Students
MMCC2033 – Music Production: Audio Recording and Mixing
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Mary Mainsbridge
Contact via Email
10HA 165E
Email for an appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above including (MUS 202 or MMCC2020)
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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 the audio-recording and mixing functions of music production. 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 specialized 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 music production software. |
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:
- ULO1: evaluate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording.
- ULO2: analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking.
- ULO3: demonstrate independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues.
- ULO4: formulate audio compositions in music software platforms, demonstrating musical creativity and originality.
- ULO5: appraise and effectively communicate self-reflection of the creative process through writing.
- ULO6: recognise issues of ethics and copyright in contemporary music production.
General Assessment Information
Assessment standards
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
Feedback
Feedback on assessments and student learning and performance will be provided in written or verbal form. Students will receive formal individual feedback on their performance in assessments as general comments during class discussions and in-text comments attached to assignments marked in Grademark/Turnitin. Feedback may also be delivered verbally in tutorials, via email communication and in personal consultations on request. Marks are made available in the Gradebook function in iLearn.
Late submission
Please note that the University and the Faculty of Arts have launched a new assessment policy effective as of 1 July 2021. This new policy particularly affects LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS.
The Faculty policy in relation to late assessment submissions is as follows:
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests, etc.
To be very clear:
Unless you have applied for special consideration and had your application approved, for each day your assignment is late, 10 marks will be deducted. For example, if you submit your assignment 7 days late, 70 marks will be deducted, which means you will fail that assignment. If your assignment is more than 7 days late (including weekends), you will get 0 for your assignment. These are serious penalties that will substantially alter your final grade and even determine whether you pass or fail this unit. Please make every effort to submit your assignment by the due date.
Special Consideration
If you find you cannot submit your assignment on time, please apply for Special Consideration through AskMQ. Make sure you read Macquarie University's policy regarding Special Consideration requests before you apply:
https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project 1 | 30% | No | 9/9/21 23:59 |
| Blog | 30% | No | Ongoing, Weeks 7-13 |
| Project 2 | 40% | No | 28/10/21 23:59 |
Project 1
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 9/9/21 23:59
Weighting: 30%
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 of Creative Commons origins and all collaborators must be acknowledged in the project documentation. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- evaluate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording.
- demonstrate independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues.
- formulate audio compositions in music software platforms, 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.
Blog
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Ongoing, Weeks 7-13
Weighting: 30%
Students will document recording and production processes online, accompanied by independent research, examples of critical listening and analysis of relevant artists’ works. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse and explain sound and creative works, showing critical, analytical and integrative thinking.
- demonstrate 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 2
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 42 hours
Due: 28/10/21 23:59
Weighting: 40%
Building on tutor and peer feedback and skills developed in the previous 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). 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. All audio material used must be of copyright-permitted or of Creative Commons origins. Projects will be presented to class. The final mix is to be exported from the project as a stereo wave file and uploaded to a music streaming service such as Soundcloud. Projects will be accompanied by documentation including a project summary and audio/copyright information and a link to the audio file online. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- evaluate discipline-specific technical knowledge of digital audio editing and recording.
- demonstrate independent research skills, organisational abilities, and an ability to problem-solve technical and creative issues.
- formulate audio compositions in music software platforms, 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.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lectures (delivered via iLearn) begin in Week 1. Tutorials begin in Week 2.
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. Mac-compatible USB memory sticks (4GB or more) are handy for additionally backing up projects from the server.
Software Compatibility | It is your own responsibility to ensure that any work undertaken outside of the MCALL Music computer labs is fully functional within and compatible with the latest version of Pro Tools currently installed on the computers in the labs. Working within other software platforms (such as Garageband or Reason) is not recommended, as this has caused significant problems for students in the past. Additional VST instruments and effects not native to Pro Tools or provided on the lab workstations should preferably not be used, unless mixed down to audio format (discuss this with your tutor).
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook