Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Sarah Keith sarah.keith@mq.edu.au Contact via sarah.keith@mq.edu.au Y3A 193 By e-mail appointment
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites MUS202
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description Building on MUS202, this unit explores the audio functions of music production within the virtual studio. Acoustic recording practices, the virtual mixing desk, plug-ins, effects, and hardware peripherals are introduced. Conceptual and practical issues regarding audio production and recording are covered through lectures and hands-on tutorials. This unit is taught within Music laboratories fully equipped with individual digital audio workstations, MIDI keyboards, microphones, mixers, and a range of recording and production software and hardware. Students will produce original audio works using the Cubase music production software environment.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Demonstrate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording
Analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing
Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

General Assessment Information

Late Submissions

Assessment tasks above 10%: No extensions will be granted. Students who submit late work will receive a penalty of 10% per day (including weekends). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.

Tasks 10% or less: No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.

Expectations of students

The following is embedded in Macquarie University's Assessment Policy (5.4.4).

Students are responsible for their learning and are expected to:

actively engage with assessment tasks, including carefully reading the guidance provided, understanding criteria, spending sufficient time on the task and submitting work on time;
read, reflect and act on feedback provided;
actively engage in activities designed to develop assessment literacy
provide constructive feedback on assessment processes and tasks through student feedback mechanisms
ensure that their work is their own

Feedback in this unit

Feedback (on assessments and learning) is provided in several ways throughout this unit. How useful feedback is depends on what you do with it. (Adapted from ‘Feedback is a Dialogue’ – University of Strathclyde Glasgow)

Sources of Feedback in this Unit

Formal:

General comment, rubric and in-text comments attached to assignments marked in GradeMark

Informal:

Comments from your tutor in discussions and unit activities
Through the ‘announcement’ function in iLearn if there are points of relevance to the whole class
Personal reflections during the course on learning

Individual:

In email communication with individual students where comments are made by the tutor or convenor in response to questions related to course activities
In personal consultations by phone or face to face as requested by appointment

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Group forum	30%	No	Various weeks
Project 1	25%	No	During Week 7 tutorials
Project 2	45%	No	Before Week 13 tutorials

Group forum

Due: Various weeks
Weighting: 30%

Groups will be formed in the Week 2 tutorials. The Group Forum assessment exists to facilitate collaboration and discussion among groups of like-minded music producers. Individual weekly responses will not be assessed; overall group forum participation will be assessed at the end of the session. Group forums are located within weekly blocks on iLearn. The requirements and due dates for each forum are included in each forum's description; students will generally have one week to complete a forum activity. You may write informally on these forums, as long as you respond to what is required in each week’s activity. You are encouraged to use these forums to discuss and workshop ideas with each other. Group members are responsible for keeping to deadlines, ensuring that all group members are able to contribute, and maintaining civil discussion.

Assessment criteria:

Engagement with group forum activities, including timeliness and number of forum posts
Engagement in group discussion
Demonstration of engagement with unit concepts

On successful completion you will be able to:

Analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing
Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

Project 1

Due: During Week 7 tutorials
Weighting: 25%

Using Cubase, students will produce an original musical work (2-4 minutes) in the style of their choice. This project should demonstrate an ability to creatively work with audio files, resulting in a coherent musical composition. The project should incorporate production techniques discussed in lectures, including both sampling and recording. Projects will be accompanied by documentation including a project summary and audio/copyright information. All audio material used must be of copyright-permitted or Creative Commons origins.

Assessment Criteria:

Musical standard
Technical proficiency
Audio/recording quality
Mixing quality
Project documentation (1000w project summary plus references)

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing
Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

Project 2

Due: Before Week 13 tutorials
Weighting: 45%

Building on feedback from and skills developed in the previous Cubase assessment, as well as new course concepts introduced in the second half of the unit, students will produce an original musical work (3-6 minutes) in the form of a Cubase project. This project should demonstrate an ability to creatively work with audio files and recording, resulting in a coherent musical composition. The project should incorporate advanced production techniques discussed in the unit. Projects will be accompanied by documentation including a project summary and audio/copyright information. All audio material used must be of copyright-permitted or Creative Commons origins. Projects will be presented to class in Week 13.

Assessment Criteria:

Musical standard
Technical proficiency
Audio/recording quality
Mixing and mastering quality
Project documentation (1500w project summary plus references)
In-class presentation

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing
Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

Delivery and Resources

Lectures:

All MUS203 lectures are provided as online videos via iLearn. You are expected to have watched each week's video(s) before attending tutorials.

iLearn:

MUS203 lecture videos, slides, and tutorial worksheets are hosted on the unit iLearn site; all written assessments and group forum work is to be submitted via iLearn. http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/course/view.php?id=25124

Lecture and tutorial start date:

Lectures commence in Week 1. Tutorials commence in Week 2.

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials for this unit. Lecture and tutorial attendance is compulsory, and missing more than two tutorials will severely compromise your performance in this unit. If you have missed a tutorial, medical certification or other evidence of disruption must be provided. A roll will be taken in the first 10 minutes of every tutorial; students entering late are responsible for making themselves known to the tutor so they can be marked as in attendance.

Required Equipment:

You will need to bring a suitable pair of headphones to tutorials each week. In-ear (iPod-style) headphones are not recommended, as their sound reproduction quality is generally inadequate and may jeopardise the quality of your work. Consider your headphones an investment. Headphones should have a 1/4 inch jack connector or a 1/4 inch adaptor. Mac-compatible USB memory sticks (4GB or more) are required for saving and transferring Cubase projects from the lab computers.

Software Compatibility:

It is your own responsibility to ensure that any work undertaken outside of the Y3A 223 Music computer labs is fully functional within and compatible with the version of Cubase currently installed on the computers in the labs. Working within other software platforms (such as Garageband or Live) as well as Cubase is not recommended, as this has caused significant problems for students in the past. Additional VST instruments and effects not native to the version of Cubase provided on the lab workstations should not be used, unless mixed down to audio format (discuss this with your tutor).

Assignment Submission:

There are no hard-copy submissions for MUS203. All assignments will be completed/submitted via iLearn. Cubase project folders will be uploaded to a secure dropbox. This will be further explained in tutorials.

Readings and resources:

A list of readings and resources for MUS203 are available via the MUS203 iLearn page. Readings and resources should be used as a starting point for your own research, as well as specifically referenced in the documentation for Projects 1 and 2.

Recording facilities:

You may make use of the recording facilities in Y3A, which are equipped with hardware, computer workstation, microphones, etc. Use of these facilities is organised via the MMCCS Facilities booking system and students are expected to adhere to regulations surrounding facilities use. This will be discussed in lectures and tutorials.

Referencing style:

Preferred referencing styles include Harvard http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm?harvard_id=24#24 and APA http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/referencing/apa.htm. Either or any style may be used as long as all necessary information is provided and a consistent approach is taken.

Return of marked work:

Marked work will be returned to students on iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Re-Marks: The Re-mark Application form is available at http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality

Assessment tasks

Project 1
Project 2

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing
Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

Assessment task

Group forum

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording
Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality

Assessment tasks

Group forum
Project 1
Project 2

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording
Analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing

Assessment tasks

Group forum
Project 1
Project 2

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing

Assessment task

Group forum

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking
Develop independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues
Formulate audio compositions in Cubase, demonstrating musical creativity and originality
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing
Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

Assessment tasks

Project 1
Project 2

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking
Appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing

Assessment task

Group forum

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production

Assessment tasks

Project 1
Project 2

Changes from Previous Offering

Project Process Diary (20%) retired and replaced by documentation requirement for Project 1 and Project 2

iLearn tasks (25%) retired and replaced by Group Forum component (30%)