Popular Music: Production and Performance

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and skills essential for successful audio recording in studio environments serving as a crucial foundation for students pursuing degrees in audio engineering, music production, or related fields. Practical sessions will focus on microphone placement and the importance of capturing sound sources accurately. Emphasis will be placed on developing technical proficiency in operating recording equipment and studio gear. Students will gain hands-on experience with consoles, pre-amplifiers, compressors, and equalisers, building a solid understanding of signal flow and the audio chain. The module covers both analogue and digital recording workflows, exposing students to the historical context and evolution of recording technologies.

This module provides students the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings and explore the creative nature of contemporary musical performance. Through practical workshops students will perform in a range of different styles and contexts and design productive rehearsal strategies. Lectures will explore the varied nature of musical performance in the 21st century and practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to discuss the nature of performance in different contexts: live; recorded; acoustic; electronic; networked; and, interactive. Students are encouraged to perform collaboratively, and form their own bands/ensembles, working towards a portfolio of live performances.

This interdisciplinary module seamlessly integrates the exploration of guerrilla music production with the fundamental principles of digital audio production. Students will explore the nuances of capturing sound in diverse environments, mastering microphone techniques for optimal results in challenging spaces. Practical workshops will extend their skills to 'pure audio,' encompassing acquisition, ingest, and editing, allowing experimentation with various production workflows, from bedroom production DAWs to field recording and sampling. Through a series of practical and theoretical workshops, students will learn contemporary production techniques utilising digital audio workstations for composition, mixing, and production. The module culminates in the creation of two contrasting pieces of music, where students showcase recording, production, and sequencing techniques learned throughout the course, reflecting an analytical approach to sound production.

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive exploration of songwriting within the broad context of popular music. Students will develop a small portfolio of songs but also explore interdisciplinary approaches, gaining insights into different songwriting traditions, commercial approaches, and the broader songwriting industry. Students will also discuss the nature of the music, and wider creative industries in which they are engaged and analyse current and challenging topics assigned by the lecturer. Theoretical understandings of musical forms, such as issues of representation, copyright, adoption cycles, will also be explored to provide students with a rounded view of the contemporary music making industries.

This module builds on performance at level 4 and explores approaches to performances in a variety of settings and to critically explore contemporary performance practice. Lectures will explore the varied nature of musical performance in the 21st century and practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to discuss the nature of performance in different contexts: live; recorded; acoustic; electronic; networked; and, interactive. Students are encouraged to perform collaboratively, and form their own bands/ensembles, working towards a series of performances that include: live television and streaming broadcasts; and an extended live performance in a large venue.

This module  is designed to empower students with hands-on experience in digital music production using state-of-the-art Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to produce their own music, embracing creative and in-depth technical processes. Students will develop proficiency in software tools and techniques essential for music production as well as more advanced songwriting techniques. This includes an exploration of advanced MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, and audio recording/editing, with a focus on producing vocals and contemporary arrangements. They will apply theoretical knowledge acquired in previous modules to create compelling and innovative musical compositions, allowing for individual artistic expression. Students will study  advanced techniques in signal processing, automation, and spatialization to enhance the sonic quality and aesthetics of their own songs.

Students will be immersed in the multifaceted landscape of the contemporary music industry. Recognising the diverse ambitions within the industry, including performers, songwriters, label owners, managers, artist relations, and music publishers, this module integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The module focuses on developing practical skills through a hands-on music industry project that showcases creative student output. Students will conceive, plan, and execute a project aligned with their personal ambitions, honing essential project management skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the music industry's key components, structures, and roles. Emphasising performers, songwriters, label owners, managers, artist relations, and music publishers, the module explores the dynamic interplay between creativity, business, and technology.

This module provides a platform for students to refine their musical abilities, fostering a deep understanding of contemporary music genres while equipping them with the technical and collaborative skills essential for success in advanced performance contexts. Students will seek to elevate their musical prowess with a focus on advanced performance skills in improvisation and session playing. Rooted in the dynamic context of contemporary music genres, this module integrates technical proficiency, artistic expression, and collaborative abilities. The module  places a strong emphasis on the development of advanced instrumental or vocal techniques within the realm of improvisation and session skills. Students will showcase technical mastery and creative expression in both live and studio settings. Through an exploration of various contemporary music styles, students will deepen their understanding of stylistic characteristics. This knowledge will be applied to enhance improvisational and session skills, fostering adaptability and versatility in their musical interpretations.

Music Video: 

This module focuses on the convergent media form of music video which combines music and sound with visuals that are often creative, abstract, stylised and experimental. The core of music video is having an achievable idea that will complement and promote a musical artist’s work. Concepts of virality will be explored and the delivery mechanisms discussed will be understood to exist in the online domain. However, the historical nature of music video television will also be analysed to provide a cultural and industrial context. With this in mind, students should be able to reflect upon existing music video and the extent to which they are successful in their production. This module aims to give production students a practical and theoretical understanding of making music video as a partner industry for music production.

Live Performance Composition:

This module is designed around composing material with a technological mindset that reinforces and supports the nature of live music production and performance. Students will explore non linear workflows that allow for the construction of dynamic scenes, triggers, and responsive workflows before designing a set that showcases interactive playback systems. Technologies such as triggers, loops and intreractive contol will be discussed in designing a dynamic performance along with strategies for control, restraints and precise handling of audio objects. Students are expected to 'perform' their output live delivering a set that combines programming, automation and good design with the vitality of live performance. Students are also expected to reflect upon the development of this material with understanding of both technological aspects and the overall cohesiveness of staging and performance.

This module builds on performance at level 4 and explores approaches to performances in a variety of settings and to critically explore contemporary performance practice. Lectures will explore the varied nature of musical performance in the 21st century and practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to discuss the nature of performance in different contexts: live; recorded; acoustic; electronic; networked; and, interactive. Students are encouraged to perform collaboratively, and form their own bands/ensembles, working towards a series of performances that include: live television and streaming broadcasts; and an extended live performance in a large venue.

This module  is designed to empower students with hands-on experience in digital music production using state-of-the-art Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to produce their own music, embracing creative and in-depth technical processes. Students will develop proficiency in software tools and techniques essential for music production as well as more advanced songwriting techniques. This includes an exploration of advanced MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, and audio recording/editing, with a focus on producing vocals and contemporary arrangements. They will apply theoretical knowledge acquired in previous modules to create compelling and innovative musical compositions, allowing for individual artistic expression. Students will study  advanced techniques in signal processing, automation, and spatialization to enhance the sonic quality and aesthetics of their own songs.

Students will be immersed in the multifaceted landscape of the contemporary music industry. Recognising the diverse ambitions within the industry, including performers, songwriters, label owners, managers, artist relations, and music publishers, this module integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The module focuses on developing practical skills through a hands-on music industry project that showcases creative student output. Students will conceive, plan, and execute a project aligned with their personal ambitions, honing essential project management skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the music industry's key components, structures, and roles. Emphasising performers, songwriters, label owners, managers, artist relations, and music publishers, the module explores the dynamic interplay between creativity, business, and technology.

This module provides a platform for students to refine their musical abilities, fostering a deep understanding of contemporary music genres while equipping them with the technical and collaborative skills essential for success in advanced performance contexts. Students will seek to elevate their musical prowess with a focus on advanced performance skills in improvisation and session playing. Rooted in the dynamic context of contemporary music genres, this module integrates technical proficiency, artistic expression, and collaborative abilities. The module  places a strong emphasis on the development of advanced instrumental or vocal techniques within the realm of improvisation and session skills. Students will showcase technical mastery and creative expression in both live and studio settings. Through an exploration of various contemporary music styles, students will deepen their understanding of stylistic characteristics. This knowledge will be applied to enhance improvisational and session skills, fostering adaptability and versatility in their musical interpretations.

Music Video: 

This module focuses on the convergent media form of music video which combines music and sound with visuals that are often creative, abstract, stylised and experimental. The core of music video is having an achievable idea that will complement and promote a musical artist’s work. Concepts of virality will be explored and the delivery mechanisms discussed will be understood to exist in the online domain. However, the historical nature of music video television will also be analysed to provide a cultural and industrial context. With this in mind, students should be able to reflect upon existing music video and the extent to which they are successful in their production. This module aims to give production students a practical and theoretical understanding of making music video as a partner industry for music production.

Live Performance Composition:

This module is designed around composing material with a technological mindset that reinforces and supports the nature of live music production and performance. Students will explore non linear workflows that allow for the construction of dynamic scenes, triggers, and responsive workflows before designing a set that showcases interactive playback systems. Technologies such as triggers, loops and intreractive contol will be discussed in designing a dynamic performance along with strategies for control, restraints and precise handling of audio objects. Students are expected to 'perform' their output live delivering a set that combines programming, automation and good design with the vitality of live performance. Students are also expected to reflect upon the development of this material with understanding of both technological aspects and the overall cohesiveness of staging and performance.

This module places a primary focus on the meticulous production of professional music projects, such as albums, film sound design, or performance portfolios. Tailored to individual student needs, the content is designed to guide students through the entire production process, ensuring the creation of high-quality and industry-standard projects. Students traverse this project supported one-to-one by a supervisor. At the outset, supervisors will provide essential guidance on initiating and structuring the project, setting the foundation for successful execution. Throughout the module, tutorials are the primary contact method and are conducted to develop the practical element as well as monitor and enhance student progress. The module culminates in the presentation of a fully realised and professionally executed music project.  This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive landscape of music production.

This module builds on performance at level 5 and explores professional approaches to performances in a variety of settings and the performance industry. Practice-led workshops will afford the opportunity to develop performance as a product and the professionalism required to work in the live industry. You are encouraged to perform collaboratively, and form your own bands/ensembles, working towards two final performances that include: an extended industry audition and pitch; and a short live performance in an alternative venue focusing on the use of technology in performance.

This module is practical at its core, with all taught sessions encouraging students to develop the necessary skills to perform in, and rehearse for, different live contexts. The taught elements will explore advanced performance techniques, critical evaluation of performance practice, and, implementing new technologies into performance. Students will perform in varied settings and are encouraged to regularly reflect upon their performances and identify areas for development through seminars and tutorials. There will also be a significant element of peer critique and formative feedback in regular tutor facilitated rehearsals and workshops, as well as a performance assessment in front of a panel of industry professionals. Students are encouraged to develop their identity as artists/musicians.

This module gives students the opportunity to work on two seperate client led music production projects. The first will attend to an external brief relating directly to the students own aspirations (record production, film sound, composition, songwriting etc) whilst the second will expose them to the benefits of participating in teaching, community led or third sector ventures. Students are encouraged to engage with the ethos of a not for profit organisation and use their production skills to benefit the community at large. Lectures will introduce the terminology and workings of business environments to students before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Employment practices such as freelancing and workings of business environments are explored before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Students will also explore different strategies towards promoting their work in within these industrial contexts, and explore the ways in which contemporary musicians and artists navigate different audiences, clients and employers.