To study the techniques, technologies and aesthetics of audio production for acoustic art music, with particular attention on stereo capture of simultaneous performance within concert venues.
To engage with literature that discusses the effect of recording and reproduction upon this kind of music.
To explore methods for acquiring, storing, editing, processing and presenting audio signals in a professional manner (i.e. with optimal fidelity and in ways which retain and convey the meaning of the music). To explain how quality criteria can vary across musical and production styles.
To develop listening skills to assess the quality and nature of music signals and demonstrate how these can be applied in the studio environment.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content:
Students should understand the dominant approaches to capturing the sound of acoustic art music performances, and the effect of these approaches on the music itself.
Students should be able to competently capture, store, edit, process and distribute recordings of acoustic music and assess their degree of success in each of these.
Students should be able to evaluate and describe through listening recordings of acoustic music, as well as being able to suggest remedial or aesthetic changes.
Academic and graduate skills:
Working to a specific product brief
Autonomous task planning, research and implementation
Ability to advance individual knowledge and understanding
Inter-personal communication skills
Initiative
Problem solving
Flexibility and adaptability
Commitment and motivation
Analytic skills
Self-management
Self-motivation
Organisation and planning
Time management and prioritisation
Engagement with the unfamiliar
Independent learning
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
Marks and feedback will be provided within the University designated turn around time.
Indicative reading
Katz, Mark Capturing Sound: How Technology has Changed Music, University of California Press
Rumsey, Francis and McCormick, Tim Sound and Recording, Focal Press
Borwick, John (ed.) Sound Recording Practice, Focal Press
Watkinson, John Introduction to Digital Audio, Focal Press
Everest, F. Alton Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals, Course Technology