Music Production and Recording - Graduate studies

Intended participants:

This international program is intended for mature students wishing to further develop their music production and recording skills. The program is open to students with various backgrounds and experiences in music, sound, multimedia, and other fields. The program is limited to 10 students per year. The program welcomes applications from visiting and exchange students from other universities, as well as those looking for an alternative to a professional music recording internship.

Program requirements:

Music production and recording is a fulltime program. Due to the program's practical orientation, students are required to attend all lectures, workshops, and master classes. Students are required to participate in group and individual music production and recording activities to fulfil their final portfolio. Students are expected to work independently and document their practical work on a regular basis.

Students are encouraged to participate in annual study tours to professional conferences, such as the Audio Engineering Society's Conventions in Europe and North America. Students are responsible for their own travel and conference expenses. Travel grants are sometimes available from SPARS, AES, and other professional societies.

Instruction and facilities:

The program is organized with individual advising, small group instruction, classroom lectures, study tours, practical exercises, and independent study. Lectures are given in English with Norwegian used for individual instruction as needed. Instruction is given throughout the school year with the first semester focusing on studio orientation/operations and the second semester concentrating on practical applications and projects.

All music production and recording students will have generous amounts of time using the department's studios, performance spaces, and recording equipment. Students are required to record department-sponsored concerts and participate in other recordings and productions.

Project opportunities are in cooperation with many local organizations including the Stavanger Symphonic Orchestra, the Siddis Brass Competition, the MaiJazz International Jazz Festival, the Stavanger Chamber Music Festival, and others.

Content:

The program consists of four main subjects: Music Production and Recording Research I (15 sp), Music Production and Recording Research II (15 sp), Music Production and Recording Practice I (15 sp), and Music Production and Recording Practice II (15 sp).

Active participation is required from all students.

Evaluation:

Students work will be continually evaluated with grades for individual courses given at the end of each semester.  

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the Music Production and Recording program, a candidate can demonstrate the following total learning outcomes defined by knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge within music production and specialized insight into studio and concert recording of acoustic music performance.
• has in-depth knowledge of audio technology and recording methods for different music genres.
• can apply knowledge to emerging areas within music production and recording techniques.
• can analyze academic issues based on music production, recording history and professional traditions.

Skills

The candidate

• can critically analyze various technical and artistic resources within a professional context.
• can use existing theories, methods and interpretations within music production and work independently with practical troubleshooting and theoretical problem-solving.
• can carry out independent music production research and development in accordance with current practices and ethical norms.

General competence

The candidate

• can analyze relevant professional, ethical, and legal issues within music production.
• can apply their music production knowledge and skills in new areas and contribute to innovative techniques within music production and recording.
• can communicate professional issues and challenges within music production, both with specialists and with the general public.

Career prospects

This programme can lead to a variety of different careers within music production and recording, sound for multimedia, live sound, mastering and archiving and other professional positions within sound. Graduates include studio owners, sound technicians for concert arenas and schools, and professional music industry representatives.

Course assessment

The programme is quality assured through UiS's quality system, in accordance with criteria and guidelines from NOKUT.