Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The understanding of music and sound technology is a core requirement for anyone in creative production or music making. Performing musicians, composers, songwriters, producers, sound designers and sound artists all start from a common base of needing to understand the fundamentals of sound and acoustics along with basic techniques for sound recording, editing and delivery.

Aims

The unit aims to develop a critical and practical understanding of what sound is, how it is perceived and how it is produced and recorded. You will gain practical skills in sound recording, sound production and live sound reinforcement and will develop listening skills that are essential to creative music and sound production.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Apply fundamental acoustic principles to music making, and use technology in music and sound creation, production and presentation.
2. Appraise musical repertoire, music styles and modes of production and evaluate and critique musical works.
3. Utilise common audio record and replay devices and configure these in basic audio systems.
4. Operate basic sound reinforcement systems.
5. Record sound using a variety of microphones and techniques.
6. Construct multi-tracked soundscapes, sound compositions or musical works using digital manipulation of captured audio.
7. Document accurately and communicate effectively, details of the production process.

Content

Skills for the creation, interpretation and presentation of music using digital media, musical acoustic fundamentals, audio recording skills, digital signal processing, music critiquing and analysis skills, and musical communication skills. This unit addresses content such as physics of sound propagation, room acoustics, instrument acoustics, the physiology of hearing, sample theory, digital representation of audio, microphone techniques, audio signal flow, editing and mixing techniques, audio presentation formats.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning in this unit will be through lectures and tutorials, small group practical sessions, critical listening sessions and self directed learning activities.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information (CIFAI)
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Description: You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions
throughout the semester. Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Class test
Description: (Formative and Summative) Online quiz covering topics delivered in lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1,3 and 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early semester

Assessment name: Recording Project
Description: (Formative and Summative) Stereo recording of acoustic sound sources and written report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Multi-track composition
Description: (Formative and Summative)Multi-tracked composition and written report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text
There is no set text for this unit

Required Resources
Blank media (recordable CDs, DVDs)
Pair of enclosed headphones with appropriate 6.5 and 3.5mm adaptor
Recommended Resources
Portable hard disk drive (USB, and/or firewire)

Recommended References
Bartlett, Bruce, (c1991) Stereo Microphone Techniques Boston : Focal Press
Bartlett, Bruce (2006) Recording Music on Location Burlington : Elsevier
Ballou, G. (Ed.) Handbook for sound engineers: The new audio cyclopedia, Focal Press, Boston.
Borwick, J. (1987) Sound Recording Practice, Oxford University.
Davis, G. and Jones, R. (1987) Sound reinforcement handbook, Hal Leonard Publishing.
Gibson, Bill. (2006) The S.M.A.R.T guide to Mixing and Mastering Audio Recordings, Thompson Course
Technology.
Huber, David Miles, Williams, Phillip (1998) Professional microphone techniques, Emeryville, CA.
Huber and Runstein (2005) Modern Recording Techniques, SAMS, 6th edition.
Roads, Curtis. The computer Music Tutorial, Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, c1996.
Sokol, Mike, (1998) The Acoustic Musician's Guide to Sound Reinforcement & Live Recording, Upper Saddle
River, NJ : Prentice Hall, C1998.
Wagner, Michael J. (1994) Introductory musical acoustics. Contemp Pub Raleigh.
White, Paul. (1998) The sound on sound books of live sound for the performing musician, Sanctuary, London.

Risk assessment statement

Excessive noise in confined spaces can damage hearing. Exposure to such noise should be brief and controlled. Personal injury is possible from incorrectly lifting heavy electronic or acoustic instruments or equipment.
The physical demands of playing instruments may cause injuries such as repetitive strain injury. If in doubt consult a physician.
The use of electronic instruments and equipment may cause electrocution if handled incorrectly or an electrical fault occurs. Always ensure your equipment has been regularly tested by a qualified electrician.
Musical, electrical and computer equipment is prone to failure. Any loss of time for such failures should be accounted for in your planning.
Safety of data storage can never be fully guaranteed. You are required to take all steps necessary to ensure continuity of your data.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Sep-2012