Master/Graduate Certificate of Music Technology
(Purely Distance Learning)

Aims and Objectives

This programme has been developed in response to the needs of musicians. They provide a unique combination of module work material together with a practical approach to technology.

The focus of the programmes is to provide relevant theoretical and practical knowledge of Music Technology while allowing scope for specialization. This not only brings student up to speed with the latest advances in Music Technology but also develops professional skills as used throughout the industry.

This programme uses the flexible online mode of delivery allowing student to study where student wants, when student wants - even enabling student to continue work commitments while studying.

The programme is ideally suited to music teachers, performing musicians, composers and music engineers - anyone musician working seriously in the industry. If student needs to get up to speed with Music Technology, these programmes are designed for student.

Advantages of online study

Flexible: Less interruption upon your jobs and families. No regular lectures. Progress control over your own time.
Convenient: You may study online at home, office and hotel without wasting time in commuting. You will learn the way to retrieve useful information from internet effectively.
Adequate Support: Virtual classrooms, online workshops, electronic notice boards and online conferences, more importantly, with unfailing support from course instructors through internet, you will not have the feeling of study alone.
Same status as on-campus
No hassle as textbook, hard copy study notes and CD-ROM are provided
Interactive and build networking in a global context

Programme Structure

Group A - Elective Modules
Courses
MTEC6701	MIDI and Sequencing Techniques
MTEC6702	Advanced Musical Scoring Techniques
MTEC6703	Marketing Research (Formerly Market Research)
MTEC6704	Live Sound Techniques
Group B: Elective Modules
Elective Course
MTEC6705	Music and Digital Media
MTEC6706	Computer Assisted Instruction in Music
MTEC6707	Music and the Internet
Course Outline
MTEC6700 Applications of Music Technology
This compulsory module equips the student with a broad comprehension of Music Technology as utilised throughout the industry. It examines computer software and hardware issues pertinent to the field of music. In addition to addressing information technology structures, fundamental Music Technology principles are examined and specific topics addressed in more detail. Topics include operating systems, computer specifications, data structures, digital audio and MIDI fundamentals, music software approaches, and practical applications and conceptions of Music Technology. Students will obtain a solid theoretical grounding at a standard required for study in Music Technology at the postgraduate level.
MTEC6701 MIDI and Sequencing Techniques
The principles of arranging and editing music in electronic forms are studied and practically applied in this module. Through the use of music software, Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) information is examined in considerable detail. In particular, MIDI signal flow, MIDI processing and the operation of MIDI are addressed. Particular emphasis is placed on obtaining and maintaining musicality while utilising manipulation techniques. Sequencing and arrangement methodology is examined through the juxtaposition of various forms of electronic material within music sequencing software.
MTEC6702 Advanced Musical Scoring Techniques
An examination and practical outworking of the production of professional music notation using computer software. Includes an investigation of the music publishing process through a series of outcome-based tutorials using specialised music notation software. Topics examined include note entry methods, notational rules, page layout, industry publishing conventions, creating parts from scores, alternative notation and exporting/importing files. Emphasis is also placed on notational accuracy, style consistancy, data entry efficiency and a solid grounding in traditional music notation conventions. Elements of contemporary scoring are also examined. Assessments address commonly-used score styles and culminate in a diverse practical comprehension of computer software music publishing. At times, scope is given to allow students to apply scoring of their interest to assessment work..
MTEC6703 Studio Sound Techniques
(Contains residential component) Students will acquire a comprehension of the techniques used to record and edit musical performances in a studio situation. They will develop a knowledge of fundamental sound theory by studying various topics that may include acoustic principles, psychoacoustics, microphones and miking techniques, digital audio theory and audio processing equipment. Emphasis is placed on obtaining signal flow logic, mixing desk operation, and good gain structure. Mixdown and editing procedures are exercised in the digital domain. During a residential workshop recordings will be undertaken using professional audio equipment in order to employ practical reinforcement of theoretical work. Students will gain experience using various forms of professional audio equipment.
MTEC6704 Live Sound Techniques
(Contains residential component) This module considers the usage of audio equipment in conjunction with live musical performances. A range of relevant topics will be studied to cover live audio recording and sound reinforcement. This may include amplifiers, microphone choice and placement, power loadings, configuring an amplification system for sound reinforcement in a live venue, fold-back and monitoring, room acoustics, live mixing, live recording, equipment maintenance, basic electronics and safety issues. Case studies may include examples of recording/amplifying various forms of musical ensembles. During a short residential workshop practical exercises are undertaken using professional audio equipment. Where possible, real-life onsite applications will be examined.
MTEC6705 Music and Digital Media
This course examines the use of multimedia material (audio, MIDI , graphics and video) in a musical context. Students undertake media research and production tasks to create/modify material that can be used in a musical application. The development of this material accross the trimester culminates in the production of a cohesive music-oriented multimedia project. This will permit students to creatively realise a project relevant to a field of their interest .
MTEC6706 Computer Assisted Instruction in Music
This module examines computer software technology designed to support the teaching and learning of music. Commercially produced CAI software packages are critically analysed to determine the level of the level attained of their musical content, approaches to teaching, functionality, effectiveness and structure. Knowledge gained from this study is put into practice when students design their own CAI project within pre-defined guidelines. The module culminates in students constructing a CAI software package (or component thereof) and presenting it as a teaching and learning resource. This may be in the area of aural development, theoretical and historical understanding of music, or performance of a musical instrument. Educational programs used for composition, improvisation and accompaniment may also be examined.
MTEC6707 Music and the Internet
Through a directed study of the Internet (and technologies associated with it) students will develop an understanding of specific web applications as applicable to the music industry. Topics may include (but are not limited to) audio (music) material such as wave files, MP3 files, Real Audio, Beatnik, and streaming audio, and their related software players. The distribution and promotion of musical goods and services using e-technologies are also addressed. Study will culminate with the student designing and producing a musically-inclined website containiend appropriate multimedia content (as addressed throughout the trimester).
MTEC6709 Specialised Technology Project A
This module requires the student to undertake research into a specific area(s) of Music Technology and develop a detailed project proposal. The project will be an advanced dissertation into a field of Music Technology that will be decided on in conjunction with a supervisor. Students will be required to undertake testing, research (using software and/or hardware), and commence contruction of their project by producing relevant material/content. Based on the proposal developed in this module, the project is commenced but only fully realised in the module MTEC6710.
MTEC6710 Specialised Technology Project B
This module builds on work commenced in MTEC6709 and culminates in the final realisation of the Specialised Technology Project. The project is an advanced study into a specific area(s) of Music Technology and is undertaken in consultation with a supervisor. Using the study programme developed in MTEC6709, students will progress through the various stages of project development and undertake reflective assessment. The final project must be presented at a suitable (Masters) standard and by accompanied by relevant documentation. (Prerequisite: MTEC6709 Specialised Technology Project A)

Trimester Schedule:

January , May and September

Admission Requirement
100 Points for Master, 60 Points for Graduate Certificate

Duration of study:

16 months for Master, 8 months for Graduate Certificate

It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.

The University of Newcastle and Raffles International College reserves the right to change the information, programme structure, curriculum, assessment, schedule and fees without prior notice.