Curriculum for the Bachelor programme in sound engineering

Transcription

1 Curriculum for the Bachelor programme in sound engineering BMus (sound engineering) Rhythmic Music Conservatory 18 August 2014

2 Contents Introduction... 3 General provisions Title, entrance requirements, admission Aims and learning outcomes Structure and subject areas Assessment Other provisions... 9 Subject descriptions Music production Audio technology Music analysis Cultural & business studies Electives Bachelor project For students who commenced the study programme in /20

3 Introduction This curriculum for the Bachelor of Music (sound engineering) has been compiled pursuant to section 27 of Executive Order no. 619 of 10 June 2014 on Study Programmes at the Academies of Music and the Opera Academy (the Education Order) and section 20 of Executive Order no of 11 December 2009 on Marking Scales and Other Forms of Assessment at Certain Educational Institutions under the Danish Ministry of Culture (the Assessment Order). The curriculum shall enter into force on 18 August 2014 and shall apply to all undergraduates who commence their study programmes in 2014 or later. The provision in the curriculum section applies to students commencing the Bachelor programme in August 2014 or later. For undergraduate students who commenced their studies before the academic year , the provision under will take effect from August The present document is translated from the original Danish document Studieordning for bacheloruddannelsen i lydteknik, 18. august Any legal or administrative decisions made by the conservatory will be based on the original Danish document. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

4 1 Title, entrance requirements, admission General provisions 1.1 Title Graduates of the Bachelor programme are entitled to use the Danish academic title bachelor of Music (BMus) (sound engineering). In English, the academic title is Bachelor of Music (BMus) (sound engineering). 1.2 Entrance requirements The entrance requirement for the Bachelor programme is a passed entrance examination. The decision on whether to admit an applicant is taken by the Conservatory on the basis of a concrete assessment of the applicant's abilities and skills. The requirements of the music profession are also taken into consideration during admission assessment. 1.3 Rules for admission Applications for admission must be made via the website The Conservatory lays down detailed rules on the form and content of the entrance examination. Information on the form and content of the entrance examination is available at the Conservatory's website. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

5 2 Aims and learning outcomes 2.1 Aims The Bachelor programme in sound engineering qualifies the student to work as a sound engineer in recording studios and live music productions or related areas. The programme is a rounded study programme that provides students with the possibility of pursuing further studies at Master s level. 2.2 Learning outcomes Pursuant to the applicable Danish qualifications framework for programmes of higher education, the learning outcomes for the study programme are formulated in three general categories: Knowledge, which describes the student s knowledge and understanding; Skills, which describe the student s central abilities; Competencies, which describe the student's personal and independent application of knowledge and skills. The learning outcomes indicate the student's expected benefit at the conclusion of the learning process, and focus on learning and on each student s learning results, rather than on the intention of a particular teaching or teacher. At the conclusion of the Bachelor programme, it is expected that the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes: Knowledge The student must: possess knowledge of theory, method and practice within music production and sound engineering; possess knowledge of musical elements, structures and contexts; possess knowledge of artistic and cultural issues in relation to the music profession; possess insight into the surrounding music profession and the conditions that apply to professional work; be capable of explaining and reflecting upon one s own practice Skills The student must: be capable of creating and communicating an independent artistic expression; possess skills within music production and sound engineering, and other professional skills that develop and support the student's artistic profile; be capable of developing, planning, implementing and evaluating projects, both independently and in collaboration with others; be capable of implementing, supporting and communicating various types of music production; be able to assess artistic and communicative challenges and substantiate and select qualified, creative expressions and solutions; be able to apply and relate knowledge of the conditions of the surrounding music profession to one s own professional practice Competencies The student must: be able to handle complex and development-oriented situations in educational or work contexts; be capable of independently engaging in professional and interdisciplinary collaborations and networks with a professional approach; be able to identify his or her own learning needs and independently acquire new knowledge and skills. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

6 3 Structure and subject areas 3.1 Programme structure The programme corresponds to 180 ECTS points, equivalent to three years of full-time study. A year of fulltime study includes teaching, independent study, examinations and all other study-related activities. The location of the subjects and projects, and their ECTS values, are shown in the figure below. Subject 1st sem. 2nd sem. 3rd sem. 4th sem. 5th sem. 6th sem. ECTS per subject Music production Audio technology Music analysis Cultural and business studies Electives Bachelor project ECTS, total Course registration The programme is organized in a progressive academic sequence and each student is automatically registered for courses in accordance with the programme curriculum The conservatory may in special cases allow undergraduate students to complete courses and exams in a graduate programme corresponding up to 30 ECTS. 3.3 Prerequisites Any special prerequisites will be set out in the course plan for each subject or project. 3.4 Organisation of the teaching The teaching takes the form of dialogue-based lectures, group work, projects and internships with guidance, written assignments, seminars, company visits and study tours. The teaching is mainly provided within a particular year group; however, subjects and projects may also be provided in classes made up of students drawn from various years and/or study programmes. Before a year of study commences, a course plan is compiled for each subject or project. For each subject or project, the course plan contains information on its organisation, credits, premises and equipment, and class composition. In subjects where assessment is based on attendance at classes, etc., the course plan will include specific requirements towards assignment submissions and/or presentations. The course plan is approved by the Principal, and may be viewed on the Conservatory's intranet at the start of the semester. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

7 4 Assessment 4.1 Aim The aim of assessment is to evaluate whether the student's qualifications comply with the programme's learning outcomes. 4.2 Rules for assessment At RMC, assessment can take place in two ways: A. Via examinations at which the student's proficiency is assessed by teachers, possibly supplemented by external examiners. B. Through attendance at classes, etc., where the student's proficiency may be assessed in two ways: B1. The assessment made by the teacher at the end of the course, on the basis of compulsory assignments and/or presentations. The assessment is carried out in accordance with the learning outcomes for the subject. If a subject is composed of several independent courses, assessment is carried out at the end of each course, taking into account the location of the course in relation to the subject's progression. Specific requirements towards assignments and/or presentations are set out in the subject's course plan. The assessment awarded is: Approved/Not approved. B2. In some courses, assessment is based solely on the student's documented attendance. The assessment awarded is: Approved/Not approved. 4.3 Other provisions All subjects must be passed before a diploma can be issued for a successfully completed study programme. Students who depart the study programme without completing it are entitled to documentation indicating in ECTS points the parts of the study programme that have been passed. The programme is organised in a progressive sequence, and each student is automatically registered for assessment in accordance with the student's progress in the study programme. Information on other rules governing assessment through examinations, class attendance, etc., is available on the Conservatory's intranet. 4.4 First-year assessment In order to continue the Bachelor programme, the student must register for the first-year assessment prior to the end of the second semester after commencing studies, and must pass the first-year assessment before the end of the fourth semester. The Conservatory may grant exemptions from this provision under special circumstances. In the Bachelor programme in sound engineering, the first-year assessment is undertaken in the subject Music Production, in which the students' qualifications are assessed through class attendance, etc. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

8 4.5 Examination overview Subject ECTS Semester Mode of assessment Assessment Examination status Moderation Music production 2nd B1 Approved/Not approved First-year assessment Audio technology nd A 7-point scale Concluding Internal Audio technology th A 7-point scale Concluding Internal Music analysis 1 5 2nd B1 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Music analysis 2 5 4th B1 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Cultural and business studies 15 5th A 7-point scale Concluding Internal Music production 5th A 7-point scale Concluding External (studio mix) 85 Music production 6th A 7-point scale Concluding External (live mix) Electives 5 1st B2 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Electives 5 2nd B2 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Electives 5 3rd B2 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Electives 5 4th B2 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Electives 5 5th B2 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Electives 5 6th B2 Approved/Not approved Concluding Internal Bachelor project 20 6th A 7-point scale + written statement Concluding External 4.6 Calculation of standard pages Where subject descriptions refer to the size of examinations requirements or written assignments, the pages referred to are in all cases standard pages of 2,000 characters. The front cover, table of contents, bibliography and appendices do not count towards the size of the written assignments. Written assignments may deviate from the specified number of pages by at most +/- 10%. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

9 5 Other provisions 5.1 Languages The language of instruction is usually Danish. Teaching given by guest teachers, or in connection with study tours, is however typically provided in English. 5.2 Rules for practical training The practical elements of the Bachelor programme are described in the subject description for the subject Music Production. 5.3 Rules for credit transfer Equivalence Approved programme elements taken at an academy that offers a study programme under the Education Order are equivalent to corresponding programme elements at other academies that offer the same programme of study Credit agreement Credit for programme elements may be obtained under the Danish academies joint credit agreement Other credit Study programme elements passed as part of another non-completed Danish or foreign course of higher education may substitute for study programme elements covered by the Education Order, subject to the decision of the Conservatory in each individual instance, or in accordance with rules laid down by the Conservatory. 5.4 Disciplinary measures Students at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory are subject to the Conservatory's rules of conduct. Students are required to be familiar with and keep themselves informed of the rules. The rules of conduct may be viewed on the Conservatory's intranet. 5.5 Attendance Attendance is compulsory at tuition and related activities at the Conservatory. The Conservatory shall lay down specific regulations for procedures and sanctions towards students who fail to observe the Conservatory's rules for attendance. The rules for attendance may be viewed on the Conservatory's intranet. 5.6 Evaluation The study programme is subject to continuous evaluation through systematic evaluation procedures. The Conservatory shall lay down the specific procedures for the evaluations. 5.7 Exemptions The Conservatory may grant exemptions from any rules in the curriculum that are determined solely by the Conservatory. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

10 Subject descriptions 6 Music production 6.1 ECTS credits 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester ECTS, total Aim The aim of the subject is to develop the student's artistic profile and professional skills with a view to working with music production. The subject comprises the central element of the programme, in which the student, in a process and product-oriented practice, develops an independent artistic expression and acquires experience in methods and practice. It is also here the student concentrates the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through the other subjects of the study programme. The subject includes both individual and group learning processes, in which students work with and reflect on their own professional practice and that of others. The purpose of the individually-tailored learning processes is to provide students with experience in independent project work that supports their academic development. 6.3 Learning outcomes At the conclusion of the subject, the student should: possess knowledge of theory, method and practice within music production; be capable of creating and communicating an independent artistic expression; be able to assess artistic and communicative challenges and substantiate and select qualified, creative expressions and solutions; be capable of developing, planning, implementing and evaluating projects, both independently and in collaboration with others; be able to reflect in speech and writing on one s own practice; be able to apply and relate knowledge of current cultural trends and the conditions of the music profession to one s own professional practice; be able to handle complex and development-oriented situations in educational or work contexts; be capable of independently engaging in professional and interdisciplinary collaborations and networks with a professional approach; be capable of identifying his or her own learning needs and independently acquiring new knowledge and skills. 6.4 Content Semester projects Each semester, the student carries out a semester project within the subject area. The projects are collected in the student 's project portfolio. Within each project course, the student draws up a project description, which is approved by the project supervisor. The project is documented by a project report, possibly with associated audio-visual documentation. The project supervision takes the form of both individual guidance and group guidance seminars, at which the students present and discuss their projects with the common supervisor and their fellow students. The project report must be five standard pages in length. Individual guidance The students receive individual guidance that aims to link the students' studies with their professional practice. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

11 Courses The teaching consists of brief and longer courses in live-,, studio- and other types of music productions. Work is done in the following areas: production planning and implementation recording editing mixing mastering co-operation and communication communication of the artist s aesthetic expression artistic practice reflection on one s own practice Project weeks A number of project weeks are realised as part of the subject, typically in collaboration with the conservatoire s other programmes. Internship As part of the subject, internships of longer or shorter duration are provided at Danish and foreign companies in the music industry or related sectors. Internship guidance is included in the individual guidance. 6.5 Assessment First-year assessment At the end of the second semester, the student's qualifications are assessed in terms of attendance at classes, etc. Assessment is undertaken by the teacher with reference to the subject's learning outcomes, on the basis of compulsory assignments and/or documented presentations, taking into account the location of the module relative to the subject's progression. Specific submission requirements are stated in the applicable course plan for the subject. The assessment awarded is: Approved/Not approved. Concluding examination (mixing test) Preconditions In order to be allowed to take the examination, students must have completed all the semester projects of the programme under the applicable course plan. The projects are collected in a portfolio, documented by the certification of the project supervisor. Examination content The examination form and the basis for assessment is a set practical task, followed by an oral examination at which the student has an opportunity to explain and elaborate on his or her practical and artistic choices. The student is given a multi-track recording of a piece of music of 3-5 minutes duration. The student has 24 hours to create a mix of the music in one of the Conservatory's recording studios. The final mix is prepared and delivered within a framework laid down by the Conservatory. The student has 20 minutes to set up the mix prior to the oral examination. Duration Oral examination: 20 minutes. Assessment: 10 minutes. Assessment A grade is awarded from the seven-point scale for the examination performance. A combined grade is awarded for the mix and the oral examination. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

12 The assessment is based on an evaluation of the extent to which the examination performance meets the learning outcomes for the subject. The assessment represents an overall evaluation of the mix and the oral examination in combination. Examination panel External moderator, internal examiner. Chronological location The examination is held at the end of the fifth semester. Concluding examination (live concert) Examination content The assessment is undertaken on the basis of a concert of live music, followed by an oral examination at which the student has an opportunity to explain and elaborate on his or her practical and artistic choices. The concert is prepared and carried out within a framework laid down by the Conservatory. The student has 30 minutes for set-up and line checks in preparation for the examination. Duration Sound check 30 minutes, concert 40 minutes, oral examination 15 minutes, assessment 10 minutes. Assessment A grade is awarded from the seven-point scale for the examination performance. A combined grade is awarded for the sound check, concert and oral examination. The assessment is based on an evaluation of the extent to which the examination performance meets the learning outcomes for the subject. The assessment represents an overall evaluation of the sound check, concert and oral examination in combination. Examination panel External moderator, internal examiner. Chronological location The examination is held at the end of the sixth semester. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

13 7 Audio technology 7.1 ECTS credits 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester ECTS, total Aim The aim of the subject is to provide students with theoretical knowledge, practical experience and understanding of the electro-acoustic areas that underlie the student's work as a sound engineer. The student s development in the subject is viewed in association with the courses in the subject Music Production. 7.3 Learning outcomes At the conclusion of the subject, the student should: have acquired theoretical knowledge, practical experience and understanding of electro-acoustic areas; be capable of undertaking simple mathematical calculations in connection with system design; be able to make basic measurements of acoustic and electrical parameters; be able to identify his or her own learning needs and independently acquire new knowledge and skills. 7.4 Content The course is divided between weekly teaching and short courses. Work is done in the following areas: analogue technology digital technology acoustics spectral listening sound levels transducers electricity wireless systems 7.5 Assessment Concluding examination (part 1) Examination content The examination form and the basis for assessment is a written paper. Assessment A grade is awarded from the seven-point scale for the examination performance. The assessment is based on an evaluation of the extent to which the examination performance meets the learning outcomes for the subject. Examination panel Internal moderator, internal examiner. Chronological location The examination is held at the end of the fourth semester. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

14 Concluding examination (part 2) Examination content The examination form and the basis for assessment is a written paper. Assessment A grade is awarded from the seven-point scale for the examination performance. The assessment is based on an evaluation of the extent to which the examination performance meets the learning outcomes for the subject. Examination panel Internal moderator, internal examiner. Chronological location The examination is held at the end of the fourth semester. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

15 8 Music analysis 8.1 ECTS credits 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester ECTS, total Aim The aim of the subject is to develop the student s skills in musical understanding, artistic reflection and communication. The course reinforces the student s abilities to analytically assess his or her own professional practice in relation to the history of music and the present day. The subject thus develops the student's ability to convey his or her ideas to musicians and producers. The student s development in the subject is viewed in association with the courses in the subject Music Production. 8.3 Learning outcomes At the conclusion of the subject, the student should: possess knowledge and understanding of musical elements, structures and contexts; possess skills in melody, harmony and rhythm that help to develop and support the student's artistic profile; be able to identify his or her own learning needs and independently acquire new knowledge and skills. 8.4 Content The course consists of two modules: Musical theory, in which the students develop a common musical language. Work is done with musical notation and notation software, tonal systems, intervals and scales, together with harmony, figuration notation and functional analysis. Musical analysis, which, in a broad historical perspective, and with the help of the acquired theoretical tools, equips the student to analyse and describe music. Work is done with listening, notation and subsequent analysis of musical works. 8.5 Assessment The student's qualifications are assessed in terms of attendance at classes, etc. Assessment is undertaken by the teacher at the end of each module, on the basis of compulsory assignments and/or presentations. Specific requirements towards assignments and/or presentations are set out in the subject's course plan. The assessment awarded is: Approved/Not approved. It is a condition for passing the subject that both modules are assessed as Approved. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

16 9 Cultural & business studies 9.1 ECTS credits 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester ECTS, total Aim The aim of the subject is to provide the student with knowledge of the cultural and industrial conditions that provide the framework for the student's professional career as a sound engineer. The focus is on developing the student's reflection skills and preparing the student to analyse his or her own practice in relation to the surrounding music industry. The student s development in the subject is viewed in association with the courses in the subject Music Production. 9.3 Learning outcomes At the conclusion of the subject, the student should: possess knowledge of artistic and cultural issues in the music profession; possess insight into the music industry and the conditions that apply to professional work; be able to reflect in speech and writing on one s own practice; possess professional skills in music technology that help to develop and support the student's professional practice; be able to assess communicative challenges within the subject, and substantiate and apply relevant analytical models and solution models; be able to apply and relate knowledge of the cultural and commercial conditions of the music industry to one s own professional practice; be able to identify his or her own learning needs and independently acquire new knowledge and skills. 9.4 Content The subject is divided into two parallel courses within cultural and business studies, respectively. Cultural studies develop the student's ability to understand and interpret the artistic and cultural context in which music is created. In a contemporary artistic perspective, work is done with creativity, art and culture, illustrated by, inter alia, aesthetic, historical, political and sociological approaches relevant to the programme's overall aims. Business Studies develops the student s ability to describe and analyse fundamental conditions in the music industry and the work areas and job functions of the individual company, the path from idea to the producer and consumer, the possibilities and challenges of the technology, current trends and issues and their anticipated impact on the future development of the industry, music exports, the interaction between the private and public sectors, and music exports. During the fifth semester, the student submits a self-selected, written assignment on cultural or commercial phenomena in the music industry. The assignment may either be based on the student's own professional practice, or on a case study of a more general nature. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

17 9.5 Assessment Concluding examination Examination content The examination form and the basis for assessment is a self-selected written paper, followed by an oral examination. The paper may be written as a group assignment in a group of up to two students. The paper must be ten standard pages in length (fifteen pages in the case of a joint paper by two students). The deadline for submission of the assignment will be stated in the course plan for the subject. Duration Oral examination: 20 minutes. Assessment: 5 minutes. Assessment A grade is awarded from the seven-point scale for the examination performance. A combined grade is awarded for the written paper and the oral examination. The assessment is based on an evaluation of the extent to which the examination performance meets the learning outcomes for the subject. The assessment represents an overall evaluation of the written paper and the oral examination, in combination. Examination panel Internal moderator, internal examiner. Chronological location The examination is held at the end of the fifth semester. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

18 10 Electives 10.1 ECTS credits 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester ECTS, total Aim The aim of the subject is to give students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a self-selected field or topic in order to reinforce and complement their academic profile. The student s development in the subject is viewed in association with the courses in the subject Music Production Learning outcomes At the conclusion of the subject, the student should: possess professional skills that develop and support the student's academic profile; be able to assess artistic and communicative challenges and substantiate and select qualified, creative expressions and solutions; be capable of explaining and reflecting upon one s own practice; be able to identify his or her own learning needs and independently acquire new knowledge and skills Content The subject specialist for Music Production, in consultation with the students, determines the topics and scheduling for the subject Assessment The student's qualifications are assessed in terms of attendance at classes, etc. The assessment is undertaken on the basis of documented attendance at classes. The assessment awarded is: Approved/Not approved. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

19 11 Bachelor project 11.1 ECTS credits 1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester ECTS, total Aim The aim of the subject is to provide the student with knowledge of and skills in independent project work. The Bachelor Project is the concluding project in the study programme, in which the student independently develops and carries out an extensive project. In the Bachelor Project, the student studies a topic of the student s own choice that falls within the academic field of the study programme. In this work, students apply and utilise their overall professional knowledge, skills and competencies. Students are provided with an opportunity to give their education an individual profile, and the project can thereby serve as an indicator in relation to the student's future career and educational choices Learning outcomes At the conclusion of the subject, the student should: be capable of developing, planning, implementing and evaluating a large independent project; be capable of creating and communicating an independent artistic expression; be able to make and justify technical and aesthetic choices in relation to sound; be able to assess artistic and communicative challenges and substantiate and select qualified, creative expressions and solutions; possess technical and analytical skills in music which support the project; be able to apply and relate knowledge of current cultural trends and the conditions of the music profession to one s own professional practice; be capable of explaining and reflecting upon his or her own practice; be able to handle complex and development-oriented situations in educational or work contexts; be capable of independently engaging in professional and interdisciplinary collaborations and networks with a professional approach; be able to identify his or her own learning needs and independently acquire new knowledge and skills Content The Bachelor Project provides the student with space to immerse oneself in and develop one s own artistic practice and production. The project is a self-selected project that encompasses both artistic and craftsmanship aspects. The project may be carried out individually or as a group project, typically in collaboration with students from the other programmes at the Conservatory, or external partners in the music industry. The project is documented through an audio documentation, accompanied by a written report describing the project's purpose, objectives, content, working processes and results. An internal supervisor is attached to the project. The project supervision takes the form of both individual guidance and group guidance seminars, at which the students present and discuss their projects with the internal supervisor and their fellow students. For students who commenced the study programme in /20

20 11.5 Assessment Concluding examination Examination content The form of the examination and the basis for assessment is a self-selected artistic project containing the following elements: A studio production, delivered in a predefined audio format; A written report. In addition, an oral examination is held at which the student has an opportunity to describe and elaborate on his or her artistic choices. The studio recording must have a duration of between 10 and 30 minutes; the report must be twenty standard pages in length. The deadline for submission of the project will be stated in the course plan for the subject. Duration Oral examination: 30 minutes. Assessment: 10 minutes. Assessment A grade is awarded from the seven-point scale for the examination performance. The grade is supplemented by a written statement on the student's level of proficiency, which is enclosed with the Bachelor diploma. A combined grade is awarded for the written paper and the oral examination. The assessment is based on an evaluation of the extent to which the examination performance meets the learning outcomes for the subject. The assessment represents an overall evaluation of the project s product, the written paper and the oral examination, in combination. Examination panel External moderator, internal examiner. Chronological location The examination is held at the end of the sixth semester. For students who commenced the study programme in /20