The module is designed to give students a deep and thorough understanding of the processes and techniques involved in the recording and production of popular music. It will look at a range of recording techniques and will provide students with the opportunity to gain fluency in the operation of a recording studio. The role of the Producer in creating, developing, managing and presenting a recording project will be studied and students will be equipped with the faculties to produce work which demonstrates creativity and is of a professional standard. Topics covered will include microphone techniques, digital recording and editing techniques, advanced sequencing, mixing and mastering techniques, creating arrangements and communicating with artists and session musicians, investigation of genre-specific production techniques and analysis of contemporary and historical recordings. The relationship between the Producer and the recording and media business will be examined. Students will be trained to critically evaluate their own work and position it in the context of the wider music and media business environment. Students will employ these techniques and skills to create a portfolio of short recordings accompanied by a commentary detailing the techniques employed, and to develop and present a recording project, with supporting documentation.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Lectures and seminars will introduce students to key recording and production concepts and techniques. Guided laboratory/workshop sessions will provide the student with the opportunity to develop their understanding of editing, sequencing, arranging and audio processing techniques.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures and Seminars Workshops | 21 12 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 267 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module will be assessed through a portfolio of work consisting of recording and editing exercises and a recording project.
The assessment for this module is designed to give the student the opportunity to develop recording and editing skills and to create a recording project with an overarching theme that will demonstrate practical skills in the areas of recording, production, mixing techniques and project management. The assessment, by way of critical analyses and documentation, also provides an opportunity to demonstrate excellent analytical and critical facilities, and to demonstrate an awareness of how the student’s work is positioned in the wider context of popular culture and the music and media business arena.
The module will be assessed by a Portfolio (100%) of work comprising of three elements:
1. Digital Editing Exercise and 750-word Critical Analysis
The student will select a piece of popular music and make an edit of it that is exactly 1m 30secs in length. Cross-fades, automation and effects processing should be employed. A 750 word Critical Analysis will also be submitted.
2. Ensemble Recording and 750-word Critical Analysis
Working in pairs students will make a multi-track recording of an acoustic ensemble. An individual mix should be created, employing a range of production techniques. A 750 word Critical Analysis will also be submitted.
3. Recording Project and 1200-word Written Commentary and relevant supporting documentation.
The student, in the role of producer, will develop and manage a recording project consisting of approximately 8 minutes of recorded material plus a 1200 word written commentary and relevant supporting materials. The recorded material may be cover versions, or original material by the student or the artist being recorded. The focus and content of the project is to be devised by the student. After approval by the lecturer the project, written commentary and supporting materials can be completed.
Elements 1 and 2 will be submitted at points during the first half of the module, providing the opportunity for formative feedback. Element 3 is a summative piece of assessment.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Demonstrate an ability to use a digital recording and editing system with confidence; | Portfolio element 1: Digital Editing Exercise |
| 2) Display proficiency in using a recording studio to produce high quality recordings; | Portfolio element 2: Ensemble Recording Portfolio element 3: Recording Project |
| 3) Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the recording and mixing processes involved in producing a professional master recording; | Portfolio element 1: Digital Editing Exercise & Critical Analysis Portfolio element 2: Ensemble Recording Portfolio element 3: Recording Project & Commentary/supporting materials |
| 4) Realise the role of Producer by creating, developing and managing an imaginative production project; | Portfolio element 3: Recording Project & Commentary/supporting materials |
| 5) Demonstrate a professional, imaginative and critical approach to popular music production; | Portfolio element 3: Recording Project & Commentary/supporting materials |
| 6) Critically evaluate their work and position it in the context of the recording and media businesses. | Portfolio elements 1 & 2: Critical Commentaries and Portfolio element 3: Recording Project Commentary |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| CWK | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
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