 3: Studio Recording & Production

Learn more advanced studio recording and production, including detailed knowledge of the nature and physics of acoustic and electronic instruments, microphones, and recording spaces such as studios. Covers a variety of structured recording, mixing, production strategies and work practices to enhance efficiency and quality of work, as well as advanced techniques of applying effects and other processing in mixing.

This module is delivered by a mix of studio practicals, critical listening, reading and self-directed study.

Practical 74 hours
Consolidation 40 hours
Reading 44 hours
Self-Directed Study 122 hours
Assessment 20 hours

Block 4: Making and Performing Music 2: Topics & Projects

This module builds upon the foundation of skills acquired in year one, in particular those related to the module Making and Performing with Technology 1. Students will look at the application and development of music technologies in the creation of original works of musical composition or sonic art, as well as exploring the potential for innovative performance paradigms while developing existing ones.

Students will use practical work, lectures, workshops and self-directed study to create a body of work for performance or a fixed medium.

The module is block taught over seven weeks, delivered by a mix of workshops, listening, reading and self-directed study.

Workshop: 72 hours
Self-directed study: 188 hours
Assessment: 40 hours 

Year three

Block 1: Applied & Collaborative Projects

An opportunity for students to explore music technology in the wider context of multimedia and interdisciplinary practice, while presenting it via local community and public art outlets. Students may undertake one or more short intense and thematic projects, supported by lectures, workshops, international links and personal tutorials. Indicative examples of projects include:

Improvisation Ensemble   
Composing with Dance 
Installation Art 
Dirty Electronics 
Interactivity 
Sound for Film and Animation 
Augmented Reality 
Audio Visual Music 
Community Music

Delivered primarily through independent work by the students (both individually and within collaborative groups) supported by an assigned mentor.

Workshops: 24 hours
Tutorial: 10 hours  
Research: 86 hours
Reflection: 180 hours

Block 2: Advanced Production Skills and Mastering

Developing students’ technical and contextual knowledge within the framework of professional practice, testing the full breadth of skills needed to be successful in this area. Students will experience the audio recording and production process through taught sessions using multichannel studios. By developing a portfolio of targeted practical projects students will demonstrate confidence with live recording practice, while also developing project management skills, including working in small teams. they may also participate in broadcasts, such as DemonFM, and will compile and produce programme material in a format appropriate for its intended distribution.

Lecture / Large Group: 24 hours
Studio: 48 hours
Workshop: 6 hours
Reading: 40 hours
Self-directed study: 142 hours
Assessment: 40 hours

Block 2: Making & Performing Music 3: Personal Portfolio

An opportunity to create a personal portfolio of original creative musical/sonic or multimedia work, plus a reflective writeup. The portfolio will demonstrate a sophisticated approach to the creative use of technology. It may consist of a single large-scale work or multiple smaller works.

Special thematic sub-projects, supported by lectures, workshops, and/or international links, may be offered to help direct individual work. Indicative examples of sub-projects include improvisation ensemble, audio-visual creation, circuit bending, brainwave music, live performance with silent films, etc.

This is mostly delivered through independent work by the student with the support of one-to-one tutoring from a mentor.

Workshop: 36 hours 
Tutorial: 10 hours 
Research: 18 hours
Reflection & Writing: 16 hours
Self-directed study: 180 hours 
Assessment: 40 hours

Block 4: Final Project

An in-depth investigation of a music technology topic of students’ choice and design, supported by an individual tutor. The final research may take the form of a purely written document (a dissertation), or students can choose to deliver a practice-based investigation (a ‘final project’, or ‘final performance project’), in which research is reflected both in written work and a portfolio of creative work that is informed by and/or helps investigate the topic.

The module enables students to advance considerably as independent learners, being able to imagine and define a project of interest to them, plan and manage that project over several weeks, develop their capacity to build their own ideas or creative work on the ideas of others through research, and make arguments and/or articulate the context and ideas behind creative work.

Lecture: 10 hours
Tutorial: 10 hours  
Research: 100 hours
Reflection: 180 hours

*All modules titles are subject to validation and while terms may change the scope of the degree will remain largely similar.

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