Music Recording and Production Techniques introduces students to the theoretical and practical fundamentals of professional-level sound recording. Techniques of music recording and production differ according to musical intention and aesthetic direction and as such, provision is made for students to develop their individual music production skill sets within the course and project parameters.

Course content includes: essential theoretical concepts including the fundamentals of sound and recording; venues, acoustics and the practicalities of recording workplace[s]; recording and production equipment, to include hardware and software; microphone types, polar patterns and placement; mixing consoles; dynamics and time-based effects processing; audio recording, editing and mixing in Pro Tools; and, critical listening seminars. Additionally, students will discuss and debate current issues affecting music and recording, to include: listening levels, hearing and health; 'loudness' and dynamic range; and technology and use value.  

Learning and teaching activities include lectures, tutorials, studio workshops, discussions, practical lab workshops and critical listening seminars.

Students are assessed on: a negotiated group recording project, to include the organisation of musicians, recordist(s), equipment and venue(s) in line with booking procedures; an individual recording project log book to include critical reflection; and, a multiple choice exam paper on the fundamentals of audio and music recording and production.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and define key theoretical concepts and principles pertaining to audio and music recording and production;
2. Explain the sonic characteristics of music using correct technical terminologies; 
3. Organise musicians, equipment and venue(s) for a music recording and production project to correct procedures;
4. Execute a group recording project applying theoretical concepts and principles; and
5. Plan, document and evaluate a group recording project in a detailed log book.

1. Group Recording Project (50%) [Learning Outcomes: 3, 4, 5]
2. Recording Project Log Book: 750 words (20%) [Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 5]
3. Multiple Choice/Short Answer Exam paper (30%) [Learning Outcomes: 1, 2]

130 hours of total student learning time made up from:

a) 38 hours of contact time

i) 26 hours of lectures, studio workshops, lab workshops and seminars 

ii) 12 hours of tutorials

b) 92 hours of independent student research, reading and writing

Weekly breakdown:

a) 1 x 2-hour lecture or studio/ lab workshop/ seminar 

b) 1 x 1-hour tutorial

c) 7 hours of independent study

Nil

None

At the start of the semester, a reading brick will be available to all students enrolled in this course. 

• Bartlett, B. and Bartlett, J. (2012) Practical Recording Techniques - The Step by Step Approach to Professional Audio Recording. 6th Edn. Waltham, MA: Focal Press.
• Corey, J. (2010) Audio Production and Critical Listening. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.
• Huber, D. and Runstein, R. (2013) Modern Recording Techniques. 8th edn. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.