UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Programme Title: Music Production Awarding Body: Staffordshire University Teaching Institution: Staffordshire University Final Awards: BA [Hons] Intermediate Awards: BA; Cert HE; Dip HE; BA Music Production Mode of Study: Full-time/Part-time UCAS Codes: W38P QAA Subject Benchmarks: Music JACS Code: W374 Entry Year: 2017-18

If you require this document in a larger text or a different media please contact us

2

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE

BA [Hons] Music Production The music industry has changed and evolved since the development of computer based recording systems and digital distribution. Music Production has become a challenging and competitive environment which presents creative and technological challenges. Our Music Production course is designed to develop skills and experience in audio production and recording. Using our state of the art facilities, you will examine the creative practices used within the Music Industry and through research, practical experimentation and development of critical skills, you will acquire knowledge in recording, mixing and mastering techniques, critical and creative listening, sequencing and audio editing and processing and develop practical and creative skills required to succeed in the Music Industry.

The course also offers options to develop skills such as business awareness, electronics and programming skills to create your own hardware/software, music and artist promotion composition, audio for moving images such as film or computer games audio etc.

During your first year [level 4] you will learn the basics of audio creation and production, audio recording and editing and audio fundamentals to provide you with key skills required for working within studio and production environments. You will also be introduced to music creative processes and practices, song writing and lyric writing and develop musicianship skills either individually or as part of a group.

In your second year [level 5] you will learn specialist production and studio skills and apply this knowledge to produce audio productions and mixes of artists and bands using a range of equipment and software within a commercial recording setting. You will also gain in-depth knowledge of industry standard recording software packages to extend your knowledge of DAW environments. You will also develop skills in popular and experimental composition techniques and music theory.

In your final year [level 6] you will focus on your project dissertation and portfolio. This is the pinnacle of your studies and will be the study of a specialist subject of your choice. Supported and guided by an academic member of staff, you will produce a written dissertation and physical piece of work [an audio production, a composition, etc.] to demonstrate all of the skills and knowledge you have gained during your studies. You will also develop advanced skills in mixing and mastering processes.

The aims of the course are:

To develop production, practical and theoretical skills in all areas of music and audio creation as well as creative song writing, music theory and performance skills

To develop critical listening skills and develop imaginative concepts and ideas to create commercial music productions

To prepare students for a range of careers in the music industry in terms of creative, technical and business skills

To develop academic, creative and communication skills and develop a portfolio of work to demonstrate these skills

To prepare students for the changing world of the creative industries and develop skills in order to create innovative ways of working to remain world leaders in their field

3

On completion of a course graduates should be able to: Utilise audio recording software and hardware to produce work to a high

standard of a technical and creative nature Understand the nature of sound, how to record, manipulate and process it to

create audio productions to a commercial level.

Be innovative and creative in production ideas and techniques Be employable either as an individual or as a member of a team in many

varied and differing positions within the Creative Industries Implement and evaluate technology in a business environment.

Specify, design and manage technology systems in the Creative industries. What is distinctive about this course? This course is distinct from other similar courses in that:

It strikes an excellent balance between creativity and technology; whilst the underpinning of technology is important, we never lose sight of the fact that the technology is used for creativity, to allow us to produce exciting, high quality audio products. Our facilities and equipment are all industry standard giving students the confidence and experience in operating the kind of equipment used by the creative industries.

You will be taught by specialist lecturers with many years of experience in their field. We also have many specialist workshops, world renowned guest lecturers and demonstrations by experts with unique industry insight.

Through a range of optional modules, the course allows you to develop specialisms in a range of areas: whether you wish to concentrate on production of certain genres of music, creating audio production for a particular discipline etc. you will be able to tailor your course to your own design.

The course is very practically based: whilst there are modules where written

and presentation work is a key element of your assessment, the demonstration of your practical and creative skills are the key part of your success on this award.

The multi-disciplinary nature of this course provides a range of graduates for the music and creative industries. It is expected that graduates will be well-equipped for jobs in areas including but not limited to:

Recording studios Pre- and post-production facilities Television, satellite and radio broadcasting Sound/music for film/TV/video Sound/music for games and apps

Music distribution Event and artist management Live sound and theatre Interactive Multimedia Design Music and media education Collaborative/community arts Composing/recording/performing artists

4

This award is part of a suite of awards offered by the music department which includes Science and Arts awards, other awards you may be interested in:

BSc [Hons] Music Technology BSc [Hons] Sound Design BA [Hons] Electronic Music [Composition & performance] BA [Hons] Music Business and Production

All of the Music Courses share key themes and learning outcomes. These themes are:

Business [e.g. industry knowledge, entrepreneurship] Specialist Technologies [ability to understand and use music production

hardware and software] Creativity [e.g. composing music, live performance]

Production [e.g. recording techniques, creating custom sounds for film/games]

The difference between the courses is the emphasis on these themes. In each course, elements of these themes may be core, supplementary or optional as shown in the following table:

This table shows in the Music Production award, Music Production, Software, Composition and Engineering are high on the agenda. There is slightly less but still significant emphasis on learning about electronics and business elements. The Staffordshire Graduate

The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work.

5

The Staffordshire Graduate attributes will be incorporated into core modules of this course. Examples of these learning activities are:

Working both individually and in teams to create completed Musical works. Learning and utilising several different industrially commercial hardware and

software packages.

Working in teams to record and produce a group of musicians in a recording studio, to a set deadline.

Being encouraged to entrepreneurial by creating a Music Business in small teams.

Develop hardware and software solutions and tools to control audio software in studio and live environments.

Manipulate previously recorded material to create new and exciting musical productions.

There are several modules that involve students working together across different levels and the aim of these modules is to directly address the attributes of the Staffordshire Graduate. For instance, in Level 5 Practical Studio Techniques module, these students will record a set of Level 4 students from the Recording Studio Production module. These modules develop confidence, team working and entrepreneurial skills.

6

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

By the end of Level 4, you will have a solid understanding of the theories, technologies and practices relating to the production of audio. You will have been introduced to key research techniques, such as working independently, working in a group, finding information and presenting the results of your work in a variety of ways.

By the end of Level 5, you will have a much broader and deeper understanding of audio production techniques and will be able to demonstrate professional-level practice. You will have developed your collaborative working skills, such as giving, receiving and responding to constructive criticism. You will have built on your research skills by demonstrating an ability to learn independently and analyse your research sources as well as your own work.

By the end of Level 6, you will have applied and extended this knowledge through pursuing the practical and theoretical study of audio production in your chosen specialisms. You will learn and apply advanced audio production techniques in contemporary contexts, and be ready to begin professional practice and/or embark on postgraduate study.

What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to:

Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrate practical knowledge of the synthesis and production of audio.

Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of key concepts in creating and producing audio.

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects in creating and producing audio to a commercial standard

Learning

Demonstrate and develop a reflective approach to learning in a modern audio production environment.

Understand the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.

Demonstrate an understanding of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.

Enquiry

Show a professional approach to research and information gathering.

Demonstrate ability to independently seek and present information from existing literature.

Demonstrate ability to carry out a research project incorporating quantitative testing, qualitative analysis and ethical considerations.

Analysis

Justify the use of specific technology and techniques for a specific audio production situation.

Understand the efficacy of a range of technologies and techniques for a specific audio production situation.

Discuss various contemporary technologies and techniques from current research and practice. Critically evaluate their application.

Problem Solving

Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving a variety of audio production problems.

Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving a variety of audio production problems and propose solutions based on analysis of novel situations.

Frame audio production problems as appropriate questions to devise a range of solutions in unfamiliar contexts.

Communication

Communicate the results of audio project work accurately, reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments in both written form and orally.

Communicate effectively information and arguments in written, oral, online and digital recordings, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Communicate and analyse audio production, information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Application

Learn and demonstrate audio production techniques within a structured, managed environment.

Apply underlying concepts and principles in new contexts through independent study.

Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, using ideas and techniques, some of which maybe at the forefront music production

Reflection

Demonstrate ability to work independently on practical and academic projects.

Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for their own learning by identifying and developing new skills.

Manage their own learning, exercise initiative and apply critical reasoning and argument in the undertaking of audio or music related projects and assessment.

7

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS

L

E

V

E

L

4

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

CORE

MUSI40600

Recording Studio

Production

[30]

CORE

MUSI40601

Creative Music

Practice 1

[30]

CORE

MUSI40627

Revolutions in

Music

[30]

LEVEL 4 OPTION

[1x 30-credit

modules]

* LEVEL 4 OPTION MODULES

Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2 Cats

MUSI40602 Creative Software Tools for Sound 1 30

MUSI40604 Music Business 1 30

MUSI40603 Electronics for Music 1 30

L

E

V

E

L

5

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

CORE

MUSI50617

DAW Production

Techniques

[30]

CORE

MUSI50608

Practical Studio

Techniques

[30]

CORE

MUSI50614

Creative Music

Practice 2

[30]

LEVEL 5 OPTION

[2 x 15 or 1 x 30]

* LEVEL 5 OPTION MODULES

Teaching

Block 1

Cats Teaching

Block 2

Cats

MUSI50606 Electronics for Music 2 15 MUSI50609 Sound Design for Film and

Games [Intermediate] 15

MUSI50613 Venue Acoustics 15

MUSI50605 Digital Performance 30

MUSI50610 Sound Design for Film and Games 30

MUSI50611 Studio and Venue Acoustics 30

MUSI50615 Creative Software Tools for Sound 2 30

MUSI50607 Music Business -Promotion 30

L

E

V

E

L

6

Teaching

Block 1

Teaching

Block 2

CORE

MUSI60618

Mixing and

Production

Management

[30]

CORE

MUSI60152

Individual Music

Technology Project

[30]

CORE

MUSI60137

Individual Music

Portfolio

[30]

LEVEL 6 OPTION

[2 x 15 or 1 x 30]

* LEVEL 6 OPTION MODULES

Teaching Block 1 Cats Teaching Block 2 Cats

MUSI60150 Sound for Mobile Devices 15 MUSI60279 Advanced Pro Tools HD Techniques 15

MUSI60623 Sound Design for the Creative

Industries 15 MUSI60621 Mastering Techniques 15

EDUC60230 Teacher Training 15

FILM60195

Work Experience in the Film,

Games, Music and Television

Industries

15 FILM60195

Work Experience in the Film, Games,

Music and Television Industries 15

MUSI60153 Work Placement in the

Entertainment Industry 15 MUSI60153

Work Placement in the

Entertainment Industry 15

MUSI60626 Music Business - Management 30

MUSI60625 Intermedia Art 30

*All optional modules are subject to availability

8

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning

The range of teaching methods depends on the individual module and contents. These methods are designed by the staff to ensure students gain a full understanding of theories and practical skills within the module subject. The methods include:

Lectures to provide theoretical ideas and to underpin the module subject Tutorials to further develop ideas and provide additional support to students, Group-work to develop teamwork skills and collaborative learning, Hands on studio and practical sessions to develop key practical skills in the use of

music hardware and software.

Teaching is very much informed by the cutting-edge research, experience and practice of staff and complemented by guest lectures from leading industry professionals.

Collaboration and Teamwork

At Levels 4 and 5 the students have a great deal of experience working as part of a team

in several modules and throughout the course they are assessed in a variety of ways i.e.

reports, practical work, presentations, exams etc. At level 6, students are encouraged to

utilise a wide range of skills and work with and manage the recording of artists to

develop profession audio products.

Learning Resources

All learning and teaching is supported by Blackboard, our virtual learning environment.

This contains teaching notes and all additional materials to help support teaching. Our

library has 24 hour access and contains a huge range of learning resources to assist your

studies including access to eBooks and to Lynda.com, a large online training library.

Practical Resources The Music departments have a large range of industry standard equipment and facilities which are used during teaching and assessment sessions. The laboratories, studios and lecture spaces are used for classes, laboratories, independent study, portfolio development, rehearsal and performances. Students also have access to film and camera equipment to develop media based ‘show reel’ content to help self-promotion and employment opportunities. The University’s music resources can be used independently by students for work on individual and group projects. Independent learning is a key element to all University courses and to assist you there is a range of technical instruction [TI] sessions run by our teaching support staff to supplement the learning process.

Employability

Employability is at the core of the design of these courses and the learning strategy

reflects that. Employability is determined by three main areas:

Acquisition of Technical Skills

Learning about the Business Environment

Personal Development Planning [PDP]

Your Lecturers

Your lecturers have a wide range of industrial and academic experience. Many have worked in the industry for many years and also have studied or are studying towards PhD level. This knowledge, experience and research is used to form the basis of your lectures and tutorials to ensure you have up-to-date skills and benefit from the best

9

research currently available. All of the academic team are also members of the Higher Education Academy, a national body which recognises teaching quality. As described earlier in this document, we also invite visiting lecturers to give talks giving a unique insight into the music industry by world renowned producers, songwriters and musicians.

Assessment

A range of assessment techniques are used, including presentations, written reports, practical work, oral tests, online tests, exams, class tests and group work. The method of assessment has been carefully considered for each learning outcome of each module and the most appropriate method to assess that outcome has been used.

Throughout this course the majority of assessments are course work based. There are no exams in Level 4 but a number of on-line multiple choice tests have been introduced via Blackboard.

The module assessments are designed not only to assess your progress but also to help you develop a portfolio of work to use as a 'showreel' to prospective employers. As the creative industries are largely interested in the quality of the creative output of its employees as well as their academic skills and their ability to learn, it is vital that assessments of your modules reflect the nature of industry requirements An example of assessment is the level 5 module 'Practical Studio Techniques' During semester 1 you will be given lectures and demonstrations on technical and theoretical processes such as equalisation, compression, audio routing and processing and equipment design. Every two weeks you will be asked a series of questions as a formative assessment on knowledge gained during the course of the module. This allows the academic members of staff to give you instant feedback regarding your knowledge and performance and give advice on areas they feel require further research and practical development and practice. This, therefore, will enable you to reflect on the quality and pace of your own learning. During semester 2 you will use these skills to record an artist/band and produce various mixes. You will be observed and given feedback during the recording process and will then present your mixes and a reflective account of the whole production process in the form of a group presentation. You will be encouraged to keep a copy of your work to add to a portfolio of work to demonstrate to prospective employers your practical and academic skills.

The vast majority of written assessment will be handed in electronically through our online virtual learning environment and the deadline for these assessments is usually 12:00 midnight on the hand in date. However, if you are required to hand in a printed copy this would be in the Faculty Office. Instructions for the submission of practical assignments will be included in the relevant module handbooks.

10

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What qualifications would I need to join this programme? For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/ For the Music Production award, students are not required to have any prior formal music qualifications but your experience will affect your option choices in the first year. Evidence of work in the area in the form of a portfolio or show reel is strongly encouraged. Mature students will be individually reviewed for admission dependant on experience. This is normally reviewed by a formal interview. An IELTS Score of 6.5 is required where applicable Can I join the course at level 5 or 6? An applicant having an HND or Foundation Degree in an appropriate subject will be eligible for direct at a suitable point on the course or onto a Top-up course to be determined by the Academic Group Leader and the Course Leader.

Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/disabled/support/

AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Students must achieve at least 20% in each element of assessment in every module. Students must achieve a minimum of 40% overall to pass each module. Students are eligible to undertake a placement, completion of which leads to the award of a ‘sandwich’ degree. In order to qualify for the award of an Honours degree both final year project modules [Dissertation & Portfolio] must be passed.

Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about

optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations.

The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire

Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed:

12

13