The module explores advanced audio design techniques and critical listening skills demonstrated and applied in specific music contexts. Students will develop the ability to discern and analyse sound characteristics, record and sculpt sonic events to create original sound design, and produce advanced creative work that explores the rich potential offered by sound processing and arranging techniques. Students will look into works of significant composers in the field, and will be taught through a series of interactive seminars, studying both the aesthetics and the technology of audio-based composition and sound design.
Total Contact Hours: 22
Independent Study Hours: 128
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Assessment for Level 5 students:
Portfolio (100%): Audio Exercises (25%) and a 3-min Miniature Stereo Composition (60%) with 600 words written report (15%).
Reassessment methods
Like for like.
Indicative Reading List
Cox, C. and D. Warner (2007). Audio Culture - Readings in Modern Music. Oxford: Bloomsbury.
Emmerson, S. and Landy L. (eds) (2016). Expanding the Horizon of Electroacoustic Music Analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Landy, L. (2007). Understanding the Art of Sound Organisation. Cambridge.: MIT Press.
Moore A. (2016). Sonic Art. Oxon: Routledge.
Roads C. (2015). Composing Electronic Music. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Smalley, D. (1997). 'Spectromorphology: explaining sound-shapes'. Organised Sound, Vol. 2, pp. 107-126.
Wishart, T. (1996). On Sonic Art. Reading: Harwood Academic Publishers.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module Level 5 students will be able to:
1) recognise key facts and comment on concepts, principles and theories relevant to contemporary music technology and audio production;
2) demonstrate an awareness of contemporary audio technologies and their associated uses;
3) work creatively with a wide range of tools, techniques and equipment, including specialist software.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module Level 5 students will be able to:
1) assimilate theoretical and aesthetic systems of thought and to relate theory to practice;
2) synthesize inputs (knowledge, materials, information) in order to generate outputs in written, aural and practical format;
3) manage time and resources effectively, plan and set priorities.
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