BA (Hons) Audio Production and Music Technologies

Fundamentals of Acoustics and Studio Technologies

This theoretical and technically-focused module introduces you to the fundamental principles of acoustics and their specific relevance to audio production and digital music technologies.

You will gain a intellectual framework for the practically-focused and applied modules in your first year.

The topics covered include:

• The physics of sound
• Harmonics
• Timbre and tuning systems
• Spatial and surround sound
• Digital audio systems.

Pro Tools 101

This module introduces you to the de facto industry standard audio recording software found in professional recording studios and post-production facilities throughout the world.

Pro Tools 110

This module builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in Pro Tools 101 and introduces you to more advanced and complex session creation and management, and more sophisticated audio processing, video handling, mixing and editing functionality.

The module also supports you in your operation of the recording studio on the Studio and Recording Techniques 2 module.

Upon completion of this module, you are encouraged to take the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools certification exam.

Sequencing and Programming

This practical module explores how music is created and produced ‘in-the-box’.

You will work in the hybrid studio and use a range of DAW software and virtual instruments including synthesizer emulations, ROMplers and sample players.

After being introduced to core sequencing techniques and automation processes, you will progress to the more advanced programming of orchestral samples and use notation software for facilitating live recording.

Studio and Recording Techniques 1

This practical module introduces you to the main functionality and primary operation of the Music Studio and a range of industry-standard studio recording techniques. You will be assessed through a portfolio of recordings, your ability to configure and prepare the studio and a studio setup plan.

Studio and Recording Techniques 2

This practical module builds on the core skills and techniques acquired in Studio and Recording Techniques 1 and explores more advanced functionality of the studio. You will increase your proficiency and experience in more complex recording methods. You will be assessed through a portfolio of recordings, your ability to configure and prepare the studio and a studio setup plan.

Field and Location Recording

During this practical module, you will develop the skills and specialist techniques required for recording sources in the field as well as actor dialogue and sound on set and location for film and TV productions.

You will work alongside peers and professionals to record dialogue and sound during the department’s commissioned short film.

Music Mastering

This practical module builds on the skills you gain in the Sound Engineering and Music Production module and explores the complex technical and creative post-production processes involved in mastering music for a variety of commercial output formats. You will be assessed by producing stereo and surround format masters.

Sound Design, ADR and Foley

In this module, you will explore the creative processes and core techniques that underpin and define the work of sound designers, ADR recorders and Foley artists.

As part of this, you will examine:

• when and why these professionals would be needed
• how they design “sound worlds” and “characters” to match movements and interactions
• the creation of sounds for productions set in the future, imaginary remote planets or featuring fictional creatures.

Sound Engineering and Music Production

This practical double module develops and extends the studio and recording techniques you developed in previous modules.

Through this, the module explores the more advanced creative skills and technical processes required to prepare, engineer and produce recorded music to a commercially viable standard.

Synthesis and Sampling

As part of your career in the music and recording industry you could design and program patches for hardware and software synthesizers and create custom sample libraries for commercial release.

This module explores key synthesis methods and uses hardware and software synthesizers and core sampling techniques to prepare you for more advanced, project-based work in this area in your final year.

Assessments

You will be assessed through a project where you design and construct an instrument in Kontakt, and a practical exam in a music studio.

Live Sound Engineering

This practical module builds upon key skills acquired in the Sound Engineering and Music Production module and explores the advanced creative skills and technical processes required to prepare, manage and engineer live music events to a commercially viable standard.

Advanced Sampling Project

This project-based module will build on the techniques and skills you gained during in the Synthesis and Sampling module. You will explore sampling technologies and practices and design a commercially viable sampled instrument library.

Audio for Video Games

This practical module develops your creative and technical skills in sound design and basic audio implementation specifically for video games, as well as covers the creation of a broad range of sound assets and audio related content.

You are also introduced to industry standard middleware, which enables sound designers to implement their assets in game.

You can take either this module or the ‘Advanced Sampling Project’ module.

Audio Post-Production

This practical module builds upon key skills acquired in the Sound Engineering and Music Production, Mastering Music, and Sound Design, ADR and Foley modules and explores the complex technical and creative post-production processes involved in ‘dubbing’ or ‘mixing’ sound and music for film and TV.

Specialist Project or Research Project

In this independent, project-driven, module, you have the opportunity to pursue your own enthusiasms and specialisms. This will usually take the form of a portfolio of creative work or a written research project.

Studio Infrastructures, IT and Design

This module aims to build significantly upon the theoretical knowledge acquired at Level 4 in Virtual Studio Technologies and Fundamentals of Acoustics, and practical studio experience gained throughout the BA thus far.

Delivered with input from one of our industry partners, the module explores the industrial approaches and methodologies involved in the research, planning, design, technical specification and ultimate construction of professional hybrid studios.

Group work is used to simulate industrial working practices and prepare students for potential routes to employment within this part of the music technology and design industry.

Collaborative Project

The Creative and Digital Technologies Department is founded on the principle of collaborative practice and actively encourages students to work across disciplines in the creation of film and related media content.

This double module allows BA Audio Production and Music Technology students to work alongside their colleagues on the Digital Film Production course as part of a tight-knit production team.

Here, you will take charge of the sound and music related roles on the Dissertation Film Project: on-set and on-location sound recording; sound design, ADR and Foley; score composition; and the production of the final audio dub.