MO4S15 - Digital Music Production 16 Mar 2016 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MO4S15
Module Title: Digital Music Production
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: Stuart Jones
Module Team: Matthew Evans, Stuart Jones, Lucy Squire
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100223 - music production
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 16 Mar 2016
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims:

1. To equip students with relevant technological skills for song writing and song production, using contemporary music technologies.

2. To develop the skills required to create and produce original computer- based compositions.

3. To maximise the potential for creative output through the use of music technology software.

4. To support the development of practical skills associated with electronic and computer music at an advanced level.

Content Summary

The module provides the student with the opportunity to develop skills in composition, audio and MIDI recording, editing and processing within the computer domain to an advanced level.

The recording portfolio will be developed through tutorial guidance and the student will use established and/or experimental processes to achieve their aims.

Indicative content:

1. Creating a Song
2. Recording Audio
3. Editing Audio
4. Building Drum Patterns and Sounds
5. Recording MIDI
6. Creating and Editing MIDI
7. Building a Song Arrangement
8. Editing an Arrangement
9. Mixing
10. Automating the Mix
11. Bouncing the Mix
12. Uploading Tracks, Formats and Using Social Media
13. Working to Picture
14. Production Analysis

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Seminar 2
Tutorial 2
Project supervision 2
Practical classes and workshops 26
Independent Study 108
Directed Study 50
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Appraise and assess the range of digital music production techniques available, informed by current research or advanced scholarship within the subject domain (disciplinary methodologies).
LO2 Analyse and select appropriate techniques related to composition, recording, editing and processing, demonstrating initiative, originality and practical understanding in the application of appropriately-chosen production strategies (application).
LO3 Design and arrange a well-judged recording portfolio to a professional standard, organising and producing the material in a manner that demonstrates self­direction in problem-solving, planning and implementing tasks (autonomy in skill use).

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch) Digital Production: Practical 2 – submission of a recording portfolio. 15 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Digital Production: Practical 1 – building and editing an arrangement. 15 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch)
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)

Reading List

Bustelo, Dot (2012) The Power in Logic Pro: Songwriting, Composing, Mixing, and Making Beats. Hal Leonard Corporation.

Cahn, Sammy (1984) Songwriters Rhyming Dictionary. Souvenir Press Ltd;

Cook, Frank (2013) Pro Tools 101: An Introduction to Pro Tools 11 (Avid Learning). Delmar Cengage Learning.

Gilreath, Paul (2010) The Guide to MIDI Orchestration. Focal Press.

Hewitt, Michael (2008) Music Theory for Computer Musicians. Delmar.

Hewitt, Michael. (2009). Composition for Computer Musicians. Delmar.

Hewitt, Michael. (2010). Harmony for Computer Musicians. Delmar.

Izhaki, Roey (2011) Mixing Audio. 2nd Edition. Focal Press

Katz, Bob (2014) Mastering Audio: The Art and Science. 3rd Edition. Focal Press

Lellis, Carlos (2013) Music Production: Recording: A Guide for Producers, Engineers, and Musicians. Focal Press

Mixerman (2014) Zen and the Art of Mixing. 2nd Revised edition. Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation.

Nahmani, David (2013). Apple Pro Training Series: Logic Pro X. Peachpit Press

Phillips, Winifred (2014) A Composer’s Guide to Game Music. MIT Press.

Senior, Mike (2011), Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio. Focal Press.

Whie, Paul (2011) The Producer's Manual. 2nd Edition. Sample Magic.