Contemporary Music Studies
Masters of Recording Arts
The Masters of Recording Arts is a one year degree by course work providing students with an understanding of the processes, practices and issues involved in the production of recorded music. The course delivers a detailed program covering recording, production and mastering techniques, supported by a study of the social context in which these occur. A core component of the course is a flexible research project centered on recording projects tailored to individual student needs.
The course is ideal for students who have recently completed undergraduate studies at Macquarie or other institutions and would like to gain further skills and experience in studio and remote/portable recording environments through the direction provided by coursework teaching. Overseas students intent on pursuing a professional recording/production focussed career in music will also benefit from the program. The course is also aimed at experienced workers in the music and allied industries interested in pursuing further studies to complement their existing knowledge, attracted by undertaking a focussed, short-term research project catering to their own interests and needs.
Contact Dr Denis Crowdy for more information at Denis.Crowdy@mq.edu.au or phone 02 9850 6787.
Courses
MUS801: Studio Technique and Practice, 8 Credit Points; First semester, Monday 6pm-8pm
This unit explores the various techniques involved in a variety of roles in the recording studio. Students explore relevant theoretical ideas and practical approaches to applying these techniques. A significant component of this course will involve a detailed study of the nature of digital audio and relevant approaches to recording.
MUS802: The art of recording - sound and society, 8 credit points, First semester, Wednesday 6pm - 8pm
This unit examines recorded sound and its relation to society. Areas of investigation include changes in technology and cultural context, expectations of fidelity, remote and field recording issues and practice, production values, media and distribution, recording ethics and relevant legal issues.
MUS803: Research Project, 16 credit points
This unit applies the material from the first semester's units through a specific recording project. Students work from concept and planning to recording, mixing, mastering and organisation of a final recorded product in the medium of their choice.
Facilities
Students have access to a studio featuring the following:
Separate large control room with video link to recording studio space. The studio runs digital recording software Nuendo with 32 tracks at 96k resolution or 64 tracks at 48k through aYamaha DM2000 digital console. An apple G5 2.7 dual ghz runs the Nuendo software and the Dm2000 console also serves as a control surface for Nuendo. The studio links between the console and the computer via RME cards and interfaces using the new MADI audio system.
Outboard gear: Avalon Ad 2022 Class A mic preamps, Avalon VT 747 stereo compressor, TL Audio 8 Channel m3 tube tracker Valve Mixer, HHB radius 40 tube voice processor, HHB Radius 50 Tube Mic preamp and compressor, TC Electronic Finaliser 96k.
Microphones: Rode NTV valve condencer, Rode Classic II condencer, Neumann u87 , Rode NT4 stereo mic, rode NT1000, 2 x AKG se300 b mics, 2 x AKG c481 b mics with ck61-uls and ck69-uls shotgun capsules, AKG c3000 b,Shure Sm57 Sm58.
Instruments: Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster Robert Cray, Fender Jazz delux Electric bass, Cort Custom shop SFX Acoustic, 3 x Cort acoustics, Cort 12 String, Cort Acoustic bass, National Tri-cone Resonator guitar, Fender Mandolin.
Amplification: David Eden Bass Combo amp, Fender Twin Amp, Vox Brian May Amp, Pod - rack mounted
Portable recording: Appogee Mini Me AD convertor and mic preamp, Motu 986 firewire 96k 8 in 8 out audio interface, 2 x motu 828 audio firewire interfaces, Yamaha Msp5 active monitors, Portable Tascam DAT ,Edirol ua5 audio interfaces, Apple G4 powerbooks.
Student profile
Sam Emery:
Since finishing my masters I started producing on John Stanley's Drive program for Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. I have found my 2 degrees have exponentially helped me to a surprisingly speedy climb in radio, with my audio editing skills making me one of the only program producers with technical experience. Having the Masters on top of my Journalism under-grad taught me to write and edit radio skits and also editing interviews.
Also, on the recording front, I am currently in the middle of setting up my own personal home studio. After a hard summer of working and saving, I will now be able to record, mix and master at home. The degree at Macquarie taught me how to set all the equipment up and gave me the confidence to approach bands and artist. I am currently using the i-Mac G5 with Logic Pro Studio 8, an rme-400 interface and a 25sl Novation midi keyboard.
I really enjoyed studying my masters at Macquarie University, I found the teachers very approachable and informative which created an easy environment in which to learn. The studio was great to work in, with a very professional feel about it. I did not have much experience before I started, but within months I was out recording bands live and put on and set up 5 parties through out the year, one pulling a crowd over 400 people. My degree has helped me with every aspect of my life, be it in work or with my hobbies and I would recommend it to anyone who was interested.
Student Showcase
tim hart - in your eyes
playdoh - richard in your mind
j-daiz - heaven ain't hard to find
jon reichardt - easter song
Exercitationem
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