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MUS-20074 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

MUS-20074 - Live Sound and Studio Skills
Coordinator: Tim Canfer
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

no

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2023/24

Do you want to acquire skills that will make you a music producer and live sound engineer? You are in the right place. You will learn the substance of excellent music production by engaging in theoretical reflection and practical studio and live sound work relevant to the production of recorded music and live sound performances. The lectures will cover a range of contemporary topics examining studio techniques and production aesthetics, live sound techniques, and the production/post-production chain that typically underlays the planning and realisation of a music track. You will be required to complete two coursework projects directly tied to the practical and theoretical aspects of the module: one inside the Studio where you will be the music producer/studio engineer, and another one via a simulated live performance where you will be in charge of the sound. You should be aware that previous experience with theory and/or practice of sound recording and some experience with post-production, as well as a basic beginner-level working knowledge of LogicPro and/or Ableton Live as multi-track recording and mixing environment, will be necessary for success in this module.

Aims
To provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills, contextual knowledge and awareness in the areas of sound recording, music production and post- production.
To introduce students to live sound music practice and techniques
To establish an understanding of live creation in variety of music genres using the latest technologies
To articulate the technical and aesthetic impact of new technology in the practice of live performance;
To acquire an understanding and appreciate the creative potential of the current techniques in various contexts and venues
To familiarise students with professional studio environments

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse, appraise and critique the main sonic and musical features of recorded tracks from the repertoire;: 1,2
Comprehend and interpret specific concepts and topics relevant to the music production chain;: 1,2
Demonstrate awareness and understanding of some important contemporary issues related to music production as covered in the subject literature: 1,2
Demonstrate knowledge and recollection of practical methods to carry out specific music production and post-production tasks using state-of-the-art tools and techniques; inside and outside the studio (studio recording and live sound): 1,2
Demonstrate ability to plan and realise, in its various stages, a moderately complex music project;: 1,2
Demonstrate awareness of the issues of time management and resource constraints involved in project work in the music industry;: 1,2
Illustrate concepts, rationale and working practices, relating them to the facts and theories covered during the semester.: 1,2

Study hours

30 hours of contact time, to include:
8 hours lectures
6 hours seminars, demonstrations
6 hours workshops
10 hours small group tutorials
Individual study:
20 hours of preparation for workshops, group work and tutorials
100 hours of preparation for the summative assessments to include:
16 hours of reflection, revision and consolidation of lecture, workshop and individual supervision content, research through bibliographical and computer mediated sources through individual or group study work
10 hours of listening (recommended works from the repertoire), reflection and revision of aesthetic and technical aspects based on lecture content, bibliographical and computer mediated sources
10 hours of reading and reflection on literature covering the theory and aesthetics of record production and post-production.
60 hours to prepare for the two tasks.
4 hours to prepare and package the material for submission (music production).

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Practical Assessment weighted 50%
Live sound task (with brief and simulation of a live performance)
In groups of 3 or 4, students will tackle a simulated live performance for which they will be given a group mark. They will need to set up microphones for performers, carry out sound checks and tests, operate the sound equipment for a live performance and ensure the sound mix and balance is adequate. The simulation should last approximately 20 minutes. The presentation will be assessed by a panel. Students will answer questions while tackling this task.

2: Project weighted 50%
Final music production project (in Studio)
Project demonstrating familiarity with the theoretical and practical topics covered during the semester as well as ability to apply them to specific creative contexts involving the planning and realisation of a complete music track. The overall duration of the final product should be about 6 minutes. Students will need to use at least 5 microphones while recording and relevant sound processors. The project involves recording, mixing and mastering. The studio sound recording will be carried out in small groups. The mixing and mastering will be carried out and assessed individually. The report will be also individual and will involve explanations of all technical decisions, photos, captions on the planning and realization of the recoding, mixing and mastering project (approximately 2000 words).

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024