KMB119 Music Production 1


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:KMB119
Credit points:12
Coordinators:Nicole Carroll | n5.carroll@qut.edu.au
Dion Clark | d20.clark@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces you to the fundamental principles of music and sound production through a mix of theory and practice. You will gain an understanding of sound recording, sound production and live sound reinforcement while developing listening skills essential for music and sound production. The unit prepares you for later music production and creation units. Understanding how to capture and manipulate sound in live and recorded domains are core skills for anyone involved in making music or in any associated creative practice that involves the use of audio. You will develop a critical and practical understanding of the physical properties of sound, how it is perceived, and how it is recorded and processed to produce a final musical outcome.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental acoustic and music technology principles and how these affect the creation, production and presentation of music and sound works.
  2. Make sound recordings using a variety of microphone and multi-track techniques.
  3. Accurately document and effectively communicate details of the music production process.
  4. Evaluate and critique sound recordings with reference to appropriate musical styles and modes of production.

Content

Unit content will include: physics of sound propagation; room acoustics; instrument acoustics; the physiology of hearing; microphone techniques; audio signal flow; sample theory; digital representation of audio and digital signal processing; editing and mixing techniques; audio presentation formats; music and sound analysis and communication.

Learning Approaches

This unit takes an applied theory approach to learning. Fundamental acoustic and sound recording theory are covered in a series of online lectures that contain a mix of video and text. These are complemented with additional readings and resources. In weekly workshops, audio fundamentals are demonstrated and you apply concepts. The learning process is further supported with online discussion groups and informal help sessions.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:

  • a range of formative exercises will be discussed in the weekly workshops
  • summative assessment work will be returned with criteria sheets and comments, with further comments and discussion available upon request
  • generic comments will be provided to the cohort via QUT Canvas
  • online unit forums will be used as an additional, informal channel for feedback
  • informal, drop in help sessions will be opportunities to consult with staff and seek additional clarification on unit requirements and feedback on work in progress.

Assessment

Overview

The first summative assessment item is designed as an early "check in" on your comprehension of acoustic and recording theory.

Assessment 2 requires you to apply this theory in making a two channel recording of acoustic music.

Assessment 3 builds on this with the requirement to create a layered, multi-tracked recording.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Acoustics and Signal Flow Test

Complete an online multiple-choice test on fundamental principles of acoustics and signal flow. The test will cover material presented in the lectures and tutorials over the first few weeks of semester and will assist you in gaining an understanding of the foundation principles required to successfully complete the later assessment items.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Early Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1

Assessment: Acoustic Recordings

Record a series of mono and stereo recordings of acoustic musical instruments using a range of microphone techniques and acoustic environments. Provide an accompanying written report that documents the range of recording processes you used, and evaluates the effect these had on the recorded outcomes.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid-Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Multitrack Recording

Record, process and edit a series of acoustic-based sound sources to produce a layered soundscape (narrative, dialogue, sound effects) OR a multi-tracked musical piece. Provide an accompanying written report that documents the production processes you used and how they enabled the thematic/musical ideas to be expressed and developed.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff who access campus buildings and facilities are required to complete the Tier 1 CIF General Health and Safety Induction and Tier 2 KG Studios induction. This must be completed online.

Costs

As well as access to the online resources supplied to you via Canvas and other websites, you will require a pair of enclosed headphones with an appropriate 6.5 and 3.5mm adaptor. You will also need a portable personal file storage, such as a USB thumb drive or similar.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, for example, participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset (see Overview) and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required. 

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or facilities, refer to the Tier 1 CIF General Health and Safety Induction and Tier 2 KG Studios induction.

Where substantial computer-based work is required, particularly in the case of fully online students, you are recommended to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury. 

Excessive noise in confined spaces and/or when listening through headphones 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 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.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts

  1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO4
  3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO1
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO4
  5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO3
  6. Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
    Relates to: ULO3

KK43 Bachelor of Creative Industries

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge required for creative enterprise, career development and interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by depth in at least one creative disciplinary area.
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Demonstrate well-developed cognitive and ideation skills to identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities to address authentic complex problems.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO4
  3. Demonstrate technical expertise to support skills and knowledge within the Creative Industries.
    Relates to: ULO2
  4. Communicate effectively in a range of forms across multiple media modes, for sharing and disseminating knowledge, skills and ideas, and collaborative practice and navigation of social networks.
    Relates to: ULO2
  5. Apply and adapt creative disciplinary knowledge and skills with agility in a range of industry, community and intercultural contexts.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4