1. Employ routine level skills on Digital Audio Workstations and be comfortable navigating, basic editing and the application of effects to audio. Knowledge and Understanding, Application and Problem Solving.

2. Describe and apply working processes used in a recording studio setting including routing, trouble shooting and undertake basic digital audio recordings using suitable hardware and software. Reflection, Personal Development and Entrepreneurship.

3. Describe basic digital audio and acoustic theory and tools and identify how that guides approaches taken in a music and sound recording context. Knowledge and Understanding, Digital Literacy.

Assessment 1: The Studio Skills test will be a 30 minute practical test undertaken on a 1-2-1 basis in the studios where students will be asked to undertake a number of specific practical tasks associated with the running of a recording studio session, whilst they undertake this, they will be asked to justify choices and to answer questions on the technical underpinnings for the tasks they are undertaking.

Assessment 2: The DAW Rework Project will be a music production or sound design focused set of project files provided to each student which they will be required to rework into a complete project. The length, content and required outcomes will be dictated by the project files provided to students but will be not more than 2 minutes for sound design content or 4 minutes for Music Production content. Students will not be expected to contribute addition content to the project only work with what has been provided.

Formative Assessment:
Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

This module introduces the foundational practical and technical skills required to operate confidently within a professional recording studio and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) environment. Through structured studio-based activities and guided DAW tasks, students gain hands-on experience of real-world audio workflows while developing an understanding of the technical principles that underpin professional practice. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of professional studio practice, including the operation of large-format mixing consoles, microphone technologies and techniques, and essential signal routing principles. Practical studio sessions focus on preparing, running, and managing basic recording sessions, with emphasis on safe working practices, clear communication, and informed technical decision-making. Alongside this, students explore the theoretical foundations of sound propagation, basic acoustics, and core digital audio theory, enabling them to justify their practical choices using appropriate technical terminology.

The module also introduces key Digital Audio Workstation principles and techniques, implemented across a range of guided examples. Students learn to navigate a professional DAW environment, edit and arrange digital audio and MIDI, and apply foundational processing using software tools such as equalisation and dynamics. Emphasis is placed on understanding why tools are used, not just how, preparing students to respond critically to technical and creative challenges.

By the end of the module, students will have demonstrated a solid foundation in studio operation and DAW practice, alongside the ability to articulate the technical principles that support effective audio production.

Discover how professional music and audio are made as you learn the fundamentals of Digital Audio Workstations and studio practice. From microphones and recording techniques to MIDI, beat-making, and effects, this module gives you the essential skills to start producing with confidence.

Sessions will include a mixture of time in the labs undertaking both taught sessions and independent working as well as sessions based in the University recording studios. Teaching will be through a variety of methods including practical exploration of music and sound related tools, academic instruction into the underlying science of the topic area, and creative explorations into the required skills and tools.

Ballou, G. & Jones, D., 2025. Handbook for sound engineers. 6th Edition, Focal Press. Huber, D.M., Caballero, E. and Runstein, R., 2023. Modern recording techniques: a practical guide to modern music production. 9th Edition. Focal Press. Izhaki, R., 2023. Mixing audio: concepts, practices, and tools. 4th Edition. Focal Press.

University recording studios
University Music & Sound Apple Mac labs
Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Pro Tools Ultimate software
NI Komplete & McDSP software
University Media stores and SISO
PSE SoundQ