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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Recording Popular Music

• Module code: MU4303
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 4
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: None
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module will focus on the project studio and explore a range of mobile / remote recording methods with the aim of producing high quality demos. Study on the module introduces you to the studio craft of self-producers, singer-songwriters, artists and bands that span a range of contemporary popular music genres. Lectures and workshops will focus on capturing creative experimentation, improvisation, managing collaboration, equipment setup, instrument preparation and environments for making interesting recordings.

Aims

• To examine the components and concepts within mobile and project studio recording systems
• To develop knowledge of a range of techniques for recording and mixing instruments and voices
• To build critical listening skills necessary to work creatively and flexibly in a studio environment
• To be able to practice and rehearse improvisation within studio performance through analysis and critical awareness of own work

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the range of music technologies appropriate for project studio recording.
• critically listen to and discuss a broad range of popular music productions.
• work comfortably and fluidly across a range of hardware and software platforms.
• produce successful multitrack recordings of their own work. 

Curriculum content

• A contextual introduction to the home recording revolution
• Examining core components for mobile and project studio recording systems
• An introduction to acoustics for recording and listening environments
• An introduction to microphones, instruments and their associated recording  techniques
• How to seek creative and imaginative approaches to the foundations of good engineering, mixing and production
• Improvisation techniques for performers and producers of popular music that span a range of genre
• How to manage collaboration
• File management and data back up 

Teaching and learning strategy

This module will be delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars and small group practical workshops. Lectures are designed to introduce students to the theory behind specific demo recording techniques; the seminars and workshops allowing these to be put into practice with the aim of students confidently building and developing their knowledge and skills base. 

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

A formative assessment, based around creating a short report into a project studio / mobile studio set up will be set in week 5 of TB1. This will provide clear feedback to students early in the module, so that they can develop an awareness of their rate and level of progress and of their strengths and weaknesses.  On-going discussion via the personal tutor and module leader will assist the student in the development of strategies for improvement and enhancement.

Summative assessment is through a portfolio of work which will include:

1)     a short class presentation (25%).

2)     recordings of demos accompanied by a critical reflection on this work (75%).

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Owsinski, B. (2014) The recording engineer's handbook (3^rd edition). Ringgold Inc

Senior, M. (2013) Mixing secrets for the small studio. Focal: Abingdon

Bibliography recommended reading

Coryat, K. (2008) Guerilla home recording: How to get a great sound from any studio (2^nd Edition). Hal Leonard Books: New York

Farquharson, M.l. (2006) Writer, producer, engineer: A handbook for creating contemporary commercial music. Berklee Press: Boston

Massey, H. (2009) Behind the glass: Top producers tell how they craft the hits (vol. 2). Backbeat: Milwaukee

Strong, J. (2014) Home recording for musicians for dummies (5^th edition). John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken