Course Title: Apply knowledge of genre to music making

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: VART6077C

Course Title: Apply knowledge of genre to music making

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in Sound Production

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: John Phillips
Phone: 9925 4815
Email: john.phillips@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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 apply knowledge of music styles to music industry work and learning.
It introduces the student to critical listening skills, which can be applied to the range of tasks undertaken by the sound engineer/producer.

Please note: this course guide is relevant only to Sound Group 1E


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSMLT301A Apply knowledge of genre to music making

Element:

Element 1 Maintain and develop music knowledge

Performance Criteria:

1.1
Monitor relevant sources of industry information based on areas of interest, work and learning
1.2
In consultation with appropriate personnel , develop
strategies to review and maintain knowledge of selected
musical styles, artists and repertoire
1.3
Analyse music for its artistic and commercial qualities and
features
1.4
Develop the capacity to analyse music artists, repertoire and trends through discussion of music performances

Element:

Element 2 Use listening skills to analyse music

Performance Criteria:

2.1
In consultation with appropriate personnel, determine relevant music areas for development of critical-listening skills
2.2
Apply critical-listening skills to live and recorded music within identified music industry contexts
2.3
Listen critically to identified artists and repertoire and measure actual performance against artistic and/or commercial standards and potential
2.4
Listen to, analyse and evaluate the contribution of technical and sound production to the success of live and recorded music products

Element:

Element 3 Maintain understanding of relevant musical genres and styles

Performance Criteria:

3.1
Identify and use sources of information relating to selected
musical genres and styles
3.2
Research contemporary and/or historical artists and
repertoire to inform own work and learning
3.3
Use knowledge of styles, artists and repertoire to
contribute to own musical development
3.4
Apply music knowledge to own music practice
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be have the knowledge and skills to effectively work as a music producer and or engineer, working with clients across a number of musical genres.


 


Details of Learning Activities

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

Class delivery (face to face lectures)
Peer teaching & class presentations
Group Discussions

Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

Online research
Music production project based work
Teacher directed activities


Teaching Schedule

Class    Class content Elements
Class 1 Introduction, module overview and assessment handout
Online presence – Blackboard & use as assessment & delivery tool
Demonstration of requirements for Presentation Assessment
Genre Study – Blues
Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Class 2 History and development of recorded sound & recording technology
Genre Studies – Soul, Gospel, Folk
Element 1
1.3, 1.4
Class 3 Musical Structures – Critical v Analytical listening; Audio Production Lexicon
Genre Studies – Jazz, Folk / Rock, (Rock)
Genre Studies – Prog Rock, Glam Rock, Ambient (60’s to 90’s)
Element 2
2.1, 2.2
Class 4 Instrumental & sonic analysis – listening test A
History of Sound part 2
Element 2
2.2, 2.3, 2.4
Class 5 The Producer – the history, legacy and role of the producer.
Genre Studies - Reggae, Funk, Disco, Punk (70’s)
Element 2
2.1

Element 3
3.1

Class 6 Pre-production and production techniques & strategies
Assessing and solving technical problems in recording
Genre Studies – Post Punk / New Wave (80’s)
Element 1
1.1, 1.2

Element 2
2.2

Class 7 Classical instruments & music recording; Mastering
Genre Study – Metal
Element 3
3.1, 3.2
Class 8 Module Revision, Listening Test B
Genre Study – Hip – Hop, Electronica
Element 3
3.2, 3.3
Class 9 Presentations
Genre Study - World Music, music of the nineties & the noughties
Element 3
3.3, 3.4
Class 10 Final listening test Element 3
3.4


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Blackboard, Media Annotation Tool.
Additional texts will be referred to throughout the unit delivery, all of which will be available in RMIT Carlton library.


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

You are expected to supply:

Note paper & pen, or electronic equivalent in order to take class notes as required.


Data storage, EG USB thumb drive, or portable hard drive w/ USB & Firewire connection.

(>=4gb recommended)

A larger (500gb - `1tb) portable storage is advised for all Sound Production work, and ensure that all data is backed up at all times, ideally to a second such storage device.

 

Note that data failures and drive failures do happen - often at the most inconvenient time. You must keep backups of all important data. Failure to submit assessment work on time due to data loss will not excuse late submission. Audio engineers are expected to deal with data storage and data failure issues.


Overview of Assessment

Assessessment will be based around in class and out of class listening tests (formative assessments), and practical music production work undertaken outside of class time (summative assessment).


Assessment Tasks

You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course..

Assessment:

Formative:

1) Listening Test A (class 4, or thereabouts)

2) Listening Text B (Class 8, or thereabouts)

Summative:

3) Genre Presentation (Class 10). For this assessment you will undertake a simple song remix of a supplied file. You will be required to rework the song according to the following specific requirements:
- Rework song to supplied Genre
- Re-arrange song structure to supplied structure request
- Add a minumum of one tuned instrument sound in song’s key
- Present your mix to the class, and identify the points above


4) Listening & Production knowledge analysis test (Class 10 or 12). This assessment is part listening test, and part knowledge test, covering topics from the various classes, as well as reviewing sounds and music though aural perception methods.

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered ….


CHD      Competent with High Distinction
CD         Competent with Distinction
CC         Competent with Credit
CAG      Competency 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

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Attendance
The major learning experience involves theory and practical training and assessment sessions, including individual and group practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to achieve competency in this unit.

Feedback - You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

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. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Work Placement: It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview