As a musician, it is important to be able to capture music at a high quality, so that you may share your ideas with collaborators and reflect on your performance. This assessment will ask you to record and mix a piece of music. You can choose to work individually or collaboratively. Collaborative projects should involve clear roles and responsibilities for each member.

Pre-production and planning are essential steps in ensuring your recording project runs smoothly and meets all deadlines. Before initiating the project, you must submit a detailed recording plan for approval. This plan should outline the creative concept, instrumentation, recording techniques, and any special considerations. The plan will be reviewed and discussed with the lecturer before the project commences.

1. Recording Phase:

• You are required to record a piece of music. This can be an original composition, a cover, or a combination of both.
• The recording must demonstrate technical proficiency in capturing and utilising various instruments and/or vocals.

2. Editing Phase:

• Post-recording, you are expected to edit and arrange the recorded material to enhance the overall quality of the piece.
• Utilise editing software to correct pitch, timing, and any other necessary adjustments.
• The editing process should showcase attention to detail and a keen understanding of the desired aesthetic.

3. Mixing Phase:

• The final mix should demonstrate a balanced and polished sound.
• You should employ effective mixing techniques, considering elements such as EQ, compression, reverb, and panning.
• The mix should align with the creative vision outlined in the recording plan.

4. Reflective Summary:

• After completing the project, each student must submit a 300-word reflective summary.
• Reflect on the challenges faced, decisions made during recording, editing, and mixing, and the overall learning experience.
• Discuss how the final product aligns with the initial creative vision and what improvements could be made in future projects.

Submission Requirements:

Recording Plan: Due before the project initiation. Feedback will be provided for refinement, if necessary.
Final Audio Submission: Include the recorded, edited, and mixed piece of music.

• Submit your Ableton Live Project folder using the GoogleForm link provided in Moodle
• Export a mix of your song and upload it to Moodle: PCM audio (WAV or AIFF), 48,000 & 32 bit
• Upload your reflective summary to Moodle

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents is as follows:

• Gen AI content is used to generate ideas and general structures.
• Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions.

Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.

Recorded Audio Submission

• Pre-production and planning are documented effectively
• Recording demonstrates exceptional technical proficiency in capturing various sound sources
• Performance and arrangement edits executed effectively
• Levels, pans and effects processing implemented effectively to create a cohesive mix

Reflective Summary

• Clarity and depth in the reflective summary
• Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style
• Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count*, style guide)

In this assessment task, you will participate in a series of ensemble rehearsals culminating in a variety of performances. During these rehearsals, you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency on your instrument or voice, contribute creatively to the ensemble's sound, adapt to different musical styles and arrangements, and collaborate effectively and professionally with other ensemble members.

The purpose of this assessment task is to evaluate your application of various musical skills throughout the rehearsal process within a musical ensemble setting. You will be assessed on your technical proficiency, musicality, improvisation/interpretation, aural awareness, creativity and individuality, responsiveness, and professionalism/work ethic as it applies to the development of repertoire in preparation for performances.

You will be assessed through observations of your contributions during ensemble rehearsals and feedback from ensemble directors. Evaluations will be based on the criteria outlined below.

Technical Proficiency: 

• Development of instrument techniques and accuracy in performing assigned parts.

Musicality:

• Consistency of intonation and tone quality.
• Consistency of rhythm and precision of articulation.
• Appropriateness of stylistic phrasing.

Improvisation/Interpretation:

• Contribution of improvisations or interpretations showcasing creativity, musicality, and knowledge of appropriate musical vocabulary.

Aural Awareness:

• Effective contribution to the ensemble's overall sound, dynamics, and balance.

Creativity and Individuality:

• Contribution of creative musical ideas enhancing the ensemble's sound.
• Demonstration of initiative in technical, creative, and performance areas.

Responsiveness:

• Ability to adapt playing style, tone, and technique to match different musical pieces and arrangements.
• Ability to take direction and apply concepts during rehearsals.

Professionalism and Work Ethic:

• Degree of memorisation of lyrics, harmony, melody, and arrangement.
• Active engagement in the rehearsal process, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to musical excellence.
• Degree of preparation and punctuality for rehearsals, including transcriptions/arrangements and individual practice.

In this assessment task, you will participate in live performances as part of a musical ensemble. During the performances, you will be expected to demonstrate technical proficiency on your instrument or voice, perform with musicality and expression, contribute creatively through improvisation or interpretation, adapt to the live performance environment, and exhibit professionalism and stage presence.

The purpose of this assessment task is to evaluate your application of various musical skills expected in live performance settings within a musical ensemble. You will be assessed on your technical proficiency, musicality, improvisation/interpretation, aural awareness, and professionalism/stage presence as it applies to the performance of repertoire in the live concert setting.

You will be assessed through observations of your contributions to live performances. Evaluations will be based on the criteria outlined below.

Technical Proficiency:

• Demonstration of technical instrument proficiency through accurate execution of challenging passages during performances.

Musicality:

• Secure pitch and intonation.
• Stylistically appropriate articulations and rhythmic devices performed with accuracy.
• Musical expression, incorporating stylistic phrasing and appropriate nuances.

Improvisation/Interpretation:

• Contribution of improvisations or interpretations demonstrating creativity, musicality, and knowledge of stylistically appropriate musical vocabulary.

Aural Awareness:

• Adjustment of performing dynamics, phrasing, and interactions with other musicians based on the live performance environment.

Professionalism and Stage Presence:

• Demonstration of professionalism on stage, including confidence, stage presence, and a positive demeanor throughout the performance.