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Production Techniques, Technologies & Aesthetics - MUS00061M

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  • Department: Music
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

  • None

Co-requisite modules

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To develop theoretical and practical knowledge of audio production for pop, rock and dance production methods.
  • To demonstrate, as well be able to fully justify and place in the context of current practice, the use of recording and processing technology to create and shape such productions.
  • To develop listening skills, and a systematic evaluation methodology, for identification and critique of audio recording and production styles.

Module learning outcomes

Subject Content:

  • Students should have an appreciation of the contemporary aesthetics, as well as historical development over the last fifty years, of interventionist production techniques and technologies associated with rock, pop and dance genres.
  • Students should understand the concepts 'studio as musical instrument' and 'producer as composer'.
  • Students should be able to use the Music Research Centre recording studios for audio recording, mixing and mastering which demonstrates a high degree of competence and awareness of current practice.
  • Students should understand the use and historical context of the generic Digital Audio Workstation as a production tool, and demonstrate a high level of competence in the use of at least one DAW software application.
  • Students should have a clear operational and functional understanding of time, frequency and time-frequency domain as well as dynamic range processing tools for audio in a variety of contexts
  • Students should be able to realise a sophisticated and meaningful music audio artefact from planning to distribution-ready master recording and demonstrate good practice at all stages of the production. They should also be able to reflect on their success and make relevant comparisons with commercially available artefacts.
  • Students should be able to re-purpose existing material via appropriate processing and editing to create remixes.

Academic and graduate skills

  1. Autonomous task planning and implementation
  2. Ability to advance individual knowledge and understanding
  3. Initiative
  4. Problem solving
  5. Flexibility and adaptability
  6. Commitment and motivation
  7. Analytic skills
  8. Self-management
  9. Self-motivation
  10. Organisation and planning
  11. Lateral thinking
  12. Time management and prioritisation
  13. Engagement with the unfamiliar
  14. Independent learning
  15. Reviewing progress

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

  • Mark and feedback provided within the University designated turnaround time

Indicative reading

  • Katz, Bob Mastering Audio: the Art and the Science, Focal Press
  • Moylan, William The Art of Recording: Understanding and Crafting the Mix, Focal Press
  • Corey, Jason Audio Production and Critical Listening, Focal Press


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.