- Course level: Bachelor/Master.
- Year of study: Two semesters, fall and spring.
- Preliminary schedule: Mondays or Tuesdays.
- Final assessment: Portfolio assessment.
- Prerequisites: MUSTEK10 or DIG10 (compulsory in the 1st module) or equivalent.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian or English.
Course description
The course is based on MUSTEK10 or equivalent. It provides a basic theoretical and practical knowledge of using the recording studio, as a musician, composer or producer.
Responsible department: Composition, Music Theory and Music Technology Department.
Course instructor: Ulf Holand.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to
- have knowledge of the components of sound.
- be able to use various types of microphones.
- have an understanding of how to use the technical features of a studio.
- be able to record a concert on their own.
- be able to record ensembles of various sizes in a multi-track sound studio.
- have insight into the process of simple downmixing of multitrack recordings.
- be able to use different monitor setups for musicians when recording.
- have established organised and dependable studio routines.
- be able to lead technical rigging before, under and after a recording.
- be able to troubleshoot problems with signals.
Overview
The course entails basic theoretical and practical knowledge of recording in a studio with multi-track technology. Students will work independently with pop, jazz and classical productions in a modern sound studio.
Students must also know how to do remote recordings from the Academy concert halls, like documentation of the concerts of their fellow students.
Examples:
- Stereo recordings of concerts at the Academy.
- Recording their own and other pieces using a multitrack setup.
- Produce recordings in a chosen genre, in the technical tradition of popular music, with added tracks and post-production.
Structure
The course is mainly taught in groups of up to 12 students, for 2 hours per week for 24 weeks. Seminars may also be arranged. Every student will receive 2 hours of individual supervision.
Course requirements
1. Participation in group instruction is mandatory. Dates and times will be specified in the semester plan.
2. Process portfolio. The students will compile a portfolio consisting of:
- 5 recordings based on the instruction (microphone tests, stereo techniques, concert documentation, multitrack ensemble and adding multiple tracks.
- To personal productions: One simple ensemble production and production in the technical tradition of popular music with basic accompaniment layers, added tracks and simple downmixing.
Deadline: The recordings must be submitted to the course instructor by a given deadline. The process portfolio must be completed and approved by 15 May in the second semester of the course.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a final assessment.
Assessment is based on learning objectives. The final assessment is given as a pass/fail mark. Assessment is done by two internal examiners, one of which is normally the student's supervisor. The Exam's committee will give the student feedback on their project.
Exam portfolio
Based on the process portfolio the student will submit an exam portfolio including:
- Two recordings.
- One personal production.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.