Course Title: The Music Studio As A Workplace

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: The Music Studio As A Workplace

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PERF1056

City Campus

Undergraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face


Course Coordinator: Dr Kipps Horn

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4312

Course Coordinator Email:kipps.horn@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The course aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of
• an array of relevant recording principles in practical contexts.
• issues related to the optimisation of standards of performance recordings, both live and in a studio environment.
• the balance between technical and musical skills in music/audio recording environments.
• the place of the audio recording studio in the music industry.
• the planning and development of the music/audio recording studio as a business.
• issues regarding occupational health and safety.
• the provision of effective career advice.

The course is essentially discussion/seminar based. This is one of the compulsory core courses for all students.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

At the conclusion of the course students should be able to:
• have an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the various members of staff within recording studio environments.
• be able to develop appropriate strategies as a practitioner in recording studio environments.
• be able to assess the needs of individual performers/clients in professional recording studio environments.
• be able to assess the individual balance between technical and musical skills in recording studio contexts.
• be able to assess the importance of the music recording studio in the wider industry context.
• be able to assess the range of communication skills necessary for working with groups and individuals in recording studio contexts.
• be able appreciate appropriate strategies for developing a successful recording studio business.
possess the knowledge to use these skills in seeking a competitive advantage.

Overall it is the intention to encourage the students to think creatively from an overview position about the materials covered in order to explore critically the place of music recording studio environments. To encourage a critical and analytic attitude to materials, this course is integrated with the negotiated projects as well as the other courses in the program.



Overview of Learning Activities

Campus-based and recording studio-based classes involving lectures, seminars and discussions are supported by independent research.

Students will be expected to share their ideas and experiences with others, to be actively involved in planning their learning experiences, particularly the nature of their practical experiences in industry-based settings, to undertake on-line information searches and to contribute to continuous quality improvement through informal discussions with staff by participation in a formal evaluation process.


Overview of Learning Resources

Baskerville, D. (1995). Music Business Handbook and Career Guide (6th edition). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, Inc.
Krasilovsky, M.W. & Shemel, S. (1995). This business of music. New York: Billboard Books.
Krasilovsky, M.W. & Shemel, W. M. S. (1995) More About This Business of Music, (5th edition). New York: Billboard Books/Watson-Guptill Publications.
Letts, R.A. (1996). The Art of self-promotion: successful promotion by musicians. St. Leonards: Allen & Unwin in association with the Australia Council.
Mandell, J. (1994). The Studio Business Book. Emeryville, California: Cardinal Business Media.
Newsam, and Newsam, B. D. (1995). Making Money Teaching Music. Cincinnati, Ohio. Writer’s Digest Books.
Roland, D. (1997). The Confident Performer. Sydney: Currency Press Ltd.
Weissman, D. (1990). Making A Living In Your Local Music Market: How To Survive And Prosper. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment task


One research paper
Length: 3000 words
Due: as negotiated

OR

ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
One research paper
Length: 3000 words (or equivalent)
Due: as negotiated