MUSIC, SOUND, IMAGE - 2019/0

Module code: CMT2008

Module Overview

This module introduces the history and practice of creating music and sound design for the moving image in a variety of contexts. Skills in this area are introduced alongside key concepts in visual literacy for 'reading' a film and other examples of the moving image. Contexts examined will include an overview of the principles of musical design for commercial work, as well as those for more experimental moving image repertoire and techniques. Appropriate theories and critical responses to music and sound design for the moving image will also be a core part of this module. 

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

THOMPSON Bill (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 128

Lecture Hours: 22

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

CMT1004 (Sound Design) is a pre-requisite for this module

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Analysis of existing moving image repertoire and techniques;

Overview of and how music and sound design relates to genre;

Aspects of different theories of music and meaning in both commercial and experimental contexts;

Critical arts practice in relation to sound, image, music;

Mapping of aspects of theories onto compositional techniques;

Case studies of moving image repertoire.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework COMPOSITION 1 WITH COMMENTARY (ADDRESSES LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 40
Coursework COMPOSITION 2 WITH COMMENTARY (ADDRESSES LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 60

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate technical and practical compositional skills in relation to music and sound design for the moving image. 

The summative assessments for this module consists of:

Coursework: Composition 1 with commentary (addresses LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Coursework: Composition 2 with commentary (addresses LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Formative assessment and feedback 

Students work on regular compositional and technical tasks, elements of which may be used as part of their summative assessment.  Where possible these are shared in class and will receive formative feedback individual tutorials, email, and online discussion forums as appropriate. Tutorials (individual and group) will be offered both for general guidance and for coursework assessments.

Module aims

  • Develop key skills in recognising and 'reading' different types of moving image content
  • Demonstrate awareness of a variety of possible sonic responses (music, sound design) to given moving image content
  • Create effective music and sound design as appropriate for given examples of moving image content
  • Be able to articulate an analysis of moving image content and sonic responses in the context of both aesthetic and technical theories of music and the moving image
  • Demonstrate knowledge around a variety arts-related practices to music, sound and image

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Analyse a brief and plan an appropriate response based on knowledge of the type of moving image involved KCPT
002 Plan a composition according to key building blocks of musical composition and integrate appropriate sound design to a moving image project KCP
003 Write commentaries that demonstrates critical and technical awareness of the sonic response to a task brief KCT
004 Create varied and contrasting sonic responses to different kinds of moving image projects KP
005 Distinguish the requirements for both sound design / Foley and musical composition in an example of moving image project, and coordinate a sonic blend or balance between these elements as appropriate KCP

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to facilitate learning through a series of lectures and workshops covering technical, aesthetic and practical skills in relation to music for the moving image. Students are expected to engage with existing repertoire related to sound and music for the moving image as directed by the module tutor. 

The learning and teaching methods include:

Lectures

Seminars

Workshops

Guided reading

Group discussions and peer feedback

Use of supporting materials on SurreyLearn and elsewhere as appropriate

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CMT2008

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Creative Music Technology BMus (Hons) 1 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.