SOUND DESIGN - 2023/4
Module code: CMT1004
Module Overview
This module introduces the theoretical, aesthetic and practical issues of sound design. Subject areas include common digital signal processing theory and terminology, the use of creative sampling in composition and the exploration of various forms of synthesis. Technical sessions will be devoted to enhancing knowledge of key sound design software.
Module provider
Music & Media
Module Leader
THOMPSON Bill (Music & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 128
Seminar Hours: 22
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
• Theoretical, technical and creative aspects of sound design and digital audio
• Historical and contemporary creative practitioner case studies from the perspective of creative and applied sound design
• Technical approaches to sound design involving synthesis and sampling using dedicated software
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | COURSEWORK | 100 |
Alternative Assessment
None
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate technical and practice-based musical skills related to sound design in the context of relevant historical and contemporary repertoire.
The summative assessment for this module consists of:
Project: A portfolio containing compositions, technical projects and commentary.
Formative assessment and feedback
Students work on regular compositional, technical and written tasks, elements of which may form part of their summative assessment. These may be presented in class as works in progress and will receive formative feedback as appropriate. Tutorials (individual and group) will be offered both for general guidance and for coursework assessments.
Module aims
- Develop practical sampling and synthesis skills for sound design using dedicated software
- Learn the technical fundamentals of digital audio for use in the production of sound design
- Develop skills in critiquing sound design and apply these skills in creating new sonic work
- Gain experience in planning and executing a sound design project with appropriate documentation
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Demonstrate understanding of key terms used in sound design | KC |
| 002 | Demonstrate understanding of critical approaches to sound design through practical and written work | KPT |
| 003 | Effectively apply knowledge of digital audio, synthesis and sampling principles to the creation of sound design | KCP |
| 004 | Demonstrate appropriate command of relevant computer software tools for sound design | KP |
| 005 | Plan, document and deliver a complete sound design for a short project with documentation | PT |
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 develop both the technical and creative.
Class sessions are devoted to each. In addition, substantial online support material will extend the lecture content and support non–linear, multi–modal learning methods.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Independent Learning Hours: 128
- Seminar Hours: 22
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: CMT1004
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Music Technology BMus (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | 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 2023/4 academic year.