Bachelor of Audio Production

Course Content

1st Year Bachelor of Audio Production

Trimester 1

BCM100: Communications and Computer Technologies

A foundation unit in digital communications theory, computing and society, preparing students for the creative media industry. Hands-on experience with computers, digital research, principles of critical analysis and reporting styles are explored.

BCM110: Introduction to Digital Imaging

This unit introduces two dimensional (2D) digital image manipulation in the context of contemporary culture, media industries and the arts. Practical skills in graphic design are studied and the integration of
digital images into musical works across the spectrum of creative media including CD, DVD, web and print media are applied.

BAP180: Introduction to Audio Technology

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of recording and mixdown of music in a small recording studio environment. Theories of audio recording technologies are taught combined with practical music and vocals compilation using a digital audio workstation (DAW) to produce a basic recorded work. Studio roles and processes of the recording studio, recording console signal flow diagrams and the application of different microphones types in a variety of common studio settings are studied.

BAP100: Principles of Sound & Sound Production

The unit introduces fundamental principles of audio technologies used for sound recording and reproduction. The science of sound is examined including the basic physical and mathematical principles as well as electronic concepts and theories that relate to the propagation sound in the recording process and human auditory perception.

Trimester 2

BCM130: Web Technologies

Students are provided with a range of skills and theoretical knowledge fundamental to publishing for the Web. This includes tracing a history of digital technologies, principles of human-computer interaction, design concepts and information architecture, online communities and resources for the creative media industry.

BAP110: Applied Music Theory

Contemporary music language is examined in relation to song structure, arrangement, music composition and basic score reading skills. Students learn appreciation of the elements of music through directed listening and the application of music fundamentals to a creative project.

BAP120: Signal Processing & Aural Perception

The unit examines common signal processing techniques that are commonly applied using hardware and digital emulations. Deconstructing a variety of musical performances analysing the various kinds of processing used within a mix, students are encouraged to explore creative uses of these technologies when recording or mixing a musical performance.

BAP130: Digital Audio Production

Theories of digital audio in audio production are explored. Students learn the practical preparation of a digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording and mixdown of a multi-tracked musical performance. Professional practice with respect to the management of performers and the media created during the recording session, basic editing and processing techniques, is demonstrated.

Trimester 3

BAP140: Music Styles 1

Musical styles and movements from the late Renaissance period to circa 1900, and key technological developments shaping the music industry are studies. Key styles, genres and leading figures expanding the music art form as a means of expression are explored. The unit examines social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced music and the music industry

BAP150: MIDI and Electronic Music Production

The art and craft of electronic music production (EMP) using a digital audio workstation is the focus of this unit. The history of sound synthesis and its influence on the popular musical landscape is analysed and the contribution of synthesized instruments/ sounds to different musical genres is considered.

BAP160: Studio Production

This unit builds on foundation recording studio production skills to an intermediate level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment and how to handle the psychological pressure of a recording session in a competent manner. A variety of recording and mixdown techniques are considered in order to improve thinking and practical skills for studio recording sessions.

BAP170: Creative Project 1

This unit is the culmination of Year 1 audio production studies in the realisation of a creative audio project as a means of artistic expression. The project requires students to plan, manage and complete a creative work within a specialised area of audio production. They will demonstrate technical and creative abilities, with a written report documenting the production process.

Exit Point after 3 Trimesters with a Diploma of Audio Production

2nd Year Bachelor of Audio Production

Trimester 4

BCM200: Research & Project Models

A unit focused on creative project development in the creative media industry. The unit combines theoretical and practical approaches to the production process. Students are introduced to research and writing strategies for documenting creative media practice.

BCM210: Audio Post Production

Students are introduced to key elements of sound in audio post production. A history of sound for motion picture and television is studied and a variety of audio post technologies (past and present), techniques and methods used by engineers and sound designers are also reviewed.

BAP200: Acoustics & Live Sound Production

Understanding of acoustics, with emphasis on sound behaviour in enclosed spaces and small live venues, is studied in this unit. Acoustic issues, the designs and construction techniques used in modern recording studios and budget considerations relating to common studio designs are examined. A comprehensive understanding of sound reinforcement techniques are developed in both theory and in practice.

BAP210: The Role of Producers

This unit explores the various roles of the music/record producer and examines the work and practice of a selection of successful artists who have made major contributions in their specialised fields. And historical overview of milestone record productions is discussed and analysed. Students critically reflect on these to develop strategies for selfdevelopment as producers.

Trimester 5

BCM220: Business & Legal Studies

The unit establishes fundamental principles of business planning and matters regarding intellectual property and law for creative media practitioners. The unit navigates principles of copyright and intellectual property law for cultural producers.

BAP220: Music Styles 2

This unit builds on BAP140: Music Styles 1 and focuses on key technological developments shaping the music industry. Key styles, genres and leading figures expanding the music art form as a means of expression are explored. The unit examines social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced music and the music industry.

BAP230: Advanced Audio Post Production

This unit builds on BAP210 in advanced audio and sound design techniques utilised in post production and creative solutions in the application of sound effects, automated dialogue replacement, Foley techniques and advanced mixing techniques in the creation of soundscapes for moving image (stereo and multi-channel).

BAP240: Advanced Studio Production

This unit builds on BAP160 recording studio production skills to an advanced level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment and how to handle the psychological pressure of a recording session in a competent manner. A variety of recording and mixdown techniques are considered in order to improve thinking and practical skills for studio recording sessions. The psychology of studio craft is examined from multiple perspectives.

Trimester 6

BCM230: Marketing & Promotions

Students are exposed to the fundamental principles of marketing, promotions and publicity. A variety of marketing strategies are examined, including an outline of the historical developments in media based advertising. Students are encouraged to think critically about the role of advertising in society.

BAP250: Mastering & Media Preparation

Examines a range of tools and practices used in compilation and mastering of media
for various platforms such as CD, DVD and the Internet. An historical perspective to media management, technical and aesthetic influences from vinyl to digital media and final audio masters for delivery systems such as radio. Students apply these techniques to a portfolio (master) of their recordings.

BAP260: Creative Project 2 (Double Unit)

This double unit is the culmination of the degree program, enabling students to demonstrate the full range of their technical, creative and academic skills. It provides students with an opportunity to undertake a large-scale creative project that displays the depth and breadth of their work. The project may involve the development and testing of a media product or the exploration of a particular production method or approach, which may take the form of a style analysis. The practical work will include an appropriate analytical critique and production logbook development.

Exit Point after 6 Trimesters with a Bachelor of Audio Production