Course Title: Analyse music
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2022
Course Code: PERF5114C
Course Title: Analyse music
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6171 - Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production)
Course Contact: John Phillips
Course Contact Phone: +61399254913
Course Contact Email: john.phillips@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Mark Kelson
Nominal Hours: 70
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
In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to analyse music and formulate conclusions about the aesthetic, technical and expressive characteristics of music.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAMLT611 Analyse music |
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Element: |
1. Clarify analysis requirements |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Element: |
2. Analyse elements of music |
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Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Assess overall style and character of selected music 2.2 Deconstruct musical elements and analyse how expressive, aesthetic and technical qualities are achieved 2.3 Confirm that identified functional musical elements are suitable for analysis and in line with music analysis brief 2.4 Evaluate how production and technical requirements of realisation of selected music impacts on aesthetic and expressive qualities 2.5 Incorporate theory of music and related music vocabulary into analysis |
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Element: |
3. Convey musical analysis |
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Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Inform own ideas by discussing aesthetic and artistic qualities of selected music 3.2 Synthesise evidence and conclusions of musical analysis in required format |
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Element: |
4. Finalise and review musical analysis |
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Performance Criteria: |
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Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
In class activities will include a range of teacher directed group activities, projects, class exercises, review discussions/lectures and independent project based work.
Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and production work. Online research and occasional outside of class time group discussions will be required to maintain project work.
Teaching Schedule
Week 1 |
Introduction to ‘Music / Production Analysis’ What is ear training? How do we use it to better develop the skilled required to be a professional sound engineer & producer. Basic in class ear training group activity – Identify frequencies. Using a Sine wave generator, we will try to identify various frequencies across the range of human hearing. Overview and discussion of Assessments. |
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Week 2 |
In this class we will look at the physics & elements of sound. We will look at concepts such as fundamental frequency vs harmonic overtones. How we perceive frequency as pitch, and how we can develop our listening skills to better analysis music. We will develop our ‘Music Production Analysis’ Groups. |
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Week 3 |
In this class we take a look at steps for successfully evaluating sound. We will take a deeper look at the concepts of Critical vs Analytical listening & how having an advanced understanding of these two concepts can help us better analysis musical materials. |
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Week 4 |
In this class we look at building and developing a musical and sound vocabulary. We will understand how to turn the general descriptive terms our clients might use to describe music and turn it into frequency and production techniques. We will also further develop our understanding of the importance of reference material, and how we translate can translate this to our own productions. |
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Week 5 |
In class production Analysis – As a class we will evaluate multitrack material. We will use our critical listening skills to analysis the technical aspects of the production such as, tempo, key, tuning, bandwidth, instrumentation & arrangement. We will use our analytical skills to contextualise the production creatively by looking at visual material, use of effects and we will also look at the historical content of the production. |
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Week 6 |
In class production Analysis – This will be a similar class exercise to week five, however we will not use multitrack material and only use a stereo mixed track. We will then also complete a comparative analysis of the same song in a different style. |
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Week 7 |
In class you will get into you ‘Music Production’ analysis groups and discuss with your teacher various the aspects such as historical, critical & analytical of the song your group has chosen and complete final preparation for presentations. |
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Week 8 |
Assessment 1: 15-minute music production analysis presentations will commence in groups of 3-5 students. |
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Week 9 |
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Assessment 1 – Group production analysis & presentation DUE. |
Week 10 |
In this class we will look further at identifying different the sonic characteristics of music including the sounds of different types of instruments. For example, the sound of a humbucker pickup vs a single coil. It is important for us to be able to identify sounds at the source, even down to what kind of room an instrument was recorded in. |
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Week 11 |
In this class we will explore some common tools and tricks used in music production, such is compression, equalisation and effects, and how we can identify these in different styles of music, students will be encouraged to bring a contemporary or classic song to class for us to discuss the production aesthetic of. |
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Week 12 |
In this class we will do a ‘pop’ frequency analysis quiz to practice with our ear training. We will revisit the important of reference material and how to best use this material to help us Mix & Master for different styles of music and for different mediums such as vinyl, CD and digital streaming. We will talk about how we can hear the difference of these mediums. |
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Week 13 |
In this class we will do an analysis overview of the two songs for your final report, the song will be ‘Hurt’ by Trent Reznor & covered by Johnny Cash. We will take a look at the score, looking at the musical similarities and difference between the two versions and as a group explore the history of the two styles of music. |
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Week 14 |
In this class work on your final assessment. Have final discussions one on one with your teacher to review any questions you have on your production analysis report. |
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Week 15 |
questions before you submit the written report. |
Assessment 2 – Written production Analysis DUE. |
Week 16 |
We will summarise all material discussed during the duration of this course, we will split the class into groups and have a ‘pop’ frequency analysis quiz to check how everyone’s ear training has been going and developed. We will do a final production analysis as a group. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information, including the online learning management system Canvas.
It is recommended that you bring materials to classes to make notes, for example;
a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. Lynda.com is available via your Library login.
The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency you will also receive a result after your final assessment task.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Group Production Analysis and Presentation.
As a professional audio engineer working in all fields of audio production the most important tool we have is our ears. Further developing our critical & analytical listening skills is paramount to producing professional results in an ever-growing competitive industry.
In this assessment you will complete one (1) musical analysis and will demonstrate advanced skills in aural analysis, and further your music production vocabulary.
This assessment will allow you to-
- Learn to discuss music analysis with required personnel
- Apply musical analysis to own professional practice
- Evaluate own analysis of music for future improvement one’s own production work.
Due by Week 9, Semester 2.
Assessment Task 2: Written Production Analysis.
To have the ability to analyse sonic characteristics and to be able to extract production techniques within pre-recorded music and audio is a fundamental skill for an audio engineer. In this assessment you will put skills you have developed through the durations of this course into action & deconstruct musical elements and analyse how expressive, aesthetic and technical qualities are achieved.
Due by Week 15, Semester 1.
You should refer to the assessment brief's which are available in Canvas for full assessment criteria.
Results that apply to Ungraded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA Competency Achieved
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 matrices are available through Program Administration.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions:
You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Assessment Feedback:
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress
Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview