Course Title: Produce sound recordings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: VART6066C

Course Title: Produce sound recordings

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6104 - Advanced Diploma of Sound Production

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mctafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Paul Thomas
Phone: 9925 4325
Email: paul.thomas@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 100

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

none

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce a musical recording.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSSOU502A Produce sound recordings

Element:

1 Confirm concept for recording project

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Apply knowledge of commercial music trends, market
niches, new musical styles and artists to develop the
musical vision and concept for a recording project
1.2 Establish and discuss production requirements with
relevant personnel
1.3 Apply musicianship knowledge and awareness of sound
design possibilities to develop the underlying artistic style
and creative concept for the recording
1.4 Discuss and confirm vision for sound concepts with
relevant personnel to achieve consensus on artistic values
and agreed project outcomes
1.5 Address copyright requirements to ensure that the
recording process and product comply with legislation

Element:

3 Manage recording sessions

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Confirm that sessions are scheduled to allow adequate
rehearsal and sound testing prior to main recording
sessions
3.2 Ensure recording site, sound equipment and recording
formats are appropriate for the media and project
requirements
3.3 Communicate criticism of performers’ work in a balanced,
constructive and supportive manner that includes positive
and achievable options for meeting desired artistic goals
3.4 Ensure that individual perspectives are considered and
conflicting requirements are recognised and constructively
negotiated
3.5 Continuously monitor all aspects of the recording and
ensure that any necessary adjustments are made in line
with creative and technical requirements
3.6 Collaborate with relevant personnel to ensure that sound
balances are artistically appropriate

Element:

4 Evaluate the recording process and product

 

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Discuss and obtain agreement on evaluation techniques
for evaluating the recording process and completed
product
4.2 Seek and obtain feedback from relevant personnel to
assess the recording process and product
4.3 Evaluate own role in the production of recordings and note
areas for improvement
4.4 Use evaluation results to improve future practice

Element:

2 Confirm recording project arrangements


Performance Criteria:

2.1 Confirm repertoire, artists, project vision and operational
details in consultation with relevant personnel
2.2 In collaboration with artists, ensure that adequate time and
facilities are provided to achieve the agreed performance
standard within time and budget constraints
2.3 Plan and agree on communication processes and time
schedules with artists and technical production personnel
2.4 Ensure that time schedules are drawn up and distributed
to each artist for all proposed rehearsal and recording
sessions
2.5 Liaise with technical staff regarding appropriate recording
sites

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this program you will acquire the skills and knowledge required to produce a musical recording.


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• Studio Tutorials and class presentations
• Studio practical sessions
• Listening/comparison exercises

Out of class activities include, but are not limited to:
• Recording projects


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Intro to Producing

Week Class content Other Elements
Week 1 Intro to course and expectations
Explanation of assessments
Team/group Allocation
Recording schedule allocation		   1.1-1.5
Week2 Preparation and Operation of Mobile Recording Rig.
 		   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week3 Recording project
 		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week4 Recording project   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week5 Mix/Recording project
Recording Collaboration Project		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week6 Mix/Recording project
Recording Collaboration Project		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week7 Mix/Recording project
Recording Collaboration Project		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week8 Mix/Recording project
Recording Collaboration Project		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week9 Mixing
Recording Collaboration Project		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week10 Feedback on recording project
Recording Collaboration Project		   1.1-1.5
2.1-2.6
3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week11 Recording Collaboration Project   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week12 Recording Collaboration Project   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week13 Recording Collaboration Project   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week14 Recording Collaboration Project   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week15 Recording Collaboration Project   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4
Week16 Feedback on Assessments   3.1-3.6
4.1-4.4


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

On-line resources


References

You are advised to look at the course blackboard site for ongoing updated information.
Students are expected to make full use of the library facilities.


Other Resources

Materials for taking notes in class.


Overview of Assessment

Course assessment tasks include studio recording and mixing sessions with a written report on the recording process , impulse response recordings and an assignment involving advanced elastic audio processing.


Assessment Tasks

. Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative.
Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.

For further information on the assessment and grading criteria, please refer to the course Blackboard site.


To demonstrate competency in this course, you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.

Formative Assessment

1. Impulse Response recording. Students will capture an Impulse Response from 4 different locations around RMIT for use in Logic Pro’s Space Designer Reverb Plug-in.
Due Week 15

2. Elastic Audio Assessment. Students will tighten the performance of pre recorded material using the Elastic Audio feature in Pro Tools 9.
Due Week 14.

Summative Assessment

3. Recording Project. Students will record and mix a band performance and write a report on the outcome of the recording process. Students must source the recording artist and produce the recording in a style befitting the genre of the artist. Due TBC.

4. Recording Project Collaboration. Produce Recordings in collaboration with a client/simulated client. Students must complete edits and mixes of recordings and provide reports on the processes involved in the management of the recording collaboration. (300-600 words)

The details on these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:


CHD      Competent with High Distinction
CDI        Competent with Distinction
CC         Competent with Credit
CAG      Competence Achieved-Graded
NYC       Not Yet Competent
DNS      Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are
available through the course contact in Program administration

Other Information

 Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Copyright
All students have access to the myRMIT copyright shell. The myRMIT copyright shell contains information on copyright, plus also examples on how to use copyright works as part of your projects and assignments.

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

Student Progress Committee
This committee promotes the early identification of students who are not achieving acceptable academic performance. The committee provides identified students with assistance and seeks to ensure such students are aware of the range of support services available to them at the University. Student Progress Committee (SPC)

Student Feedback
Students are offered opportunities to provide feedback through a variety of mechanisms including online surveys conducted at the end of each course or semester, student complaints and Student Staff Consultative Committees
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview