EMP – Learning Agreement V2

Name: Michael Dovey

Course: BA HONS DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION Level: 6

Unit: Extended Major Project

Reference number: [Write the unit’s reference code – refer to the unit handbook]

Credit points: 60

Study hours: 600 Hours

Tutor(s): Phil Beards, Liam Birtles, Bob Cotton

Synopsis of study

For the Extended Major Project I propose to create a finished Drum and Bass track that aims to create a sense of energy and euphoria for the listener, made using music production software like Ableton Live and Cubase and external plug-ins like Massive. Euphoria is a feeling; an intense sense of excitement, elation and happiness, the natural feeling of ecstasy, a raised mental and emotional state, and it is this I intend to capture within my music. It is tricky to gauge euphoria in many ways, as it is a personal experience, but through asking people their feelings and experiences throughout a series of tests I should be able to gain a good idea of the right direction to head in.

These tests will look at the relationship between music, colour and lighting, aiming to produce a light show to accompany the music. To make sure I am creating what I set out to achieve, I have laid out a series of experiments which will no doubt be added to as I go. The first will look at the main types of drum and bass heard around in today’s raves, containing liquid, dancefloor, jump up and tech step. I know which I find best, but it’s what other people think that’s important. Then I will make a small mix with a tune from each sub genre and see if they still have the same effect as part of a continuous mix. After finding the best sub genre to work in, I will need to experiment with different light colours, intensities and effects, which should give me a good idea of the best materials to use when making my light show. I will also need to consider what conditions have different effects on the experience as a whole, like space and darkness, as well as testing a range of my own sounds to see which ones are the most fit for purpose. The results of these tests should give me a good structure to build upon for both the music and the light show, as both are completely new areas to learn and explore. Music is not the only thing that creates the euphoria felt at a rave, lighting plays a heavy part, and so I feel it quite necessary to create something else to help try and induce that energy and euphoria. If I can find that catalyst that makes people ‘rush’, who knows where I could take my individual sound within the scene in the future.

Throughout the process I plan film as much evidence a possible for the final crit, as it will be hard to present my experience live so a video presentation with good sound will be best, so I will need to film peoples reactions and interviews in regards to my tests, as well as filming the presentation itself live. All in all I am eager, if a little apprehensive, to get underway and feel I have a good body of work to help develop where I want to go after the course.

Aims

A1 To provide me with the opportunities to exercise and enhance my knowledge and abilities in the development of a body of creative and technically competent work appropriate to my course aims and criteria at Level 6.

A2 To provide opportunities for me to learn from the increased complexity and rigour of creative production required for this unit.

A3 To encourage me to apply the advanced level of discipline and time-management which are required during the unit.

A4 To encourage me to work independently, albeit with supervision, in the development of your work, in a way which reflects contemporary professional practice. I will also be encouraged to work effectively as a team member where it is demanded by my project or subject specialism.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit I will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate the ability to rigorously apply specialist knowledge, understanding and creativity in the production of your extended major project.

LO2 Demonstrate the ability to manage the complexity of practice demanded by the extended major project by managing your time and work efficiently.

LO3 Demonstrate ability in the coherent use of various representation techniques, documentation and presentations to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

LO4 Demonstrate your awareness of the ethical, social and cultural issues appropriate to the concept of a responsible professional practitioner, whether working independently or as part of a team.

Assessment Requirements

For assessment I will produce a finished tack, the promotional material for the event to showcase the track in, along with a series of tests to guide in making the accompanying light show, all catalogued by a video diary for presentation – 100%

Assessment Criteria

Evidence of realisation through the application of technical knowledge and skills – Specialist knowledge and understanding are evident and applied in the work (LO1)

Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Informing the development and management of the project (LO2)

Evidence of realisation through presentation – The communication and presentation of ideas reflects best contemporary practice (LO3)

Evidence of knowledge of concepts, contexts, criticism and theory – The work demonstrates awareness of concepts relevant to the responsible professional practitioner (LO4)

References

[Create a bibliography of the reference material you will be using – refer to the Learning Agreement Guidelines for more information]

Action plan/time plan

Date	Work Agenda	No of Hours
Sun 7th Feb	Working with Ableton. Finalising ideas and agreement.	30
Sun 14th Feb	Plan and prepare for experiments. Camera for filming.	45
Sun 21st Feb	Experiments complete and filmed. Abelton tutorials.	40
Sun 28th Feb	Experiment with my own sounds. Source materials gathered.	45
Sun 7th March	Track development. Abelton tutorials. Experiments.	35
Sun 14th March	Track development. Abelton tutorials. Experiments.	50
Sun 21st March	Track development. Abelton tutorials. Experiments.	50
Sun 28th March	Track development.	45
Sun 4th April	Track development.	40
Sun 11th April	Finishing off track. Light development.	45
Sun 18th April	Finishing off track. Light development.	50
Sun 25th April	Finalise track and lights ready for presentation.	50
Sun 2nd May	Prepare for final experience presentation, camera needed.	45
Sun 9th May	Edit and finalise video presentation. Finish any loose ends.	40
Tue 11th May	Final Crit.	610

EMP – Learning Agreement

Name: Michael Dovey

Course: BA HONS DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION Level: 6

Unit: Extended Major Project

Reference number: [Write the unit’s reference code – refer to the unit handbook]

Credit points: 60

Study hours: 600 Hours

Tutor(s): Phil Beards, Liam Birtles, Bob Cotton

Synopsis of study

For the Extended Major Project I propose to create a finished Drum and Bass track that aims to create a sense of energy and euphoria for the listener, made using music production software like Ableton Live and external plug-ins like Massive. Euphoria is a feeling; an intense sense of excitement, elation and happiness, the natural feeling of ecstasy, a raised mental and emotional state, and it is this I intend to capture within my music. It is tricky to gauge euphoria in many ways, as it is a personal experience, but through asking people their feelings and experiences throughout a series of tests I should be able to gain a good idea of the right direction to head in.

These tests will look at the relationship between music, colour and lighting, aiming to produce a light show to accompany the music. To make sure I am creating what I set out to achieve, I have laid out a series of experiments which will no doubt be added to as I go. The first will look at the main types of drum and bass heard around in today’s raves, containing liquid, dancefloor, jump up and tech step. I know which I find best, but it’s what other people think that’s important. Then I will make a small mix with a tune from each sub genre and see if they still have the same effect as part of a continuous mix. After finding the best sub genre to work in, I will need to experiment with different light colours, intensities and effects, which should give me a good idea of the best materials to use when making my light show. I will also need to consider the effect time of the day and state of mind has on the whole experience, as well as testing a range of my own sounds to see which ones are the most fit for purpose. The results of these tests should give me a good structure to build upon for both the music and the light show, as both are completely new areas to learn and explore. Music is not the only thing that creates the euphoria felt at a rave, lighting plays a heavy part as well as other factors, and so I feel it quite necessary to create something else to help try and induce that euphoria. If I can find that catalyst that makes people ‘rush’, who knows where I could take my individual sound within the scene in the future.

Throughout the process I plan to create a video diary for the final crit, cataloging the processes I have gone through in making the tune and creating the event, testing peoples reactions and interviewing people, and the presentation itself filmed live at the event with peoples reactions. Video editing is another area I will be looking at for the first time, but I feel it will leave me with a much better presentation. All in all I am eager, if a little apprehensive, to get underway and feel I have a good body of work to help develop where I want to go after the course.

Aims

• A1 To provide me with the opportunities to exercise and enhance my knowledge and abilities in the development of a body of creative and technically competent work appropriate to my course aims and criteria at Level 6.
• A2 To provide opportunities for me to learn from the increased complexity and rigour of creative production required for this unit.
• A3 To encourage me to apply the advanced level of discipline and time-management which are required during the unit.
• A4 To encourage me to work independently, albeit with supervision, in the development of your work, in a way which reflects contemporary professional practice. I will also be encouraged to work effectively as a team member where it is demanded by my project or subject specialism.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit I will be able to:

• LO1 Demonstrate the ability to rigorously apply specialist knowledge, understanding and creativity in the production of your extended major project.
• LO2 Demonstrate the ability to manage the complexity of practice demanded by the extended major project by managing your time and work efficiently.
• LO3 Demonstrate ability in the coherent use of various representation techniques, documentation and presentations to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• LO4 Demonstrate your awareness of the ethical, social and cultural issues appropriate to the concept of a responsible professional practitioner, whether working independently or as part of a team.

Assessment Requirements

For assessment I will produce a finished tack, the promotional material for the event to showcase the track in, along with a series of tests to guide in making the accompanying light show, all catalogued by a video diary for presentation – 100%

Assessment Criteria

• Evidence of realisation through the application of technical knowledge and skills – Specialist knowledge and understanding are evident and applied in the work (LO1)
• Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Informing the development and management of the project (LO2)
• Evidence of realisation through presentation – The communication and presentation of ideas reflects best contemporary practice (LO3)
• Evidence of knowledge of concepts, contexts, criticism and theory – The work demonstrates awareness of concepts relevant to the responsible professional practitioner (LO4)

Learning Agreement – Specialist Project – V3

Course: BA HONS DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION Level: 6

Unit: Specialist Project

Reference number: [Write the unit’s reference code – refer to the unit handbook]

Credit points: 30

Study hours: 300

Tutor(s): Phil Beards, Liam Birtles

Synopsis of study

For this unit I propose to investigate the relationship between modern music and the sense of belonging you get from religion. It’s a basic human instinct to feel the need to belong, to gather together in large groups and socialize, to have a sense of acceptance, and since religion doesn’t have the same impact or influence on a large proportion of society as it used too people have turned their attention to other ‘groups’ or ‘hobbies’ to give them that sense of belonging. In today’s modern society young people have lost touch with the traditional religious experience, and I want to find out to what extent music has had an impact on this.

Break this down even further and there are many links to traditional tribal behavior. Where else have you seen large gatherings of people dancing round a focal point? Many ancient civilizations grouped together to pray or celebrate special events, dancing and chanting around fires, a beating drum creating a rhythm for the crowd to move too, not too dissimilar to many ‘raves’ that take place today. The ideas still there, but the means to communicate it with other people has drastically changed.

Whilst researching this, I will also look at learning to use Ableton live as a music production software. I have always been interested in and heavily influenced by music, every aspect from creation to playing to listening, and feel there is no greater feeling than the euphoria you get from listening to your favourite tune. Maybe this is one of the things that has helped to create the ‘religious’ experience people get from going to music events, although the mixture of drugs and alcohol almost certainly contributes to this as well.

Once I have gained a basic understanding of Ableton Live (it will take years till I can use the program to its full potential) I plan to produce a prototype Drum and Bass track made from a mixture of both pre-recorded samples from plug-ins and Ableton Live’s library with as many of my own sourced sounds as I can. From the research I plan to find a sample of euphoric vocals from a religious/cultural background to remix into a modern Drum and Bass track that could be played at any of today’s ‘raves’ (one of those ones that make the hairs on your back tingle!). This will then bridge onto the Extended Major Project, where I will make the full track and an accompanying video.

Aims

A1 To confirm and develop your systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5

A2 To encourage the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

A3 To develop your critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

Learning outcomes:

LO1 that you have transferred your systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

LO2 the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

LO3 Through written work demonstrate that you developed your critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

Assessment Requirements

Finished Samples 75% (Tutor Assessed)

A written report for one of the projects (Maximum 1500 words) supporting the conceptual, contextual and production issues involved in the completion of practical work. 25% (Tutor Assessed)

Assessment Criteria

Evidence of knowledge of key contextual and theoretical issues – Knowledge concerned with contemporary practice acquired from Level 5 and applied and developed to a higher level (LO1)

Evidence of critical concepts represented in the breadth and depth of subject knowledge – The contexts of production (LO2, LO3)

Evidence of realisation through the application of technical knowledge and skills – Documentation of the project, its planning and execution (LO1)

Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Relevance of research and relationship of theory to practice (LO3)

Transferable skills

[Copy the skills exactly as they appear in the unit handbook]

References

[Create a bibliography of the reference material you will be using – refer to the Learning Agreement Guidelines for more information]

Action plan/time plan

Date	Work Agenda	No of Hours
19th October	Finalisation of Idea	5
20th October	Research	9
22nd October	Research	9
24th October	Research	5
25th October	Research	9
26th October	Research	9
27th October	Research	9
29th October	Research	9
31st October	Research	9
1st November	Research, Learning Ableton	9
2nd November	Research, Learning Ableton	5
3rd November	Research, Learning Ableton	9
5th November	Research, Learning Ableton	9
7th November	Research, Learning Ableton	9
8th November	Research, Learning Ableton	9
9th November	Research, Learning Ableton	5
11th November	Research, Learning Ableton	9
12th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
14th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
15th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
16th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	5
17th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
19th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
21st November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
22nd November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
23rd November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	5
24th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
26th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
28th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
30th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	5
1st December	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	10
3rd December	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	10
5th December	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	10
6th December	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	10
7th December	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	5
8th December	Evaluate and analyse final samples	10
10th December	Final Crit	Overall = 297

Learning Agreement – Specialist Project – V2

Name: Michael Dovey

Course: BA HONS DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION Level: 6

Unit: Specialist Project

Reference number: [Write the unit’s reference code – refer to the unit handbook]

Credit points: 30

Study hours: 300

Tutor(s): Phil Beards, Liam Birtles

Synopsis of study

For this unit I propose to look at and investigate the relationship between modern music and the sense of belonging you get from religion. It’s a basic human instinct to feel the need to belong, to gather together in large groups and socialize, to have a sense of belonging, and since religion doesn’t have the same impact or influence on a large proportion of society as it used too people have turned their attention to other ‘groups’ or ‘hobbies’ to give them that sense of belonging. Another great example of this is sport, especially football, which in many ways takes this idea even further; it has almost become a cult in many ways.

 

Break this down even further and there are even many links to tribal behavior. Where else have you seen large gatherings of people dancing round a focal point? Many ancient civilizations grouped together to pray or celebrate special events, dancing and chanting around fires, a beating drum creating a rhythm for the crowd to move too, not too dissimilar to many ‘raves’ that take place today. The ideas still there, but the means to communicate it with other people has drastically changed.

Whilst researching this, I will also look at learning to use Ableton live as a music production software. I have always been interested in and heavily influenced by music, every aspect from creation to playing to listening, and feel there is no greater feeling than the euphoria you get from listening to your favourite tune. Maybe this is one of the things that has helped to create the almost ‘religious’ experience people get from going to music events, although the mixture of drugs and alcohol almost certainly contributes to this as well.

 

Once I have gained a basic understanding of Ableton Live (it will take years till I can use the program to its full potential) I plan to produce a prototype Drum and Bass track made from a mixture of both pre-recorded samples from plug-ins and Ableton Live’s library with as many of my own sourced sounds as I can. From the research I plan to find a sample of euphoric vocals from a religious/cultural background to remix into a modern Drum and Bass track that could be played at any of today’s ‘raves’ (one of those ones that make the hairs on your back tingle!). This will then bridge onto the Extended Major Project, where I will make the full track and an accompanying video.

 

Aims

A1 To confirm and develop your systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

 

A2 To encourage the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

 

A3 To develop your critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

 

Learning outcomes:

LO1 that you have transferred your systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

 

LO2 the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

 

LO3 Through written work demonstrate that you developed your critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

 

Assessment Requirements

Finished Track 75% (Tutor Assessed)

 

A written report for one of the projects (Maximum 1500 words) supporting the conceptual, contextual and production issues involved in the completion of practical work. 25% (Tutor Assessed)

Assessment Criteria

Evidence of knowledge of key contextual and theoretical issues – Knowledge concerned with contemporary practice acquired from Level 5 and applied and developed to a higher level (LO1)

 

Evidence of critical concepts represented in the breadth and depth of subject knowledge – The contexts of production (LO2, LO3)

 

Evidence of realisation through the application of technical knowledge and skills – Documentation of the project, its planning and execution (LO1)

 

Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Relevance of research and relationship of theory to practice (LO3)

 

Transferable skills

[Copy the skills exactly as they appear in the unit handbook]

 

References

[Create a bibliography of the reference material you will be using – refer to the Learning Agreement Guidelines for more information]

 

Action plan/time plan

Date	Work Agenda	No of Hours
19th October	Finalisation of Idea	5
20th October	Research	9
22nd October	Research	9
24th October	Research	5
25th October	Research	9
26th October	Research	9
27th October	Research	9
29th October	Research	9
31st October	Research	9
1st November	Research	9
2nd November	Research	5
3rd November	Research	9
5th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
7th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
8th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
9th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	5
11th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
12th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
14th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
15th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
16th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	5
17th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
19th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
21st November	Develop final idea	9
22nd November	Develop final idea	9
23rd November	Develop final idea	5
24th November	Develop final idea	9
26th November	Develop final idea	9
28th November	Develop final idea	9
30th November	Develop final idea	5
1st December	Develop final idea	10
3rd December	Develop final idea	10
5th December	Develop final idea	10
6th December	Develop final idea	10
7th December	Develop final idea	5
8th December	Evaluate and analyse final track	10
10th December	Final Crit	Overall = 297

Learning Agreement – Specialist Project – V1

Name: Michael Dovey

Course: BA HONS DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION Level: 6

Unit: Specialist Project

Reference number: [Write the unit’s reference code – refer to the unit handbook]

Credit points: 30

Study hours: 300

Tutor(s): Phil Beards, Liam Birtles

Synopsis of study

For this unit I propose to create a piece of music made form a mixture of sounds that I have sourced and recorded myself. I shall use Ableton to create a 3 to 4 minute long Drum and Bass track using as much of the program and it’s various plug-ins as I can. I shall also record a selection of my own, natural/organic sounds, including anything from voices to everyday noises trying to incorporate as many as I can into the natural fabric of a normal tune. I will need to be as open minded as possible when recording these samples, as the strangest sound can be transformed into a completely different sound using synthesizers and other techniques available within Ableton. It will be presented as an MP3 or WAV file.

 

I have always been interested in and heavily influenced by music, every aspect from creation to playing to listening, and feel there is no greater feeling than the euphoria you get from listening to your favourite tune. I’m also a firm believer in the relationship between music and art, at the end of the day music creation is an art form. Playing music has always played a part in my life, I played the trumpet in an orchestra and the guitar in a band before moving on to the turntables and the world of the DJ.

The track itself will be structured and layered like any other tune, but will incorporate a host of different pre recorded sounds. This will hopefully leave the tune with an organic, smooth sound that’s used in a lot of liquid and minimal drum and bass. This type of Drum and Bass is also referred to as intelligent Drum and Bass, as it utilises a whole host of different sounds and techniques not normally used in an otherwise very digital music genre. Hospital Records are a perfect example of this, as they have a very diverse selection of artists who create different styles of Drum and Bass, in particular Spectrasoul, London Elektricity and Ulterior Motive all have very natural sounds.

 

Music, in particular modern music like Drum and Bass and Dubstep, is constantly changing and progressing into never ending sub-categories of already overcrowded genres. It’s an industry where to be acknowledged you have to have a certain cutting edge sound that no one else creates otherwise your creation can become dated before it’s even created. Using sounds I have sourced myself could help this as they could create sounds no one else has managed to make before, giving me fresh, original material to work with.

 

Aims

A1 To confirm and develop your systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

 

A2 To encourage the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

 

A3 To develop your critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

 

Learning outcomes:

LO1 that you have transferred your systematic understanding of key aspects of digital media, previously acquired in Level 5.

 

LO2 the acquisition of detailed knowledge, some of which is at or informed by the forefront of developments within the subject including aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship.

 

LO3 Through written work demonstrate that you developed your critical awareness and understanding of historical, contemporary and personal practice within the broad context of the field.

 

Assessment Requirements

Finished Track 75% (Tutor Assessed)

 

A written report for one of the projects (Maximum 1500 words) supporting the conceptual, contextual and production issues involved in the completion of practical work. 25% (Tutor Assessed)

Assessment Criteria

Evidence of knowledge of key contextual and theoretical issues – Knowledge concerned with contemporary practice acquired from Level 5 and applied and developed to a higher level (LO1)

 

Evidence of critical concepts represented in the breadth and depth of subject knowledge – The contexts of production (LO2, LO3)

 

Evidence of realisation through the application of technical knowledge and skills – Documentation of the project, its planning and execution (LO1)

 

Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Relevance of research and relationship of theory to practice (LO3)

 

Transferable skills

[Copy the skills exactly as they appear in the unit handbook]

 

References

[Create a bibliography of the reference material you will be using – refer to the Learning Agreement Guidelines for more information]

 

Action plan/time plan

Date	Work Agenda	No of Hours
19th October	Finalisation of Idea	5
20th October	Research	9
22nd October	Research	9
24th October	Research	5
25th October	Research	9
26th October	Research	9
27th October	Research	9
29th October	Research	9
31st October	Research	9
1st November	Research	9
2nd November	Research	5
3rd November	Research	9
5th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
7th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
8th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
9th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	5
11th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
12th November	Leaning Ableton, recording sounds	9
14th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
15th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
16th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	5
17th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
19th November	Leaning Ableton, work on ideas	9
21st November	Develop final idea	9
22nd November	Develop final idea	9
23rd November	Develop final idea	5
24th November	Develop final idea	9
26th November	Develop final idea	9
28th November	Develop final idea	9
30th November	Develop final idea	5
1st December	Develop final idea	10
3rd December	Develop final idea	10
5th December	Develop final idea	10
6th December	Develop final idea	10
7th December	Develop final idea	5
8th December	Evaluate and analyse final track	10
10th December	Final Crit	Overall = 297