This module is designed for those undertaking the Foundation Degree Art Music and Audio Production award. This negotiated study project will be discussed and agreed between you and your tutor, and will incorporate both practical and theoretical elements. You will be expected to work in a self-directed manner to showcase a portfolio of work to support the next stage of your aspirations.

This will provide the opportunity to consolidate knowledge and skills developed through previous modules, and apply these skills that draw together appropriate processes in a personally directed manner.

Your work will include research and investigation over and beyond previous taught elements, and should consider the wider application of the project within the commercial workplace, and the potential for commercial exploitation.

In order to provide you with a platform for employability and global exposure for your work, you will develop an online portfolio to showcase your skills, knowledge and abilities.

Assessment 1
Produce a working, professional standard online portfolio containing media which demonstrates skills gained from research, theoretical, practical and creative investigation. (50%)
[Learning Outcomes 1,2,3]

Assessment 2
A report summarising the research undertaken towards module submission, and discussion on the practical and creative processes used within the creation of the media product, to include reflection on how the project supports and enhances your employability [3000 words] (50%) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4]

Technical skills instruction and workshops
Equipment demonstrations
Tutorials with formative feedback

Anderton, C. (2nd) (1996) Home Recording for Musicians
Ballou G. (2002) Handbook for Sound Engineers. 3rd ed. Woburn: Focal Press
Bartlett B & J. (2005) Practical Recording Techniques. 4th Ed. Burlington: Focal Press
Britten, A. (3rd) (2009) Working in the Music Industry: How to Find an Exciting and Varied Career in the World of Music
Broughton, F; Brewster, B. (2002) How to DJ (Properly) : The Art and Science of Playing Records
Huber D. & Runstein, R. (2006) Modern Recording Techniques. 6th Ed, Burlington: Focal Press
Kerner, K (2008) Going Pro: Developing a Professional Career in the Music Industry
Moon, J. (2000). Reflection in Learning and Professional Development. London: Routledge.
Nab, Day, Caron, Nevue, Richards & Cook (2013) Music Is Your Business: The Musician's FourFront Marketing and Legal Guide
Rossing, et al. (2002) The Science of Sound. 3rd Ed. New York: Addison Wesley
Rumsey F. & McCormick T. (2005) Sound and Recording, An Introduction, 5th ed. Oxford: Focal Press
Wilkins, M (2006) Creative Music Composition: The Young Composer's Voice

Students will have access to studio space and college library and computer resources. University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp

1. EXPLAIN AND JUSTIFY CHOICES MADE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CREATIVE PRACTICE IN A PERSONAL CONTEXT, AND EVIDENCE UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNIQUES USED WITHIN THE WIDER INDUSTRY CONTEXT.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. APPLY CREATIVE (AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, TECHNICAL) PROCESSES TO PRODUCE A PROFESSIONAL STANDARD PRODUCT.
[Application]

3. ANALYSE TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT EMPLOYED WITHIN INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP CREATIVE PRACTICE, AND UNDERSTAND THE ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF THEIR APPLICATION.
[Analysis; Problem Solving]

4. REFLECT AND EVALUATE ON THE PROJECT AND ITS QUALITIES TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE EMPLOYABILITY WITHIN THE MARKETPLACE.
[Reflection]