Module Descriptors
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
MUSI40629
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Andrew Stubbs-Lacy
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 45
Independent Study Hours: 105
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
Practical (100%)
Demonstrations of your ability to set up and operate safely in a range of music industry contexts, as follow:

1. For live performance, taking into consideration venue, equipment and artist(s). This will include -
a) Setup of an acoustic live act
b) Set up of a band live act inclusive of vocals, instruments and backline equipment

2) Within a recording studio environment, taking into consideration the types of technology and equipment, instruments and musicians. This will include -
a) Setup, engineering, recording and mixing of an acoustic recording act
b) Setup, engineering, recording and mixing of a band inclusive of vocals and instruments

[Learning outcome 1 and 2]

Formative feedback:
Observation of engagement in practical activity and interim discussion. Response to practise activities
Module Indicative Content
This module is designed to enable you to develop and improve your technology skills so that you may safely assist with live performance and work within a studio context. It establishes fundamentals that will underpin your work in other modules and will give you a set of complementary skills so that you are self-supporting as a performer. Additionally, it will introduce core skills and processes that open up options for you as a potential sound engineer in your own right. You will learn through participating in a series of workshops and will be assessed on your ability to safely and effectively complete a range of prescribed set-ups.

With the high demand for music on streaming services and via internet platforms, the ability as a performer to record your own material is a massive advantage. Having an appreciation and understanding of live sound will enable quality and high standards to compliment your own live performances whatever the gig or venue.

If you have the opportunity to work in a professional recording studio, you will quickly realise the process is costly. Therefore the more knowledge of the recording studio you have the quicker you get things done, and the more money you will save for yourself, a manager or a record label. Additionally, the more you enhance your knowledge the better the quality of your finished product will be as you have a real insight.

A fantastic song still needs professional production to enable it to have a better chance of success. A poorly mixed or recorded song will not get the airplay needed to succeed, so having an understanding of the features of professional production techniques to either implement yourself or appreciate when recording are essential. To have knowledge of how to get the best live sound and how a studio works on a technical level will only further your ability to produce the best quality sounding music and music products.

Underpinning the practical hands on approach to this module is an understanding and awareness of industry expectations, trends, technological advancements and notably a willingness to experiment. Understanding of health and safety regulations and being able to practice within these guidelines is of course essential.

Finally, the ability to work on both sides of the recording studio glass is not only an enjoyable opportunity for a musician it vastly increases employability opportunities and can provide a huge creative springboard for you as the artist.
Module Learning Strategies
Your learning in this module will be facilitated through your observation of a series of technical demonstrations, followed by hands-on practical activities. Demonstrations will present you with the technical instruction you need to work efficiently and safely, and will introduce you to the range of equipment and processes that you will require to complete the assessment task, (as well as working in a professional capacity in the future). Tutor instruction will be supported by analysis of the work of others, so you may link what you learn in class with the professional working environment. Activities will typically include:
Technology lectures, including technological developments
Introduction to, and experimentation with technical equipment and processes (Analogue and Digital)
Analytical review of the work of others - ¿ equipment, processes and outcomes
Recording set ups and live sound workshop
Recording studio skills, workshops and exercises
Reflective practice
Opportunities to interact with visiting practitioners
Critiques and tutorials
Module Resources
Recording Studio
A wide range of microphones and signal processing equipment
Computers
Music Library
Listening facilities
PA equipment
Whiteboard
Projector
Mac computers
Live Venue
Module Texts
Bartlett, B and Bartlett, J. (2012) Practical Recording Techniques: The Step- by- Step Approach to Professional Audio Recording: Focal Press
Crich, T. (2010) Recording Tips for Engineers (Mastering Music): Focal Press
Gibson, B. (2002) Sound Advice on Microphone Techniques: Music Sales Ltd
Huber, D and Runstein, R. (2013) Modern Recording Techniques (Audio Engineering Society Presents): Focal Press
Oswinski, B. (2013) The Mixing Engineers ¿ Handbook: Delmar Cengage Learning
Rumsey, F and McCormick, T. (2014) Sound & Recording: Routledge
White, P. (2010) Basic Digital Recording: SMT; Kindle Edition
White, P. (2010) Basic Effects and Processors: SMT; Kindle Edition
White, P. (2010) Basic Live Sound: SMT; Kindle Edition
White, P. (2010) Basic Mastering: SMT; Kindle Edition
White, P. (2010) Basic Mixing Techniques: SMT; Kindle Edition
Module Learning Outcomes
1.DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF LIVE SOUND AND STUDIO RECORDING AND ENGINEERING AND BE ABLE TO SET UP SAFELY FOR LIVE PERFORMANCES AND IN A RECORDING STUDIO ENVIRONMENT.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Application]

2.EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMPLETING A SAFE SET-UP, SELECTING SUITABLE TECHNIQUES FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS WITHIN A LIVE SOUND SETTING AND A RECORDING STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
[Analysis; Problem Solving]