Elements and Performance Criteria

Recording projects may be for:

solo artists

solo artists with backing

groups/ensembles

vocal

instrumental, acoustic and/or electronic

vocal and instrumental

Listening may include:

discrimination of artistic/musical quality of performing artists

enhancing sounds

adjusting tone colour and sound sweetening

instrument tuning

listening to adjust the sound balance for solo or group performance

discriminating and enhancing musical texture and tone colour

aural imagination to envisage sound possibilities and ways to achieve them

discriminating music systems and practices

recognising chords, keys in tonal or other musical systems

understanding acoustics

Musical knowledge includes:

repertoire

instrument knowledge

music analyses and research

musical styles, forms, systems, practices and customs

performance customs of music genres relevant to selected area of music recording

Technical skills include:

instruments and their sound capabilities in recording

technical capabilities to produce required sound

techniques to direct and enhance music performance

technical requirements of specific instruments

Technology may include:

instruments and accessories

using technology to enhance sound

music/sound recording equipment

microphones, amplifiers, mixers, cabling

mixing consoles

special effects devices

Workplace considerations may include:

copyright legislation

OHS

music licensing legislation

Underpinning knowledge and skills

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:


Music craft and knowledge
demonstrating understanding of chosen styles and genres and their musical forms and conventions
working sympathetically with appropriate styles of musical interpretation and sound production
applying and extending appropriate repertoire knowledge
understanding relevant musical terminology
understanding relevant systems and musical elements

Listening
using aural imagination to develop coherent and innovative artistic sound outcomes within the scope of planned artistic and commercial objectives
discriminating and enhancing texture and tone colour in line with planned objectives
understanding appropriate intonation, dynamics, phrasing, rhythm and expression to produce the required sound
listening critically to the creative and technical work of others
listening critically to, and adjusting performance of others to achieve the required sound

Technical
effectively applying knowledge of acoustics in sound production to recording projects
demonstrating understanding of sound design and audio engineering
understanding techniques such as:
microphone and instrument/voice placement
application of effects (and logging effects)
mixing sound sources
applying knowledge of acoustics to instruments/voices in placements and settings for sound balance in recording
using appropriate technology to improve efficiency in the recording process and artistic outcomes

Creative
demonstrating artistic leadership
using innovative approaches in recording to enhance the interpretation and performance of music or to create new possibilities through artistic and technical effects
listening critically to continuously evaluate and adjust the production of musical work
interpreting music appropriately to ensure a sympathetic and appropriate approach to sound production

Expression
shaping the music/sound imaginatively, appropriately and sympathetically
understanding and expressing musical nuance in sound production appropriate to the performance being recorded while originating own artistic interpretation
demonstrating an understanding of the context of the musical style, the performers and expected audience taste in developing the sound values and artistic choices for recording projects

Presentation, communication and promotion
observing cultural protocols appropriate to the style and genre of the performance
understanding artists' requirements
working effectively with artists
working constructively with group dynamics
identifying and dealing constructively with conflict

Planning and organisation
clarifying roles
managing budgets and timeframes
planning recording projects
using time management strategies to set priorities
developing systems for required documentation as required
directing and monitoring the work of others

Linkages to other units

This unit has linkages with other sound production units and combined training and/or assessment is recommended. This unit may be assessed with the following units:

CUSADM04A Manage a major project
CUSSOU19A Manage production for sound recording

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

effectively identifying sound potential
developing and producing a creative and appropriate sound concept

Method and context of assessment

Evidence of competence may be obtained through a variety of methods including:

observation of a recording session
oral questioning on issues in record producing
relevant samples of artistic work with candidate's evaluation
samples of project plans
authenticated details of relevant courses or training sessions
authenticated details of relevant artistic and/or commercial achievements
relevant portfolio kit, tapes, CDs, videos, biographies of practitioner's work and process diary detailing work undertaken
simulation of a recording session
case studies and scenarios as a basis to discuss issues in record producing
Competence in this unit may need to be assessed over a period of time, in a range of contexts and on multiple occasions involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence.

It is strongly recommended that the assessment process incorporates the following evidence gathering methods:

review of comprehensive portfolios of evidence which demonstrate the processes used in developing the sound design concept through all stages of the process
targeted questions aimed at evaluating the processes used in developing the sound design concept through all stages of the process to the finished product and subsequent evaluation
These methods should assist the assessor to evaluate the creative process followed by the candidate in generating, evaluating and realising creative ideas.

Assessment may occur off the job, on the job or in a combination of on and off the job. Assessment of this unit requires:

practical observation of a recording session, either simulated or under workplace conditions
discussion of the session
supporting evidence of the candidate's work in the form of a portfolio of demo tapes and accompanying notes or process diary

Resource requirements
Simulated workplace activities must be undertaken using an appropriate range of relevant up to date equipment.

Other resources may include:

relevant instruments and/or equipment
scores, charts or other written music resources
other relevant participants such as performers and technical crew
appropriate studio venue with adequate space and acoustic qualities

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(3)