This module will be an opportunity for students to gain experience and knowledge across three specialisms, namely Music Production, Music Technology, and Creative Composition and Performance. Students will attend lectures, tutorials and practical sessions covering topics such as studio techniques, mixing and mastering, electronic music production, electronics, acoustics, studio design, composition, performance, and creative software design. There will also be student centred sessions and guided self-managed learning. Students will negotiate an assessment with the course team, which they will present through an interim presentation, a portfolio of work, and a critical reflection and evaluation.

Assessment One: Presentation

A presentation (15 minutes and 10 minutes for questions) on a topic related to the music industry assessing learning outcome 4. The presentation may be in the form of a commercial pitch as appropriate.

Assessment Two: (Digital Diary)

A digital diary in an appropriate format documenting and reflecting on the development of the project assessing learning outcomes 2 and 4



Assessment Three: Negotiated Portfolio

A portfolio of work, the exact nature of which will be negotiated between the student and the course team, assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3. Examples of appropriate portfolios could include compositions, recording projects, mixing and mastering projects, software development, performance, or musicology.

Assessment Four: Report

A report (3000 words), assessing learning outcomes 1,2 and 4

Lectures, group tutorials, student-led sessions, group work and individual study.

1. Demonstrate a planned approach to investigating an area of interest related to the music industry

2. Demonstrate a critical and well-researched approach to an investigation into a music related subject

3. Show critical judgement, reflection and personal initiative within the theories, and practical applications described in the area of investigation

4.Communicate complex ideas related to the music industry clearly and effectively

Cadman Music Studios

G136 and G135 Music Labs

Media Resource Centre

Staffordshire University Library

Ross, A (2009): The Rest is Noise: Listening to the 20th Century. Harper Perennial

Huber, D, Runstein, R (2017): Audio Engineering Society Presents Modern Recording Techniques. Routledge ISBN 978-1138954373

Slone, G (2001): The Audiophile’s Project Sourcebook. McGraw Hill ISBN: 978-0071379298

Taylor, G (2017): Step by Step: Adventures in Sequencing with Max MSP. Cycling 74 ISBN: 978-1732590304

Passman, D (2019): All You Need to Know about the Music Business. Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1501122187

Katz, B (2014): Mastering Audio, the Art and the Science. Routledge ISBN: 978-0240818962

This module is your opportunity to explore exciting themes related to music production, music technology, composition and performance before choosing one area in which to specialise. You will learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials and student-led sessions. You will cover topics such as studio techniques, mixing and mastering, electronic music production, electronics, acoustics, studio design, composition, performance, and creative software design. You will work with the module team to tailor your assessment to your own interests, skills and aspirations.