Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
This course develops advanced skills in creative music making music using music technologies and digital audio workstations. Topics include audio and MIDI recording, editing and mixing techniques, sound design, mix automation and critical listening. This course also focuses on microphone techniques for recording classical musicians.
Please note that this course offering may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students enrol.
In this course you learn advanced creative music production with a focus on music recording and professional studio practice.ﾠTopics include mixer operation, microphone selection and placement, audio and MIDI recording, editing and mixing techniques,ﾠmix automation and technical troubleshooting.You also gain practical experience developing microphone techniques for recording instrumental musicians and vocalists. You work on a major album recording project in the School of Music's recording studio and gain experience working in music production roles such as music producer, mix engineer, sound recordist and mastering engineer.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Some prior experience with music technology and/or recording is assumed. Most students complete this course after studying MUSC1010 or MUSC2010 or MUSC3010. Enrolment may be considered if relevant real-world experience can be demonstrated.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC1010 or MUSC2010
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MU374
Restrictions
course offering may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students enrol
Course contact
Lecturer
Course staff
Tutor
Mr Caleb Colledge
Dr Chris Perren
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Recording Intensive
During the semester, students will be required to attend at least one intensive learning activity outside of normal class hours for assessment work. These intensives provide students with a work-integrated learning experience performing a professional role in a real recording session. Students will be given advanced notice of the recording schedule via Blackboard and the opportunity to express preferences for preferred times to participate.
You will need to be available to be assigned to recording sessions occurring during weekends or the Mid-Semester break. Do not enrol in this course if you plan to be away during this period.
Project Week
The School of Music has a week dedicated to performances and projects. During this time, you take a break from lectures and laboratories. Details are provided in Blackboard.
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The course focuses on creative music making techniques and studio recording practices. You will develop a firm understanding of the processes involved in the creative application of music technologies for composition, sound design and music production. Analytical and practical tasks enable you to apply your knowledge of music creation and sound production in a flexible way, preparing you for frequent changes to the equipment, circumstances and methods encountered in professional industry contexts. Regular practical assignments for this course enable you to negotiate a range of professional techniques and workflows gaining experience of working inﾠreal-world recording sessions. Practical skills are reinforced by theoretical material presented in video-lecture materials, readings and additional demonstrations in the weekly laboratory sessions.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand audio signal flows and their application in sound recording and mixing and use this knowledge to troubleshoot technical problems and achieve creative outcomes in both individual and group contexts.
LO2.
Operate music hardware, digital audio workstations and associated software plugins to achieve creative music making outcomes in both individual and group contexts.
LO3.
Understand how a range of technologies are applied in order to capture, generate or manipulate sonic and musical material and demonstrate an awareness of the artistic and cultural contexts of these applications.
LO4.
Analyse technical and creative choices made when working with music technologies and communicate these choices to others in a clear and effective way.
LO5.
Demonstrate initiative developing a music recording project with others which includes virtual and real world project organisation and collaboration, reciprocal creative contributions, and critical reflections on the project decisions and outcomes.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Project |
Creative Production Projects
|
21% |
Occurs during your scheduled class. If your class is impacted by a public holiday you will complete the assessment at your next scheduled class. 12/08/2024 - 16/09/2024 |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Intensive Studio Recording Experience Evaluation
|
15% |
21/09/2024 - 18/10/2024
Please note: this assessment will occur outside of your normally scheduled class times during weekends and/or the Mid-Semester Break. Nomination of your preferred times will occur in class during Week 1-2 and a list of your assigned time will then be posted in Blackboard. Written evaluation is due by 3pm Friday 4 October 2024. |
| Quiz |
In-Class Quiz
|
14% |
14/10/2024 - 11/10/2024
Submission is during your laboratory class, in person. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Project, Reflection |
Major Creative Production Project and Presentation
|
50% |
21/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Submit your project files before the commencement of your Week 13 laboratory class. Present during your scheduled Week 13 laboratory class. Submit your Exegesis by 3pm Friday, Week 13. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Creative Production Projects
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Project
- Weight
- 21%
- Due date
Occurs during your scheduled class. If your class is impacted by a public holiday you will complete the assessment at your next scheduled class. 12/08/2024 - 16/09/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assessment provides a practical opportunity for you to apply and refine your music production skills in a progressive way through the presentation of short practical creative productions tasks which must be completed during your scheduled laboratory classes. These tasks will occur roughly every 2 weeks, starting in Week 4. For an accurate and detailed timetable of in-class tasks, please see Blackboard.
You complete the Creative Production Projects (CPPs) in your laboratory class with assistance from your tutor. At the beginning of class, you will be provided with the information or files necessary to complete the task, and you must complete and submit the work to Blackboard within your class time.
Please note:
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- If you are absent during an in-class assessment without medical or other documentation you will receive a score of 0 for this activity. If a project is missed for legitimate personal or medical reasons, and documentation is provided, an extension can be granted by the course-co-ordinator. In this case, it is the your responsibility to liaise with your tutor to arrange a suitable time to re-sit the task.
- You must be complete this assignment in the digital audio workstation software specified in Blackboard. You will receive a score of 0 for this activity if you complete it using other digital audio workstation software. No exceptions will be made.
Submission guidelines
Submissions vary from task to task. Please see Blackboard for detailed submission instructions for each task.
Alternate submission instructions may be provided by the Course Coordinator in the event of approved extensions or absences from class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Intensive Studio Recording Experience Evaluation
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
21/09/2024 - 18/10/2024
Please note: this assessment will occur outside of your normally scheduled class times during weekends and/or the Mid-Semester Break. Nomination of your preferred times will occur in class during Week 1-2 and a list of your assigned time will then be posted in Blackboard. Written evaluation is due by 3pm Friday 4 October 2024.
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will assist in the creation of a music recording taking on one or more of the following technical roles during a recording session:
- Sound Recordist
- Mix Engineer
- Producer
- Technical Assistant
- Camera Operator
- Mastering Engineer
You are also required to complete a written evaluation of your experiences during the Studio Recording Intensive recording sessions.
For students completing the Mid-Semester Break Intensive, evaluations are due by 3pm Friday in Week 10 via the Turnitin submission link in Blackboard. Further details will be provided in Blackboard during Week 1. Students completing their Intensive after the mid-semester break will be given alternate dates for the submission of their evaluations (via Blackboard).
Please note: parts of this assessment occur outside of your normally scheduled class times during weekends or the Mid-Semester Break. Students will be given a choice of recording sessions to attend and advanced notice of the times these will occur.
Nomination of your preferred times will occur in class during Week 1-2 and a list of your assigned time will then be posted in Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
You must attend and demonstrate satisfactory participation of your assigned professional role in at lease one of the Practical Recording Intensive sessions. If you do not attend your assigned intensive you will receive 0% for this assessment item.
Full criteria and marking details will be provided in the Assessments area of Blackboard.
Please Note:
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- You must complete this assignment in the digital audio workstation software specified in Blackboard. You will receive a score of 0 for this activity if you complete it using other digital audio workstation software. No exceptions will be made.
- You are required to save your work on this project at least once per day, every day you work on it as a separate file with a new name. These files will be used to verify your progress over time and may be requested for inspection by the Course Coordinator. Please retain these files until you have received your final course grade for MUSC3020.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Class Quiz
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 14%
- Due date
14/10/2024 - 11/10/2024
Submission is during your laboratory class, in person.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
During your Week 12 laboratory, you complete an in-class quiz lasting 30 minutes.
The quiz will test your knowledge of the course lectures and readings up to and including content for Week 12.
You are not permitted to access any materials while you complete the quiz.
Please note:
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- If you are absent during an in-class assessment without medical or other documentation you will receive a score of 0 for this activity. If a project is missed for legitimate personal or medical reasons, and documentation is provided, an extension can be granted by the course-co-ordinator. In this case, it is the your responsibility to liaise with your tutor to arrange a suitable time to re-sit the task.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Major Creative Production Project and Presentation
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Project, Reflection
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
21/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Submit your project files before the commencement of your Week 13 laboratory class.
Present during your scheduled Week 13 laboratory class.
Submit your Exegesis by 3pm Friday, Week 13.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning, Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
You work on a large-scale collaborative creative recording project (an album or EP) focused on the creation of an original musical or sonic work using the course Prescribed Digital Audio Workstation and the School of Music Recording Studio.
You also complete a 1000 word Exegesis documenting the creation of the work which is due for submission by 3pm Friday of Week 13. The exegesis is worth 10% . The exegesis must adhere to academic writing style and referencing conventions.
You present your completed recording in your scheduled Week 13 laboratory class.
Your Major Production Project should demonstrate:
- Effective collaboration with a minimum of four other students enrolled in MUSC3020 and regular contribution to creative project development for both the song you have produced and the songs of at least two other MUSC3020 students you are contributing to. Regular contribution means discussing and presenting song progress in class, organising and progressing your creative contribution to your project and the projects of others though regular real-world and online communication and project management, and progressive development of your song and progressive contribution to the songs of others throughout the semester. Students should work with a minimum of two other students on the song they are producing and should contribute to songs produced by two other students.
- Technical and creative proficiency working with recording studio hardware to create sound recordings aligned to the requirements of the Project Brief.
- The technical and creative proficiency to produce and arrange original musical material aligned to the context described in the Project Brief.
- The technical and creative proficiency to record and edit audio and MIDI content in the prescribed Digital Audio Workstation.
- The technical and creative proficiency to mix and process audio and MIDI content in the prescribed Digital Audio Workstation.
- Applied knowledge of professional file management skills with submission files completed according to the specifications of the Project Brief.
Full details will be provided in the Project Brief during Week 1.
Please note:
- You must be complete this assignment in the digital audio workstation software specified in Blackboard. You will receive a score of 0 for this activity if you complete it using other digital audio workstation software. No exceptions will be made.
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- You are required to save your work on this project at least once per day, every day you work on it as a separate file with a new name. These files will be used to verify your progress over time and may be requested for inspection by the Course Coordinator. Please retain these files until you have received your final course grade for MUSC3020.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this assignment to receive a passing grade for the course. If you fail this assessment you will receive a final course grade of 2 or less.Submission guidelines
Recordings will be presented in the scheduled class time during Week 13.
Submit your required project files to Blackboard before your Week 13 laboratory class.
Exegesis documenting the creation of the work which is due for submission by 5pm Friday of Week 13, to be submitted via TurnItIn.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic requirements of the subject such as a sufficient grasp of the fundamental techniques and concepts and an adequate demonstration of studio skills. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and facts going beyond mere replication of practical examples to show an understanding of central ideas and techniques. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an understanding of some of the subtler aspects of the subject with an ability to identify and employ critical techniques while also demonstrating practical ability. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality and flair. Work should demonstrate practical competence and proficiency. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note:
- If you do not attempt all required assessments for this course you will receive a final grade of 2 or less.
- You may not repeat material across assessments in this course, or repeat material used in any other courses.
- You must complete course assessment tasks in the prescribed software (announced during Week 1). You will receive a score of 0 for any assessment completed using other digital audio workstation software. No exceptions will be made.
- Students are expected to adhere to UQ's academic integrity standards as identified in the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy. If you are unsure of the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy please read: http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Studio monitoring headphones | You need a working pair of studio monitoring headphones compatible with 1/4" (6.5mm) headphone socket to complete individual study and assessment items. Please bring an adaptor if your headphones do not have the required connection. | own item needed |
| External USB | You need at least two 16 GB external USB storage drives for use in this course. These should be brought to every class. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
You are required to complete coursework in the prescribed software. This software will be announced on Blackboard.
Your assessments or coursework will not be marked unless it is completed in the correct software. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are completing coursework in the correct software.
You are not required to purchase software to complete the course. You will have access to a computer lab where you can come and complete work for this course.
Access to laptop, tablet, or smart phone which you can bring to tutorials is recommended, but not compulsory.
You are required to complete readings and/ or watch media each week in this course. This is expected preparation for lectures and tutorials.
Please complete this before attending class each week.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series You attend a weekly Lecture which develops your conceptual understanding of sound and music production. Your attendance is a requirement of this course. NB: There is no lecture during Project Week. See Blackboard for details. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Practical |
Practical Laboratory Series You attend a weekly Laboratory which grows your practical skill using music technology software and hardware to create music and sound based media. Your attendance is a requirement of this course. NB: There is no laboratory during Project Week. See Blackboard for details. Sub-activity: Creative Production Projects (a series of three in-class assessment activities). Test (during your scheduled Week 12 laboratory). Major Project Presentation (during your scheduled Week 13 laboratory). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Weekly Readings and Media You will engage with a range of readings and media before the commencement of lectures and tutorials each week. These are detailed in the Course List available via the UQ Library and Blackboard. Your lectures will explain concepts from this predatory material, and expand your knowledge of concepts with examples and discussion. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 10 |
Practical |
Intensive Studio Recording Practical You work on recording sessions for a professional artist or ensemble and gain experience performing one or more technical production roles. NB This activity is held outside class times. Students will be provided with different attendance options scheduled on weekends or during the Mid-Semester Break. See Blackboard for details. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Project Week
The School of Music has a week dedicated to performances and projects. During this time, you take a break from lectures and laboratories. Details are provided in Blackboard.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site