Outline

Overview

In this unit of study students will be introduced to a range of audio technologies and gain a basic proficiency in sound recording, editing and mixing. Students will experience working in the Conservatorium sound studios, and learn how to make good quality recordings with portable recording devices. This unit of study also examines microphone design, stereo microphone techniques and digital audio recording. Students will experience prac-based recording sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the recording technology on offer at the Sydney Conservatorium.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ivan Zavada, ivan.zavada@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ivan Zavada, ivan.zavada@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Video Production Video production on a music theme	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 14 Nov 2023 at 23:59	2000 words equivalent 3-5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Stereo recording Record a small ensemble of performers with a stereo microphone technique.	40%	Week 09 Due date: 06 Oct 2023 at 23:59	1500 words equivalent 3-5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 - 40%

Stereo Recording

In groups of three or four, students will be required to record a small ensemble of performers using a stereo microphone techniques explored in class at the beginning of the semester. The recording must be made on a two channel portable recorder or a computer recording system through an audio interface.

Duration approximately 3-5 minutes, the use of the studios in the Music Technology area is highly encouraged. The recording must be uploaded to a filesharing service (dropbox, googledrive etc) and must be accompanied by a written evaluation and discussion of the recording project (300 words approx). The audio file must be clearly labelled with your name and student ID.

students will be encouraged to present their recording to the class during the semester. The purpose of this exercise is for students to learn from each other’s experiences and to compare and contrast the various productions styles and microphone techniques. You will have approximately 5 minutes to present to the class and you may draw on your written documentation i.e. for example diagrams so people can see what you did.

The recording must not be post-produced with special audio effects and multitracking. However, if EQ or Reverb are required to be used to compensate for uneven acoustics or dry room, then include a description of what you have used to produce the recording, add a diagram or snapshot of the plug-in and describe the settings used in the accompanying document (reverb mix, EQ types and parameters).

The recorded tracks must consist of voice or instrument, this does not need to be a conventional classical music instrument but the recording must contain at least one live component.

*Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment 2 - 60%

Video Production

The recorded tracks must consist of voice or instrument, this does not need to be a conventional classical music instrument but the recording must contain at least one live component.

*Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for performance work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme.

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

10% per day late unless a special consideration has been requested via Sydney Student office.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction - overview of sound and video production [Recital Hall] Tutorial: Group allocations and studio overview	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 02	Microphone design and techniques, cabling [Online] Tutorial: Portable recording devices, understanding levels	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 03	Basic audio production workflow, overview of audio recording devices, personal and commercial recording technology [Online] Tutorial: Setting up stereo techniques	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 04	Recording - best sector practices for recording in multiple, varied environments (studio’s, garages, living rooms, halls, acoustics, etc) [Recital Hall] Tutorial: Setting up stereo techniques, recording in practice	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 05	Audio importing and editing – importing digital audio to computer – Mixing and audio effects [Online]	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial [Double session]: Jazz band Mixing task in studios and computer lab	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 07	Basic video production workflow, overview of video recording devices, personal and commercial video recording technology [Online] Tutorial: group critical listening session before assessment submission	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 08	Video treatment – the building blocks of a video project [Recital Hall double session] Special presentation; 1st assessment due. Tutorial: group task video treatment	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 09	Video importing editing – importing digital video workstation type environment [Online] Tutorial: Video editing	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 10	Combining video and audio, editing and preparation for final export [Online] Tutorial: Individual consultation time	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial: Group consultation time	Block teaching (2 hr)
Week 12	Final assignment due – video project presentations [Recital Hall - double session]	Block teaching (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The following readings are suggested only but would be of benefit to any student wishing to investigate the content further:

- Modern Recording Techniques – David Miles Hubor

- Recording Secrets for the Small Studio – Mike Senior

- The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook – Bobby Owsinski

- Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio – Mike Senior

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand equipment commonly found within audio-visual environments.
LO2. Apply a range of sound and visual content creation skills for the pre-production and the production of sound recordings and music videos.
LO3. Capture, edit and produce recordings using industry standard hardware and software.
LO4. Develop the capacity to think creatively about the recording and video production process.
LO5. Create music and video projects in collaboration with musicians and other artists in a multicultural landscape with a global citizenship mindset.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changing the final assignment with added time for submission based on student feedback.

Additional information

Please see canvas site for futher useful links.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

CMPN1014: Sound and Video Recording Fundamentals

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect