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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and define key theoretical concepts and principles pertaining to audio and music recording and production;
- explain the sonic characteristics of music using correct technical terminologies;
- organise musicians, equipment and venue(s) for a music recording and production project to correct procedures;
- execute a group recording project applying theoretical concepts and principles; and
- plan, document and evaluate a group recording project in a detailed log book.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
This course gives students real world experience working in a professional recording studio on a series of projects preparing them for potential placement or employment.
Indicative Assessment
- Group Recording Project (50) [LO 3,4,5]
- Recording Project Log Book: 750 words (20) [LO 1,2,5]
- Multiple Choice/ Short Answer Exam Paper (30) [LO 1,2]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures or studio/laboratory workshops and 12 hours of seminars; and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Music to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
At the start of the semester, a reading brick will be available to all students enrolled in this course.
- Bartlett, B. and Bartlett, J. (2017) Practical Recording Techniques - The Step by Step Approach to Professional Audio Recording. 7th Edn. Waltham, MA: Focal Press.
- Corey, J. (2017) Audio Production and Critical Listening. 2nd Edn. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.
- Huber, D. and Runstein, R. (2018) Modern Recording Techniques. 9th Edn. Burlington, MA: Focal Press.
Assumed Knowledge
NoneMajors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $3780 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7580 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | N/A |
