Music Technology BA (Hons)

30 credits

Hands-on instruction and practice in synthesiser programming, sampling, sequencing, electronic composition and orchestration. You will learn how to create unique instrument patches and sounds and use them effectively in music productions. Curriculum will cover beat making, groove writing, and style arrangement using Logic Pro and Ableton Live.

The musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form will be explored as applied to the principles and techniques of writing and arranging using computers.

30 credits

Through this module you will learn about the history of music technologies, how they have evolved to the present day, transforming how music is conceived of, played, heard, consumed and understood. You will critically engage with key developments led by inventors, producers, artists, composers, technicians in recorded music, live music, art and film. This module also requires you to begin to develop your professional identity and active citizenship, through exploring concepts including understanding ethical issues and values, design thinking, and commercial awareness.

30 credits

This module offers hands-on study in modern recording and sound engineering. Students will learn about analog and digital consoles, microphones, audio signal flow, DAW session management, the principles of signal processing, audio editing and contemporary mixing techniques. You will also receive training in critical and diagnostic listening.

30 credits

This module provides an introduction to the science and aesthetics of real and imagined environments, their acoustics and spatial phenomena. You will engage in creative practice research that will consider a wide range of inter-connected practices: from installations, location recording and measuring impulse responses in real environments, to examining how sound behaves in virtual spaces: interactive game environments, VR, soundtracks and soundscapes. You will learn the fundamentals of acoustics, sound diffusion and absorption, and get to grips with the basic operation of physical modelling software applications.

30 credits

Building on recording and engineering skills developed in Year 1, this module will focus on the aesthetics of production from a range of genres, using the Visconti Studio live room and instrument collection. You will research and critically engage with 20th-century recording and production legacies by attempting to recreate configurations and set ups associated with 'signature' sounds of the past: Phil Spector, George Martin, Brian Wilson and Tony Visconti. You will record and produce music in a variety of styles using a mixture of analogue and digital techniques, and will learn how to master to 1/4 inch tape.

30 credits

In this module you will study a range of topics including copyright law; contracts and legals; performing, publishing and synchronisation rights; publicity and social media; income streams for musicians and music technologists; publishing and the internet income; management, agents, promoters; live music events and merchandising; self-assessment and tax; and the role of unions.

You will also critically evaluate your own personal development through reflection on your progress and goals, as a means of developing your creative practice to explore problems beyond your discipline. This will be supported through personal development planning (supported by your Personal Tutor), enabling you to evidence your understanding of the skills you are developing, through all the work you are creating as part of your course, in preparation for Level 6.

30.00 credits

From performing with laptops, interfaces, rigs, triggers, live effects manipulation, electronics and video, this module will encourage diversity through a range of performance and collaborative practice. You will also examine case studies, consisting of a range of historical and contemporary performance practices across a variety of cultures and styles.

30 credits

Study on this module will see you creating, editing and manipulating music and sound in a range of media postproduction scenarios, including trailers, TV, advertising, film and games. You will develop practical skills in Foley and ADR (automatic dialogue replacement) recording, editing, design and creation of sound effects, as well as creating audio assets for game soundtracks and interactive media.

30 credits

As part of this module, you will develop a comprehensive theoretical and practical grounding in professional recording, mixing and mastering practices. The module will be taught in the Visconti Studio, with a mixture of lecture demonstrations and practical workshops, during which you will learn to record, mix and master and develop a comprehensive understanding behind the science, technology and traditions that underpin these practices.

30 credits

This module will develop Future Skills through engagement with Apply. It encourages you to plan for your continuing personal and professional development, and to consolidate your individual approach to managing your career and future learning, by further strengthening your professional skills and identity, and global citizenship.

You will critically evaluate your own personal development through reflection on your progress, as a means of developing your creative practice, and to explore complex problems beyond the University (i.e. within the wider social, cultural, economic, environmental, and industrial contexts). This will be supported through personal development planning, enabling you to evidence your understanding of the skills you are developing, through all the work you are creating as part of your course, and to set goals and take actions which further your ambitions.

You will also begin to consider your future prospects in a chosen discipline within the music technology through your reflections in your PDP portfolio and in your reflection from a presentation of a guest lecturer. As part of this module, you will also be given an industry brief that will further develop your understanding in a specific field of music technology. Finally, you will be encouraged to develop professional networks.

30.00 credits

This module provides hands-on experience in live sound reinforcement and event management. It covers monitoring, lighting and projection, stage design, professional conventions, working with performers and promoters, and logistics. You will train on live mixers and gain experience engineering live sound at events held in a variety of external venues. You will put on shows and organise a small tour, working with local venues and promoters. There will be opportunities to work with local partners in Kingston where possible.

30 credits

You will produce a substantial creative piece of work which develops your skills in a specific area, marking the culmination of your degree work. It is designed to enable you to work independently in an area that excites and interests you. You may choose to create your work within performance, composition/production or a research dissertation. You will be supported by themed group seminar meetings as a whole cohort, supplemented by individual tutorials. You will work towards the major project of your choice and produce a reflective summation to evaluate your work within a wider context.