FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to develop their technical knowledge and practical skills in music technology and production. It will allow students to engage with digital technology in wider practice with relevant theoretical understanding, and with an appropriate professionalism and resourcefulness. Although tutorials and support in specific software platforms will be encountered, the emphasis will be on a broad awareness of the theories, functions, diverse cultures and affordances of music technology, providing students with transportable, adaptable and employable skills in their continuing musical practice.

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

MERMIKIDES Milton (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

n/a

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Understanding analogue & digital audio

MIDI format

Audio and MIDI editing & sequencing

Production techniques

Fundamentals of synthesis

Basics of recording

Sampling and virtual instruments

Music notation software

Synchronising Music to Video

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

n/a

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate a proficiency in both theoretical understanding and the effective application in the fields of music technology and production.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• Portfolio  (with supporting commentary) of projects that demonstrate an appropriate technical level and awareness of relevant technological practices. (Learning outcomes 1-3) 


• Examination  An examination requiring a theoretical awareness of the functions, processes and the historical and contemporary practice of music technology and production. (Learning outcomes 1-3)

Module aims

• To develop an understanding of the theoretical fundamentals of sound and music technology.
  To develop and refine the practical skills necessary to confidently engage with a range of technological practices including Audio and MIDI editing, sequencing and production; synthesis; audio video synchronisation, and digital musical notation.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Enhance students' theoretical understanding of music technology and production as well as help develop their application of the module concepts in a way that is relevant to their musical practices.

The learning and teaching methods include:

The module consists Seminars and supporting learning resources. The classes will include theoretical and practical demonstrations of music technology and production.

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: MUS1037

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 involves dealing 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 music technology is a highly 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 non-notational approaches, experimentalism and broad historic musical practice.

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

Sustainability: Digital music technology allow the production of music with minimal physical and energy resources, travel impact and other consumables. The ability to create, collaborate and publish outputs with contemporary music technologies has a direct and significant impact on sustainability.

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.