HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA MUSIC PRODUCTION. Programme Specification

Transcription

1 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA MUSIC PRODUCTION Programme Specification Awarding Body Teaching Institution Award title(s) Programme title Language of study UCAS Code(s) Professional Body Accreditation Programme specification status Edexcel Reigate School of Art Design and Media, East Surrey College Higher National Diploma Music Production English Institution Code: E32 Course Code: 039J J.A.M.E.S - Joint Audio Media Education Services Date valid from: September 2010 Version No. 03 revised September 2010 Educational Aims of the Programme 1. To provide a theoretical and practical foundation for a range of creative, technical and management careers in the sound and music industries and / or to provide a progression route to an advanced programme of study - either to a degree, or a professional qualification related to audio production. 2. To provide flexibility, knowledge, and skills and promote motivation as a basis for future studies and career development within music production and related disciplines. 3. To provide a thorough conceptual foundation in aspects of music production and impart an understanding of the impact of current developments and changes in technology on the industry. 4. To foster creative and imaginative abilities through practical and theoretical work. 5. To develop skills of independent study, production management and team work. 6. To provide unique opportunities for students at this level to study all aspects of audio production. 7. To develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in professional working life. 8. To enable learners to develop a portfolio of work which can be shown to potential employers or Higher Educational Establishments.

2 Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are achieved Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the course the student will: 1. Be aware of musical and technological factors that define specific music productions and genres. 2. Understand a range of procedures and techniques that ensure an efficient and safe approach to the recording and mixing process. 3. Be conversant with production and post-production recording, editing and mastering techniques. 4. Have an understanding of the organisations within the UK sound / music industry and their functions. 5. Understand the roles and responsibilities of technical teams within live sound. 6. Appreciate the financial implications of freelance work and self-employment. Learning and teaching methods Teaching and learning of knowledge and understanding occur through lectures and demonstrations and are embedded through practical workshops, tutorials and projects involving both individual and group work. Students are encouraged to consolidate knowledge and understanding through further reading and independent study. Assessment strategies Assessment of knowledge and understanding is continuous and covered by specific projects staged throughout the year. Evidence may be written, spoken, practical artefacts or a combination of all three. Students are given written and verbal feedback and action points with emphasis on formative assessment. Each unit is graded using Pass, Merit and Distinction using the criteria shared with the students. Skills and other attributes Cognitive Skills On successful completion of the course a student will be able to: 1. Present reasoned arguments and apply judgements in spoken and written contexts 2. Analyse and critically evaluate practical problems and provide logical solutions 3. Evaluate his/her own work 4. Demonstrate a capacity to develop knowledge, understanding and subject specific skills 5. Engage critically with key theoretical concepts and apply them to his/her own academic and practical work

3 6. Appreciate the construction of a range of live and computer-based productions 7. Take a critical approach to production analysis Learning and Teaching methods Cognitive and analytical skills are developed through discussion and debate during class-based sessions, individual tutorials, lectures, seminars, independent research, written reports, presentations and essays. Critical faculties are enhanced by visits to trade shows and seminars from guest speakers from the sound and music industry. Assessment Strategy Cognitive skills are assessed by essays, reports and/or presentations. Professional/Practical Skills By the end of the course students will: 1. Be able to select and position a range of microphones for a variety of recording and live applications. 2. Be able to sequence sound using a variety of industry standard Digital Audio Workstations. 3. Be able to record and manipulate sound using both analogue and digital hardware. 4. Have an essential understanding of the nature of hearing, the acoustic properties of musical instruments, reverberation and psychoacoustics. Students will be able to apply this understanding to their own production work. 5. Be able to identify, diagnose and correct sonic problems in a variety of music productions. 6. Have a basic understanding of the post-production processes for audio-visual media. 7. Have an appreciation of the entrepreneurial opportunities within the sound and music industries. 8. Be able to work safely and effectively as a member of a team in all stages of the recording and mixing processes. 9. Be able to meet deadlines and operate within the professional expectations of the sound and music industry. Learning and Teaching Methods Students learn practical skills by means of lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops, group projects and tutorials. Visits from guest speakers and visits to industry seminars enhance this learning. Assessment strategy

4 Students are assessed by direct observation and group and individual practical projects supported by written reports and presentations. Programme structure, modules offered, mode/pattern of study The programme is delivered over 2 years with each year consisting of 3 terms. Each year students receive 300 hours instructed study with further opportunities for independent study and access to facilities. Annual timetabled classes are 10 hours per week delivered over 2 days for 30 weeks. The course comprises 16 units (modules), 4 of which are mandatory core subjects. The remaining specialist units are selected by the course team to reflect both the course aims and the ethos of the Joint Audio Media Education Services (J.A.M.E.S.) who accredit the programme. Each unit is allocated a fixed credit value, and learners must achieve a minimum of 245 credits to achieve the qualification. Delivery is planned so that necessary skills and knowledge are imparted first, underpinning expertise needed for more advanced specialist units. In the first year of the course students acquire practical and analytical skills via a series of portfolio-based projects preparing for final projects issued in year 2. Mandatory Core Units Description Year Level Credit

5 Creative Arts Research Skills A self-devised research project culminating in appropriate method(s) of presentation Critical Music Listening Music in Context Preparation, Process and Production An exploration of the characteristics of typical productions and an examination of creative and corrective production techniques An examination of historical and current developments influencing contemporary music production A self-devised major practical production project drawing upon and extending skills acquired during the first year of the course Specialist Units Description Year Level Credit Applied Production Techniques An exploration of, and experimentation with successful production methods and innovative techniques Audio Post Production Computer Music Composition and Production Live Sound for Small Venues Live Sound System Specification and Operation Marketing in the Creative Arts The Music Business in the 21 st Century Music Technology Music Composition Techniques Music Studio Production Principles of Musical Sound Studio Recording and Engineering Exercises in the combination of sound and moving images in a variety of media Using modern digital audio workstation hardware and software to create and produce music Development of the technical skills required to provide front of house and monitor sound in smaller venues An analysis of equipment specifications for medium and large venues An examination of the theory and practice of music product marketing An exploration into the ways in which music businesses operate in the ever-changing climate of the 21 st century An introduction to the creation of sound and music in contemporary production environments Using accepted and experimental techniques to produce coherent musical compositions The production of recordings to professional standards. A variety of genres and instrumentation are covered. An introduction to the nature of hearing, acoustics and psychoacoustics An introduction to the recording studio, professional equipment and accepted recording techniques 1/ 1/ 1/ / 1/

6 Entry requirements Students must be eighteen years of age or above. They should usually have 2 A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s), preferably in a related subject such as Music Technology or Media. Some level of knowledge and/or experience in music production is required especially in the case of mature students without qualifications. All students must have an interview with one or more members of the course team. The college initial assessment system is used where an applicant has no formal qualifications. Potential students must demonstrate an enthusiasm for the subject, willingness to study outside course hours, as well as an overall commitment to the course. Support for Learning Student progression on the course is supported both by subject tutors and central college services including: 1. An induction programme introducing new students to the course, the Art School staff and college facilities 2. A Course Handbook 3. Personal and academic support is integrated into teaching provided by friendly and approachable tutors 4. A well-equipped Learning Resource Centre 5. Study skills provided through Contextual Studies and Research units 6. Written project feedback usually provided within 10 days of assignment submission 7. Access to counsellors and careers advisors Within the college, there is ESOL support, and support for those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The Learning Resource Centre provided opportunities for independent study during and outside timetabled hours. Students can borrow books, videos and DVDs, read periodicals and use the internet. Evaluation and improvement of quality and standards Staff teaching practical skills are themselves practitioners. Their knowledge and experience feed into the programme ensuring it is up to date and relevant and regular team meetings review the running of the programme as well as students progress. Every year the programme team is required to report on the course, identify areas for improvement and development and make an action plan. Learners are surveyed each year and the programme tutors discuss issues raised with students in tutorials, following which appropriate actions are planned. Every member of the team is observed teaching at least twice a year and subsequently receives feedback and action points. An External Examiner reports annually on the programme. A Higher Education Co-ordinator supports programme teams in their efforts to maintain and improve the

7 quality of provision. Regulation of assessment The programme follows the assessment guidelines provided by EDEXCEL and also for Higher Education programmes devised by the college. These are in turn based on the Quality Assurance Agency s Code of Practice for Assessment. These guidelines include providing students with necessary information such as the Learning Outcomes for the programme and Assessment Criteria for each project, ensuring that they know what they need to do in order to maximise their unit grades. Students will also receive information on assessment regulations, the programme appeals procedure, the circumstances under which extensions to deadlines will be granted and the consequences of unauthorised late submission of work. All written work is checked if plagiarism is suspected and students are made aware of the college policy on this matter. Before a Project Brief is issued to students, it is verified as fair and fit for purpose by the Course Leader, Curriculum Leader or Head of Division. To ensure assessment decisions are accurate, work will be internally verified by at least one other member of the course team. An External Examiner is appointed by the awarding body to make final checks on assessment decisions and the overall effectiveness of the programme. Course Leader... date... Line Manager... date...