STUDIO TECHNIQUES - 2024/5

Module Overview

The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop and refine skills in contemporary studio techniques using a ‘home studio’ setup. The module facilitates a wide range of approaches including producing a seamlessly edited recording, audio and MIDI editing and sequencing, synthesis, assembling separately recorded tracks and the creative use of advanced sampling techniques.  These will be developed through a series of diverse case studies for recreation and inspiration. The possible applications of this module range from producing a demo showreel of performances, instrumental compositions, edited material or entirely electro-acoustic works, informed by historical and contemporary practice.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

MERMIKIDES Milton (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

The following is an indication of the likely content of the module:

• ‪Audio recording, editing, sequencing and processing


• Sample instrument use and creation


• MIDI recording, editing, sequencing and processing


• Effects, processing, mixing and mastering


• Engagement with a range of electro-acoustic techniques based on historical and contemporary creative and technological practice and repertoire

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a proficiency in both technical skills and creative application in the field of studio techniques, relevant to their specific creative practice.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Portfolio (with supporting commentary) of studio projects that demonstrate an appropriate technical level and awareness of relevant studio techniques. (Learning outcomes 1-5)

Module aims

• To develop and refine the practical skills necessary to record acoustic sound sources clearly and cleanly using a standard ‘home studio' setup.
• To develop and refine the technical skills necessary for the creative manipulation and processing of recorded acoustic sound and MIDI data.
• To foster an understanding of the history of creative studio techniques and current artists' work relevant to your own practice.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Enhance students’ theoretical understanding of studio techniques as well as help develop their application of the module concepts in a way that is relevant to their creative practice.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• The module consists of lectures. The lectures will include theoretical and practical demonstrations of studio techniques.


• Students will be expected to complete weekly tasks developing independent practical knowledge of the module concepts.

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: MUSM050

Other information

The Department of Music and Media is committed to developing graduates with attributes encompassing employability, digital skills, global and culture awareness, sustainability as it relates to music and the wider arts and, finally, resourcefulness and resilience. 

Resourcefulness and Resilience: This module builds a students confidence and ability to work independently in the challenging and rapidly developing field of music technology. It demands proficiency with a range of file formats, platforms and managing complex projects with minimal assistance. The helps to develop both resourcefulness and resilience in the field of music technology.

Employability: This ability to work with efficiency and professionalism with studio techniques is a highly useful and employable skill, broadening opportunities for professional practice and collaboration in a wide range of musical fields. This module motivates students to engage directly and develop such skills.

Global and cultural capabilities: Students on the module are required to engage with a wide range of repertoire from different electronic cultures and practices, with a sense of open listening and appreciation. These include practices with and without notation and broad historic studio practice.

Digital capabilities: This module engages directly with a range of  contemporary digital approaches. Students will not only gain training on contemporary digital resources, but acquire skills to cope with the rapid and inevitable evolution of the field.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2024/5 academic year.