Music Technology BSc (Hons)

On this module you will develop a foundation of professional sound engineering skills. After learning the principles of sound and studio technology, you will explore them practically through taught studio sessions. We will introduce you to:

• Transducers
• Signal routing and gain staging
• Processing and recording principles
• Recording studio operations
• Summing and mixing theory
• Using the mixing console

Through this you will begin to understand the physical properties of sound, and how it behaves in different environments.

A fundamental understanding of how production technology works is key to a successful future in audio media. On this module you will investigate the techniques needed to effectively use digital workstations. These methods include:

• Audio recording, editing and mixing
• Analogue and digital sequencing, synthesis and sampling
• Operation of different software packages

This module focuses on developing your skills in professional engineering, as you work as a studio engineer on a recording based project. As well as technical skills, you will gain practical skills in organising a studio space, including appropriately laying our the space, and learn about the technical requirements for individual pieces of equipment.

Organisation is a key transferable skills that is essential in music technology and production. On this module you will learn about file management, archiving, and formatting across both analogue and digital platforms. There will also be opportunities to learn about different recording and delivery formats, connection protocols and audio capture and transfer.

On this module you will gain a deeper understanding of the music industry. You will start by exploring how the music industry has developed, appreciating how technology has propelled it into the 21st Century. You will learn about the formation of music industry institutions, legal frameworks, and more. You will also explore how the consumption of music has evolved by analysing at the sales of records and music instruments. Finally, you will consider the business models and fragmentation of the music industry.

Through this module we will introduce you to key academic sources, including books and journal articles, which will enhance your study. This will help you to analyse recorded pieces of music in a variety of contexts, and applying key frameworks to your written assessments will help you to develop your research and academic writing. We will also encourage you to join in discussions and debates, both spoken and written, about key concepts and issues surrounding the study of music production.

On this module you will focus on the production of electronic music. This will involve exploring the historical and practical factors which have influenced 21st century electronic music practice. You will examine the historical origins of interactive music, with reference to the earlier forms of electronic practice and their role in establishing today’s music paradigms.

The specialist software-based systems you learn about will include:

• Ableton Live
• MAX MSP
• Reaktor
• Touch OSc

Through a series of recording technique and computer-based production workshops, you will build your sound engineering skills on this module. You will study the design and operation of specialist studio recording equipment, hardware and software synthesisers and samplers. This will enable you to develop your skills and apply your technical understanding effectively in production scenarios.

This practical module will prepare you for your major project in your final year. Through practical workshops you will design, assemble and operate live sound systems, as well as evaluating their effectiveness. This will also involve assessing an event’s requirements, designing a system for it, planning its operation, and then performing the live sound duties. On this module you will also learn about the technical gear that is used in small to medium PA systems.

At this level you will be expected to engage with a greater range of research sources and demonstrate your increased ability when analysing recorded music. We will encourage you to evaluate factors that have shaped the evolution of the Music Production as an academic field. These could include technological, economic, social and cultural influences. You will be supported throughout the module with class workshops and formative assessments to build up your skills in this area. You will be supported throughout the module with class workshops and formative assessments primarily to build up your skills in this area.

Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio (Apple) are frequently used in music technology. On this module, you will compare how the platforms and studios are used for both standard stereo and immersive multi-channel sound production. This could include:

• Studio acoustics
• Equipment specification
• Ergonomics
• Power
• Light
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installation

On this module you will develop your skills in mixing music, along with further skills in critical listening and sonic evaluation. Using historical and current methods, you will find your own best practices for putting different audio tracks together.

As a music professional, it is important to know how music is presented and sold to the public. On this module you will learn about the different marketing and publicity processes used in the music industry. PR techniques have developed through research into how people use music in their lives, and the impact is had on their everyday activities. One aspect of this module is investigating how this information is gathered and how it feeds into business plans and models.

On this module you will develop your skills in presenting songs in a recorded format. This will involve investigating the concepts and contexts of producing song recordings, from demos through to the final production.

This module will focus on the raw material of popular song: melody, harmony, structure, and lyrics. Through workshops and practical exercises, you will explore how to combine these elements to communicate complex concepts and emotions, writing songs that listeners can relate to. You will study great songs and analyse what makes them so effective, which will help to enhance your own practice and better understand your art.

Through this module you will develop your understanding of the power of music when combined with the moving image. The theories you explore will focus on music for narrative film, but the module will also cover music in television, video game and web contexts. You will both learn the technical requirements of working with music and picture, and consider the theoretical discussions around the purpose of music and moving image.

On this module you will develop an understanding of the role of music in combination with the moving image. The theories explored will most likely focus on music for narrative film, but the module will also cover music in television, video game and web contexts. You will learn both the technical requirements of working with music and picture, and the theoretical discussions around the purpose and function of music and moving image.

Learn how historical developments in music technology have influenced electronic dance music (EDM) production styles, and develop an understanding of the techniques used to employ the technology in the creation of a music product. You will begin this module with a guided tour through the genesis of electronic music and its evolution into EDM in the contemporary context. You will then examine the instruments, composition and performance culture surrounding these early systems. We will consider the work of key figures such as Pierre Schaeffer, Bob Moog, Don Buchla and Derick May, among many others.

On this module you will develop a methodology for recording music in live performance situations. These are defined as performances that happen outside of a recording studio, where overdubbing is impractical or not desired, or where the presence of an audience places significant limitations on the recording process. For example:

• Recording a classical ensemble in a concert hall
• Producing a live recording from a gig in a rock venue
• Recording an acoustic ensemble for a live session on a radio programme

This module is your opportunity to showcase the breadth of knowledge and production skills gained during your time on the course. You will demonstrate your production practice and run a full recording project, producing a portfolio of audio products that showcase your understanding of different musical technologies. This could take the form of:

• An album production for a local music group
• A collection of tracks or EPs that demonstrate a range of recording contexts, such as live, studio or programmed
• A soundtrack for a film or other moving image product

Using analysis, experiment, theory, practice and reflection, for your dissertation you will write and submit a written document on a topic you are passionate about. After negotiating the subject with your supervisor, you will write up to 6,000 words that contribute to research in your chosen specialism.

During your time on the course, you will have developed skills that can be transferred into a variety of professional roles. On this module, you will work with a supervisor to develop a career plan, based on research into an industry or enterprise you are interested in. As part of this module you will also learn about continued professional development (CPD) and self-reflective exercises. These are tools with which you can use throughout your career as you continue to develop your professional practice.

On this module you will investigate the history of audio mastering, and consider how historical events have affected music distribution. You will use your critical listening skills in different contexts when looking into headphone technology, acoustics, and the evolution of audio formats. From receiving audio to delivering the final product, we will cover every part of the audio mastering process,helping you to gain a professional level understanding of this area of music technology.