Unit name | Professional Techniques |
---|---|
Unit code | MUSIM0024 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Mr. Scott |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Music |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit introduces the concept of studio production: the gray area in between the typical job of a composer and the creation of a polished audio product. The unit trains the aspiring media composer in the key aspects of music studio work and covers techniques in: effective MIDI sequencing; use of sample libraries and synthesis; audio recording; audio mixing; audio mastering; picture synchronisation. Assignments include the opportunity for live workshop performance of specially composed scores from which the recording may be mixed into a project prescribed in the Media Composition unit.
By the end of this unit students should be able to: use a MIDI sequencer with proficiency, understanding their role as (offline) performer in a variety of musical genres; record individual and groups of real instruments and voices to a high standard, using a combination of 'close studio' and 'classical' microphone techniques; mix their compositions bringing together electronic and live elements effectively; master their audio, optimizing quality for a variety of output formats.
1 x 2hr lecture per week
3 x 20% and 1 x 40% Project
Recommended reading
Also, manuals for: Digital Performer 7, Logic Pro 9, Pro Tools 9, EastWest Quantum Leap Symphony Orchestra Platinum Complete Plus, Superior Drummer, Native Instruments' Komplete, Waves Gold Native plug-ins, and Peak Pro 6.
The Arts & Social Sciences Library has a good selection of studio-related books. You may find that some of them get put on short loan (one day) to maximise availability – there are several undergraduate units that also refer to them. There are other relevant books that will be available for ordinary borrowing. If you’re browsing for studio-related books in the main Arts & Social Sciences library, bear in mind that they are not with the main bulk of music books, but instead are in the Engineering section at TK7881.4.