Students
MECO839 – Music Production
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Mary Mainsbridge
Contact via Email
Y3A 165E
By appointment
Technical Officer - Music Production Facilities
Ben Nash
Contact via Email
Y3A 172
By appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MCrMedia or MCrInd or MCreIndMFJ or MCreIndMMedia
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores essential techniques of music production and analysis through attendance at, and contribution to, a series of practical seminars and workshops on relevant topics. Areas covered include: analysis methodologies, creative use of technology, the rise of production through the history of recorded music, specialist technical topics and changing techniques through interface development.
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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:
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Contextualise aesthetic discussion by developing an understanding of relevant repertoire
- Research advanced practice and literature in the field
- Apply research skills to music production
General Assessment Information
Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available at:
https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment
Late Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal and plan | 30% | No | Week 4 - March 23, 2018 |
| Music Production Draft | 25% | No | Week 8 - May 4, 2018 |
| Music Production Project | 45% | No | Week 13 - June 8, 2018 |
Project proposal and plan
Due: Week 4 - March 23, 2018
Weighting: 30%
Students will propose a small music production project and generate a written proposal and project plan (2000 words). The proposal will clearly outline the scope, focus and aesthetic aims of the project; key reference works from practice; and a project plan (with key dates) for execution and final delivery within an allocated parcel of studio hours.
The proposal will be submitted via the Turnitin link provided on the unit's iLearn page.
Assessment Criteria:
- Capacity to scope a minor music production project
- Ability to locate a musical project within the field of practice and in relation to key musical influences
- Capacity to conceive and design an effective production approach within a given resource context
- Clarity of written proposal
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Contextualise aesthetic discussion by developing an understanding of relevant repertoire
- Research advanced practice and literature in the field
Music Production Draft
Due: Week 8 - May 4, 2018
Weighting: 25%
Students will submit a rough mix of tracking sessions and working session files (Pro Tools session folder), annotated in software to professional standards. These materials are to be accompanied by a 1000 word evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the progress to date in respect of captured performances/takes, musical arrangement/structure, and recording quality.
Production sessions will be uploaded to a specified server location. This will be further explained in the seminars.
The written component will be submitted via the Turnitin link on the unit's iLearn page.
Assessment Criteria:
- Capacity to demonstrate professional practices in the management, annotation, and presentation of audio materials
- Evidence of technical skills in studio based recording
- Ability to critically evaluate the creative and performance outcomes of recording sessions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Contextualise aesthetic discussion by developing an understanding of relevant repertoire
- Apply research skills to music production
Music Production Project
Due: Week 13 - June 8, 2018
Weighting: 45%
Students will submit a finished musical recording, mixed and delivered according to professional standards. The track is to be accompanied by a 500 word critical evaluation of the final product.
Finished mixes will be uploaded to a specified server location. This will be further explained in the seminars.
The written component will be submitted via the Turnitin link provided on the unit's iLearn page.
Assessment Criteria:
- Capacity to demonstrate professional practices in the management, annotation, and presentation of audio materials
- Evidence of technical skills in studio based recording
- Ability to critically evaluate the creative and performance outcomes of recording sessions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Contextualise aesthetic discussion by developing an understanding of relevant repertoire
- Research advanced practice and literature in the field
- Apply research skills to music production
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
This unit will be delivered as 1 x 2 hour studio seminar/practical per week.
Suggested Readings:
Barlett, B. (2012) Practical Recording Techniques. Oxford: Taylor and Francis
Burgess, R. J. (2013) The Art of Music Production. London: Omnibus Press
Corey, J. and D. H. Benson (2016) Audio Production and Critical Listening: Technical Ear Training. New York: Focal Press
Danielsen, A. ed. (2013) Musical Rhythm in the Age of Reproduction. Farnham: Ashgate
Dowsett, P. (2015) Audio Production Tips: Getting the Sound Right at the Source. New York: Focal Press
Eno, B. (2007) A Year With Swollen Appendices. Canongate
Gracyk, T. (1996) Rhythm and Noise: An Aesthetics of Rock. Durham: Duke University Press
Greene, P. and Porcello, T (2005) Wired for Sound: Engineering and Technologies in Sonic Culture. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press
Holt, F. (2007) Genre in Popular Music. Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Huber, D. and Runstein, R (2014) Modern Recording Techniques. Oxford: Taylor and Francis
Izhaki, R. (2012) Mixing Audio: Concepts Practices and Tools. Boston: Focal Press
Katz, B. (2007) Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science. Boston: Focal Press
Massey, H. (2000) Behind the Glass. San Francisco: Miller Freeman Books
Massey, H. (2009) Behind the Glass Vol. II, Milwaukee: Backbeat Books
Moylan, W. (2015) Understanding and Crafting the Mix: The Art of Recording. Amsterdam and London: Focal Press
Owskinski, B. (2009) The Recording Engineer's Handbook. Delmar Cengage.
Zack, A. (2001) The Poetics of Rock. London: University of California Press
This unit uses iLearn.
Further details on the iLearn site.
Unit Schedule
Details on ilearn unit page
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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.
Additional information
MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914
Information is correct at the time of publication
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
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Project proposal and plan
- Music Production Draft
- Music Production Project
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Contextualise aesthetic discussion by developing an understanding of relevant repertoire
Assessment tasks
- Project proposal and plan
- Music Production Draft
- Music Production Project
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Research advanced practice and literature in the field
- Apply research skills to music production
Assessment tasks
- Project proposal and plan
- Music Production Project
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Research advanced practice and literature in the field
- Apply research skills to music production
Assessment task
- Music Production Project
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate key approaches to music production
- Contextualise aesthetic discussion by developing an understanding of relevant repertoire
Assessment tasks
- Project proposal and plan
- Music Production Draft
- Music Production Project
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Apply research skills to music production