MUS 737 : Music Technology Research

Creative Arts and Industries

2020 Semester One (1203) (30 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Advanced technical, creative, practical and theoretical training in music technology-related disciplines including: general music technology, technology in music education, performance and technology, computer music, musical interface design, music and AI, sound design for games and film, sound recording, live sound and music production.

Course Overview

This aim of this course is to introduce students to critical perspectives on music technology. Throughout the semester, we will explore a range of controversial instances in which cutting edge technology is applied to the music. Three case studies will focus on issues concerning the implications of:
  • artificial intelligence on music production and composition;
  • music streaming services on music listening and creation;
  • new musical interfaces on music education. 
In the second half of the semester, each student will focus on one case study, further unpacking the benefits and drawbacks of these technologies. By employing a variety of research methodologies, students will imagine and design possible alternatives. Students from all music specialisations can join the course and would benefit from the taught components in different ways.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 15 points from MUS 315, 330-334

Semester Availability

Semester One

Course Co-ordinator

Dr Fabio Morreale - f.morreale@auckland.ac.nz

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Develop research methodology skills (Capability 1, 3 and 5)
  2. Develop an intimate understanding of the socio-cultural implications of technology (Capability 1, 2 and 6)
  3. Improve writing and presentation skills (Capability 2, 4 and 5)
  4. Contribute to critical discussions of peer-developed projects (Capability 2 and 4)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Quizzes 5% Individual Test
Quizzes 5% Individual Test
Quizzes 5% Individual Test
Keep an online blog 15% Individual Coursework
Presentation 15% Individual Examination
Online and in-class participation 15% Individual Coursework
Project portfolio and report 40% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Quizzes
Quizzes
Quizzes
Keep an online blog
Presentation
Online and in-class participation
Project portfolio and report

Pass Requirements

All assignment are classed as compulsory; non-completion of any of them will result in a DNC grade (did not complete). Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalised 5% for each day or part thereof that the assignment is overdue. 

Teaching & Learning Methods

Blended Lectures
  • In class analysis of cutting-edge technologies applied to music production, distribution, and education
  • Participation to lectures with invited speakers from music studios, music technology companies, and academics
  • Online material (e.g. videos, articles, examples) will be available online for students to prepare for each lecture and to further explore matters discussed in class
Group Discussion
  • Students will present and discuss assignments in class 

Written Work 
  • Students will keep a online diary with reflections from readings, lectures, tutorials, and guest lectures
  • Written components on students’ projects
Writing Retreat
  • Two writing retreat will be organised to support students in their writing task
Tutorials

  • Individual or small group work and ongoing technical and conceptual feedback on student projects 
Consultation

  • In office time for individual or small group of students to seek additional or private counsel on projects 

Learning Resources

Reading list to be added in Canvas

Optional books
  • Decomposed: the political ecology of music (MIT press)
  • Spotify teardown: Inside the Black Box of Streaming Music (MIT press)
  • Intelligent Music Production (Routledge)

Workload Expectations

For this course, you can expect 24 hours of lectures, 20 hours of tutorial, 72 hours of reading and thinking about the context, 8 hours of writing retreat, 48 hours to keep an online blog or a diary, 10 hours on commenting peers’ diaries, 6 hours to attend invited speakers’ talks, 90 hours of work on project preparation, 24 hours on writing report, and 8 hours on preparing the final presentation.

Other Information

This course is designed for all music students; previous knowledge in programming and computer matters is not expected, not required.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

In the event of unexpected disruption

We undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions, the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. In the event of a disruption, the University and your course coordinators will make every effort to provide you with up to date information via Canvas and the University website.

Copyright Warning Notice

This material is protected by copyright and has been copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license. You may not sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of this course pack/material to any other person. Where provided to you in electronic format, you may only print from it for your own private study and research. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action by the University.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 03/12/2019 08:26 a.m.