Sonic Arts

Overview

This module is aimed at students who want to develop core skills in sound manipulation and composition practice. The module will examine a range of issues in order to provide a grounding in electroacoustic music.

The module takes a practice-based approach embedded in workshop sessions introducing students to repertoire, techniques and strategies related to the two assessed practical projects and a student led seminar presentation.

During the module students will be introduced to techniques and strategies for manipulating sound both off-line and in real-time in the Max/MSP environment. Other software packages (Pro Tools, Soundhack, AudioSculpt/Spear) will be used for editing, mixing and processing as appropriate. Students will also be working with bespoke recording techniques, microphones and loudspeaker setups.

Learning Objectives

You'll learn how to process and develop musical materials and address aspects of language and structure in your composition work and at the end of the module you will have 1) developed key skills for abstracting and developing new sounds from source materials, 2) developed and enhanced your approach to problem-solving, 3)
expanded your understanding and appreciation of electroacoustic music, 4)
developed your approach to electroacoustic composition, 5) developed a language and body of references for the discussion of electroacoustic music.

Skills

(i) Criticise and analyse your own composition and the work of others.
(ii) Creatively approach issues of structure, transformation and musical development.
(iii) Present your ideas and thoughts in front of others.
(iv) Identify technical problems in a sound processing technique.
(v) Identify, analyse and solve problems by prioritising tasks, coping with complexity, setting achievable goals and taking action.
(vi) Work with information and handle a mass of diverse data, assess risk and draw conclusions (analysis, attention to detail, judgment).
(vii) Apply subject knowledge and understanding from the degree pathway.
(viii) Possess high level transferable key skills such as the ability to work with others in a team, to communicate (both orally and in writing), influence, negotiate and resolve conflict.
(ix) Have the ability and desire to learn for oneself and improve one's self-awareness and performance, to uphold the values of lifelong learning and demonstrate emotional intelligence.
(x) Demonstrate confidence and motivation to start and to finish the job, adaptability / flexibility, creativity, initiative, leadership, decision-making, negotiating and the ability to cope with stress.

Assessment

None