DIGITAL PERFORMANCE - 2025/6

Module Overview

You will develop your understanding of the theory, aesthetics and technical considerations of digital performance. Topics will include the design and construction of electronic music systems and effective performance strategies and approaches. This will develop independence, resourcefulness, and resilience in the field; enhance digital skills, and provide a wider awareness of cultural practice, enhancing creative ideas, technical development and employability in future work.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

MERMIKIDES Milton (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

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

• 
  Lectures on the history and contemporary execution of live electronic practice


• 
  Workshop sessions on the design and construction of electronic instruments and systems


• 
  Rehearsals and performances of electronic improvisational works


• 
  Design and use of effects and processing in performance


• 
  Design of effective mapping and control systems for live performance


• 
  Live looping


• 
  Creative manipulation of MIDI and audio data in live performance


• 
  Relevant performance, ensemble and improvisational models


• 
  The use of the computer as both ‘extended instrument’ and ‘additional performer’

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore and develop new theoretical concepts and practical skills.


The summative assessment for this module consists of:

Performance 1: A solo or group performance demonstrating creative and technical skill in the technical design, aesthetic intent and real-time realisation of a digital improvisational performance. Learning outcomes 1-4.

Performance 2 and Commentary: 

Performance 2: A solo or group performance demonstrating a development of creative and technical skill in the technical design, aesthetic intent and real-time realisation of a digital improvisational performance. Learning outcomes 1-4.

Commentary: A 2000-2500 word essay showing how your work relates to issues of performance, sound art, philosophy and/or improvisation, including technical documentation, analysis and reflection on your creative practice in respect to the two performances. Learning outcomes 1, 4

Formative assessment and feedback 

Students will be given a series of weekly performance and technical exercises.  These are not assessed but will provide students with formative feedback via Surreylearn and in class. These exercises can also be used as foundations for the summative assessments.

Module aims

• To develop a theoretical understanding, and practical proficiency of contemporary live electronic music.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

• Lectures
   


• Guided rehearsals and performance sessions.
   


• Supporting material for each classroom session.
   


• Tutorials.
   


• Guided reading and technical study.
   


• Production of a reflective essay, commentary and documentation of performances.

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: CMT3004

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 design, implementation and confident presentation of digital performance. It involves dealing with a range of file formats, software and hardware 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 digital performance practice is an 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, improvisational and broad historic musical 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 2025/6 academic year.