Module: CMT4001-20 Sound Design Exploration

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ben Ramsay

Module Tutor Contact Details: b.ramsay@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module addresses the fundamental principles of sound design. Awareness is developed through analysis and evaluation of important historical, stylistic and aesthetic issues as well as the recognition of practical skills in the field. The ambiguity around the term ‘sound design’ is embraced, incorporating strands relating to moving image, mixed media, music production, instrument design and sample libraries.

The module aims to:

Promote exploration and develop your audio manipulation skills

Allow you to design and build a software sampler instrument

Develop your portfolio of sound design examples

2.Outline syllabus

The following topic areas will be covered:

Sampler instrument building

Synthesis and modulation principles

Audio sculpting, processing and manipulation

Audio visual synchronisation and the construction of meaning through sound

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module is delivered through lead lectures that are augmented by practical workshops and online learning tasks. Peer presentations encourage you to present and discuss your work in an open class environment.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Sampler build project with demonstration presentation

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Sound design portfolio (ident and TV advert)

• % Weighting: 50%