Introduction to Sound Engineering in Live Performance Technology (3 ECTS)

Objective

The student understands the physical principles of sound and is able to solve simple sound-related math problems. They can justify their audio-technical choices based on the physical properties of sound and well known practices in the field. The student is familiar with the signal chain of audio devices and can select and design a sound system for a small event. The student is aware of the risks associated with audio technology for both themselves and the audience and can take these into account in their actions.

Content

Introduction to Sound Engineering in Live Performance Technology is a self-paced course that allows you to study the basics of sound and get a comprehensive introduction to the audio technology used in events. After the course, you will have a good understanding of the entire signal chain from the singer to the audience and you will be able to consider the safety aspects related to sound reinforcement. The course is especially intended for you if you work or would like to work in the professional field of performance and theater technology and you already have some experience with live audio.

Materials

The materials will be published on the learning platform (Moodle).

Teaching methods

Self-study
Online assignments

Exam schedules

Course assignments must be submitted by the last day of the month preceding the evaluation. For example, if all course assignments are submitted by January 31st, the course will be evaluated by February 15th, with the exception of July-August, during which the course will not be evaluated.

Student workload

The course does not have scheduled lectures. The completion of the course is based on self-study materials and sets of assignments that the student can complete at their own pace.

The course is worth three ECTS. Completing one ECTS requires 27 hours of work. According to this calculation, the total number of hours for the course is 81 hours. The workload estimate is indicative and provides a guideline for achieving the course's learning objectives and the average workload required for a grade of 3/5. Depending on the student's prior knowledge and experience, the workload may be less or more. The skills acquired in the course are assessed through assignments and other outputs, not by the number of hours worked.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student understands the physical principles of sound and can perform simple sound-related calculations. They can justify their audio-technical choices based on the properties of sound. The student is familiar with some audio technology devices and can design the sound system and technology required for a small event as part of a team. The student is aware of the risks associated with audio technology for themselves and can take these into account in their actions. The student can reflect on their own expertise.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student understands the physical principles of sound and can perform simple sound-related calculations. They can justify their audio-technical choices based on the properties of sound. The student is familiar with audio technology devices, understands the importance of the signal chain, and can design the sound system and technology required for a small event. The student is aware of the risks associated with audio technology for both themselves and the audience and can take these into account in their actions. The student can reflect on their own expertise in audio technology and identify areas for improvement in their skills.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student deeply understands the physical principles of sound and can perform complex sound-related calculations. They can justify their audio-technical choices based on the properties of sound and the knowledge base of the field. The student is broadly familiar with audio technology devices, understands the importance of the signal chain, and can design the sound system and technology required for a large event. The student recognizes the risks associated with audio technology for themselves, other workers, and the audience, and can take these into account in their actions. The student can reflect on their own expertise in audio technology and identify areas for improvement in their skills.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student understands the physical principles of sound and can perform simple sound-related calculations. They can justify their audio-technical choices based on the properties of sound. The student is familiar with some audio technology devices and can design the sound system and technology required for a small event as part of a team. The student is aware of the risks associated with audio technology for themselves and can take these into account in their actions. The student can reflect on their own expertise.

Assessment methods and criteria

Assignments 80%
Reflection 20%

Qualifications

To complete the course, you will need mathematical skills (basic arithmetic, logarithm, and equation solving), and it will be helpful if you have at least some experience using live performance equipment.