Study Guide

Objective

The student is able to define and analyse musical works and music writers from different eras and styles. The student is able to differentiate how music and its elements are perceived and to analyse the musical content of the work as well as place it into a historical and stylistic context. The student is capable of simulating and reproducing recording, mixing and production techniques from different eras by implementing production exercises using reverse engineering techniques.

Content

Lectures. Studio work in groups and independently. The background, history and writers of Western popular music. Analysing music and musical works. Getting acquainted with professional and academic research material.

Location and time

Lectures and seminar work on Fridays at 9:00–12:15, rooom AS522. Reproduction and pastiche sessions in the studio according to a separate schedule (TBA). The schedule and the locations for the whole course period is to be confirmed in the beginning of the course.
The course begins on Friday, 8 September, 2023 at 9:00. Last day of tuition is Friday, 15 December.
Plus common seminar for all on Wednesdays at 13.00–14.30, room Klubi AS112 / studio.
Teachers: Jere Laukkanen, Joona Pirilä and Kristian Suninen.

Materials

Cunningham, Mark: Good vibrations (Sanctuary)
Massey, Howard: Behind the Glass I & II
Emerick, Geoff: Here, there and everywhere
Scott, Ken: From Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust
Milner, Greg: Perfecting sound forever
The Wrecking Crew (DVD)
Standing in the shadows of Motown (DVD)
Muscle Shoals (DVD)
Aiello, R. & Sloboda, J. A. (eds.) 1994. Musical Perceptions. New York: Oxford University Press.
Zollo, Paul. 2003. Songwriters on Songwriting. Expanded 4th ed. Cambridge, USA: Da Capo Press.
Eerola, T., Louhivuori, J. & Moisala, P. (eds.) 2003. Johdatus musiikintutkimukseen. Vaasa: Suomen musiikkitieteellinen seura.
Aho, M. & Kärjä A-V. (ed.). 2007. Populaarimusiikin tutkimus. Tampere: Vastapaino.

Teaching methods

Small group tutorial
Interactive lecture
Seminar Work
Assignments
Studio Work

Exam schedules

No exam. The required competences are primarily demonstrated with learning assignments, secondarily in a manner agreed with the teacher.

Completion alternatives

To be agreed individually with the teacher.

Student workload

Lectures and seminar work on Fridays at 9:00–12:15, rooom AS522. Reproduction and pastiche sessions in the studio according to a separate schedule (TBA). The schedule and the locations for the whole course period is to be confirmed in the beginning of the course.
The course begins on Friday, 8 September, 2023 at 9:00. Last day of tuition is Friday, 15 December.
Plus common seminar for all on Wednesdays at 13.00–14.30, room Klubi AS112 / studio.
Teachers: Jere Laukkanen, Joona Pirilä and Kristian Suninen.

Content scheduling

The course implementation uses a Moodle workspace where the learning materials are assembled. The dates of the contact lessons and the subject areas to be discussed are arranged as modules in the workspace.

Further information

Lectures and seminar work on Fridays at 9:00–12:15, rooom AS522. Reproduction and pastiche sessions in the studio according to a separate schedule (TBA). The schedule and the locations for the whole course period is to be confirmed in the beginning of the course.
The course begins on Friday, 8 September, 2023 at 9:00. Last day of tuition is Friday, 15 December.
Plus common seminar for all on Wednesdays at 13.00–14.30, room Klubi AS112 / studio.
Teachers: Jere Laukkanen, Joona Pirilä and Kristian Suninen.

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

- The student is able to follow agreed schedules and submit their assignments on time.
- The student can work as an active member of the group and give constructive feedback on the contributions of the other group members.
- The student presents and argues their own contribution to the group as agreed and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own performance.

Assessment methods and criteria

Continuous assessment
Peer evaluation
Attendance
Learning assignments
(total 100%)

Prerequisites

The student knows how to write music and lyrics independently and in teams both as given assignments and as self-initiated work. The student can operate in various genres of popular music in a professional and creative manner. The student knows how to listen to and explore their own music and that of others, analyse it and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music making. The student perceives various musical trends, understands the workings of the music industry, and can apply the findings to their own artistic and professional activities as well as career planning. The student handles the music production as a whole and can plan and carry out a professional record production. The student understands the various stages of making a recording and the special characteristics of different projects. The student is capable of acting as an artistic producer of a recording and can execute it with high technical standards. The student is capable of modifying their own actions according to the needs of the client.