Certificate in Music Production for Games

The module sets out to enable learners to set up the hardware and software of a music production suite to record, edit and mix. It provides a foundation in audio and music technology. It also provides the requisite understanding of MIDI to facilitate a live performance.

The objectives of the module are to enable the learner to use industry standard DAW software to record and edit audio and MIDI, managing sessions from conception to final mix-down using appropriate effects, automation, corrective techniques and professional workflow.

This module aims to familiarise the learner with the essential processes involved in writing for visual media; for different styles and their associated techniques. It also aims to expand the learner’s musical vocabulary and analytical skills through studying the craft of composing to image. This will be achieved foremost by exposing them to an extremely wide range of study examples from early cartoon scores to current Hollywood scores, international TV series and current games. Learners learn the technical skills for using software to marry images and music, and compose music to two pieces of provided footage using the relevant equipment and software. Throughout the module the emphasis is placed on developing the learner’s practical compositional techniques and their ability to write for both electronic and acoustic instruments.

This module aims to provide learners with detailed knowledge of the technologies and practical skills central to the professional production and postproduction of sound for virtual environments, with a focus on interactive media and gaming. Learners will examine the role of audio and visual effects in the creation of virtual environments in linear,  interactive and dynamically-changing applications.

Learners will apply their skills in the creation of sound for interactive media and games. They will investigate various recording techniques and the hardware and software associated with designing and implementing game audio and mobile applications. Learners will also demonstrate the creative potential of the sound studio while creating a sound effects and Foley library.

The module enables learners to explore, through lectures and tutorials the use of main themes, motif use, underscoring and the harmonic languages of soundtracks. Learners develop compositional and technical skills as applied to writing to image, with particular emphasis on techniques and workflows used in the production of music for games. The module explores the audio requirements of various game environments, including adaptive music techniques. The module encourages learners to be imaginative in composing to picture, enabling learners to consider the role of  music  when used with visual and interactive media.

The module introduces learners to a variety of computer games.  Learners are encouraged to explore, experience and evaluate games and their characteristic features.  Learners are introduced to how games function, how to construct experiences using rule design, play mechanics, game balancing, and the integration of visual, audio and textual elements into the game.  Learners examine the distinct roles performed by the different members of games design teams, and are encouraged to develop defensible views of their own in relation to the increasing role played by games within society.

This module explores the difference between traditional linear narrative in storytelling and the challenges of interactive narrative.  The learners will be given a solid understanding of traditional narrative theory, character development, plot, back-story and dialogue.  Non-technology based experimental approaches will be introduced briefly and the opportunities that technology provides for experimentation in non-linear forms will be examined.