Bachelor of Applied Music (Audio Production)

Subject Details

First Year core subjects

plus 2 subjects chosen from electives

MUZ101 – Music language studies 1 - (52 hours)

This is the first of six units of Music Language Studies. In this subject students will study aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of developments in early Western music. Links will be made between music from these periods and contemporary music. Topics covered will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of intervals, scales, chords, melodies, rhythms, and four-part harmony. Students will also demonstrate an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of early Western music up to, and including, the Baroque period.

MUZ102 – Music language studies 2 - (52 hours)

This subject will build on the aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills developed in Music Language Studies 1, by examining the use of similar musical elements in jazz genres from the last century. Other topics will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of scales, extended chords, chord progressions, rhythms and melodies derived from conventions in jazz; further harmonisation and an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of jazz in the 20th Century.

MUZ103 – Music technology 1 - (52 hours)

Students will acquire conventional keyboard techniques and knowledge and skills that enable the keyboard to be used as a tool for studying musical elements and as an interface with computer software. Students will learn basic performance on the keyboard to enable input for MIDI with the purpose of realisation of composition.

MUZ104 – Performance platforms - (52 hours)

This subject provides a performance platform for students to develop technical and interpretative skills in preparing and performing (or producing) solo and ensemble works to an audience. Through collaboration, students will develop the necessary skills and stagecraft to direct a cohesive performance. Performance of established repertoire as well as original material will be supported by students who are developing an understanding of the operation of sound reinforcement and recording systems, staging and lighting as related to live performance. Students will also be involved in a range of workshops which could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

MUZ131 – Music production 1 - (39 hours)

Music Production 1 is the first of six units progressively examining all facets of audio production theory and practice. In this subject students will acquire the basic concepts of Acoustics as they relate to musical instruments and the environments in which they are played. Students will learn the core principles of recording with analog and digital systems; theories of audio production and practice, live sound and live recording techniques in performance environments. The Digidesign® Pro Tools 101/110 course is started.

MUZ132 – Music production 2 - (39 hours)

Consolidating and extending the concepts and knowledge acquired in the previous subject, students will further apply these principles in practise, using both analogue and digital recording methods as the basis for an introduction to mixing environments. The Digidesign® Pro Tools 101/110 course is completed.

MUZ133 – Principles of audio technology 1 - (26 hours)

Students will acquire fundamental concepts, knowledge and understanding of electronics and electrical theory as applicable to audio applications. Topics covered include: electric current; DC and AC. voltage, resistance, the use of multimeters and power supplies. Classes are delivered as laboratory sessions at the Nelson campus in conjunction with the Centre for ICT.

MUZ134 – Principles of audio technology 2 - (26 hours)

Students will acquire fundamental concepts and principles of programming in digital audio. The programming of microprocessors is the main focus of study. This subject is a primer for more advanced applications in software-based digital synthesis programming in Year Two.

Second Year core subjects

plus 2 subjects chosen from electives

MUZ231 – Music production 3 - (52 hours)

Building upon the knowledge base established in Year 1, students will learn to apply principles of recording studio and session management; from pre-production and design, through to session engineering and production. Students will continue to work with both analogue and digital technologies undertaking recording assignments with students from the performance stream. The Digidesign® Pro Tools 201 course is started.

MUZ232 – Music production 4 - (52 hours)

Students will consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired to this point, developing greater independence in managing recording projects and fluency within the studio environment. More creative resources will be introduced; with access to an increasing number of external plug-in environments, for the analysis and the re-creation of seminal production ‘sounds’. Students will continue to work with both analogue and digital technologies in live direction and recording of students in the performance stream. The Digidesign® Pro Tools 201 course is completed.

MUZ233 – Principles of audio technology 3 - (26 hours)

Students are introduced to Cycling74’s Max/MSP programming environment. This is the first of three modules undertaken in Year Two & Three. Emphasis is placed on the development of interactive audio programming skills as an adjunct to commercially based digital audio workstation software and hardware applications.

MUZ234 – Principles of audio technology 4 - (26 hours)

Building on knowledge and skills acquired in Max/MSP, students will continue to accumulate knowledge in developing software applications including synthesizers, drum machines and interactive tools for the design of collaborative performance outcomes for external clients. This may take the form of sound designs for museums, gallery installations and/or physical performance idioms.

MUZ235 – Music technology 2 - (52 hours)

Students will study the use of computers to assist them in realising their musical ideas. Students will learn to manipulate MIDI and audio data; develop basic skills in the interactive control of the computer in real-time; develop an introductory knowledge in the concepts of sound design, and become familiar with issues in non-linear music making. Both Ableton ‘Live’ and Propellerhead’s ‘Reason’ are extensively covered.

MUZ236 – Music technology 3 - (52 hours)

Music Technology 3
Students will begin to acquire skills in computer music programming as a means to integrate prior knowledge with the demands, and opportunities, in the emergent areas of sound design for the multimedia and telecommunication industries. Areas of study include digital signal processing and the expressive integration of different media. The application ‘Audio Mulch’ is introduced and advanced applications in Ableton ‘Live’ continue.

MUZ201 – Music industry studies 1 - (39 hours)

In this subject students will learn to plan, organise, prepare, facilitate and present music to discriminating audiences. Students will develop confidence in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical evaluation of this work, and the fundamental principles in small business organisation, management and administration.

MUZ202 – Music industry studies 2 - (39 hours)

This subject continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will develop greater maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical evaluation of this work, and the principles of more complex business organisational structures. In addition, the basics of project management will be introduced as a means to evaluate long-term sustainability of the small-business enterprise model.

Third Year core subjects

plus 2 subjects chosen from electives

MUZ301 – Research and application of industry principles 1 - (52 hours)

Using collaborative, investigative, planning and management methods students will acquire and apply knowledge and skills that prepare them for entry into the music industry. Students will develop a three-tiered project incorporating team-based event management and planning, the planning of a self-promotional CD and the planning of a solo public event, students will integrate knowledge and skills that underlie production and management processes in the music industry. Students will also draft a significant research project relevant to individual goals, preferences and expertise.

MUZ302 – Research and application of industry principles 2 - (52 hours)

The plans for the three-tiered project incorporating team-based event management, a self-promotional CD and a solo public event developed during the first unit of this subject will be implemented. Students will gain practical experience in the music industry in a variety of situations including the development of a related business plan and the delivery of a short series of lessons in their area of expertise. The production of a researched and substantiated body of work will provide students with knowledge in their major area of study as preparation to enter the music industry.

MUZ331 – Music production 5 - (52 hours)

This subject is broken down into two components. The first component examines the compositional processes and applications of next-generation game audio and sound design and particularly auditory design for Microsoft Xbox 360™ and Sony PlayStation®2. The second component is the completion of the The Digidesign® Pro Tools 210M course.

MUZ332 – Music production 6 - (52 hours)

In this subject students will independently demonstrate advanced skills in recording and mixing techniques for digital audio workstations. Student will also complete the third module in Max/MSP and, specifically, the interactive possibilities of this application with Cycling 74’s ‘Jitter’ and ‘Pluggo’ applications.

MUZ333 – Digital mixing techniques - (39 hours)

In this subject students will acquire a practical understanding of the skills required for mixing music for CD, DVD, television, radio broadcast, podcasting, streaming media and film. Specifically, the differences and subtleties of digital mixing over analogue mix downs will be treated in depth.

MUZ334 – Digital mastering and post production - (39 hours)

Students will employ a diverse range of contemporary digital technologies in the post-production and audio mastering of assignments over a broad range of production and broadcast contexts. The mastering of the major, year long, audio project will be the major focus of work in the second semester. Completion will be expected at the highest standard of audio production.

MUZ335 – Advanced tracking and session management 1 - (26 hours)

Students will develop interpersonal, communication and client liaison techniques appropriate to the project management of a major audio project. These techniques will underpin the efficient studio management, scheduling and tracking requirements, culminating in the delivery of the project deliverable at the end of the year.

MUZ336 – Advanced tracking and session management 2 - (26 hours)

Students will develop interpersonal, communication and client liaison techniques appropriate to the project management of a major audio project. These techniques will underpin the efficient studio management, scheduling and tracking requirements, culminating in the delivery of the project deliverable at the end of the year. This subject is a continuation of MUZ335.

Electives

MUZ151 – Digital audio platforms 1 - (26 hours)

This subject is recommended for those who wish to extend knowledge and skills learnt in Music Technology 1. The subject explores a range of computer music systems and software. Content will change from year to year depending on the latest tools available to assist musicians develop their artistic product.

MUZ252 – Negotiated project 1 - (26 hours)

This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.

MUZ253 – Negotiated project 2 - (26 hours)

This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. Project 2 can be an extension of the activity commenced in Negotiated Project 1. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.

MUZ152 – Digital audio platforms 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is recommended for those who wish to extend knowledge and skills learnt in Digital Audio Platforms 1. The subject explores a range of computer music systems and software. Content will change from year to year depending on the latest tools available to assist musicians develop their artistic product.

MUZ245 – Composition studies 1 - (26 hours)

Students will undertake a thorough grounding in the structural components of composition: with a particular focus on contrapuntal writing techniques as a foundation for continuing study. Students will complete a series of composition exercises culminating in a short work for small ensemble, chamber or string orchestra.

MUZ246 – Composition studies 2 - (26 hours)

Students will continue to build upon previous skills by composing and arranging for the four main instrumental sections: woodwind, brass, percussion and strings. Through exercises and analyses in voicing, texture, timbral density and defined stylistic convention, students will acquire practical abilities in composing and arranging for small jazz combos and vocal groups.

MUZ241 – Ensemble 1 - (26 hours)

The focus for this subject is to develop concepts, skills and understanding in the ensemble performance of music in a variety of musical contexts. Students will develop stylistic awareness, musical expertise and ensemble protocols. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops may include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

MUZ242 – Ensemble 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Ensemble 1. The performance skills and associated protocols will be consolidated and repertoire will be expanded. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

MUZ141 – Instrumental studies 1 - (26 hours)

Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

MUZ142 – Instrumental studies 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Instrumental Studies 1. Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with a fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

MUZ143 – Introduction to filmscoring 1 - (26 hours)

Students will develop philosophical and musical concepts of the aesthetic role and function of music used in films between 1920-1950s. Students will acquire the capacity to evaluate film scores with reference to established conventions, including compositional techniques, and their application in defined social, historical and cultural contexts.

MUZ144 – Introduction to filmscoring 2 - (26 hours)

Students will study post-1950s film music genres to evaluate the role and function of music in various dramatic contexts. Students will also acquire knowledge of the way in which music is synchronised to film, and then consolidate this knowledge with several assignments in composing and synchronising music to short film excerpts.

MUZ121 – Principles of songwriting 1 - (26 hours)

This subject provides an analytical overview of the musical devices and conventions that exist in popular song forms and genres. Analysis of elements such as: melody, structure, rhythm, harmonic progression and style will inform the student in the composition of songs in designated popular song styles.

MUZ122 – Principles of songwriting 2 - (26 hours)

Continuing directly from the previous unit, students will extend their abilities to compose songs within a variety of genres. They will further develop greater understanding of characteristic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic treatment of lyrics within various song genres, and learn to apply these conventions with their own writing.

MUZ221 – Principles of songwriting 3 - (26 hours)

Students will consolidate their writing skills in tandem with developing greater skills in recording and sequencing their musical ideas within various digital audio environments. More sophisticated mock ups of original ideas will be expected as well as complete realisations of songs both in printed and audio format. The art of collaboration will be introduced.

MUZ222 – Principles of songwriting 4 - (26 hours)

Students will integrate concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in the previous three units. Students will be required to craft complete arrangements of their original songs with fully notated instrumental parts and audio realisations. Collaboration with other writers is a requirement within this subject.

MUZ243 – Scoring for film and video 1 - (26 hours)

Through studying the compositional techniques of various film composers, students will acquire concepts, knowledge and skills, and apply these in scoring a series of short musical excerpts to accompany film sequences. Students will, in addition, learn how to synchronise their scores to digital film sequences.

MUZ244 – Scoring for film and video 2 - (26 hours)

Building on knowledge and skills acquired in the previous unit, the study of eminent Australian and international film composers will assist students to consolidate an understanding of the wide range of compositional techniques employed in scoring for film. Students will be required to compose and score a series of short film cues to a brief.

MUZ251 – Music publishing - (26 hours)

Students will focus on various music publishing software including advanced functions in Sibelius. Outcomes include the preparation of music scores to a publishable standard.