Study overview

Whether video clip, computer game or television film: in most multimedia manifestations, sound is an essential design element. The aim of the audio focus is to acquire knowledge in order to be able to conceive, produce and evaluate media-specific audio content. Examples from practice are music and radio play productions or sound design for film, advertising, audio logos and gaming.

In the future, innovative models of the interplay of electronic media will be in demand. The module Interactive Audio Systems offers an experimental field to get to know new forms of audio interaction, to develop them yourself and to combine them with other MUK-typical elements (e.g. video, media design, computer science).

This gives students a sound basis for designing audio content in traditional media as well as the opportunity to develop new audio-related forms of electronic media.

Study structure

Perception

  • Targets: Audio-related perceptual competence. Reflection of self-perception and external perception. Competence in audio-related analysis. Knowledge of the basics of perception psychology.
  • Contents: Models of human perception. Analysis of audio content in a media context. Physical and semantic models of sound. Specific aural training. Exercises on the perception of intervals, chords, rhythms, timbre. Technical hearing for quality assessment of audio productions. Error and problem recognition as well as correction exercises.


Interactive audio systems

  • Targets: Creative design of interactive digital audio systems
  • Contents: Examples of interactive audio systems, digital signal processing audio, sound synthesis, programming in MaxMSP, mapping, sensor systems. Linking with other electronic media, typical problems and solutions, insight into the research field of human-machine interaction in audio.


Audio production

  • Targets: Competence in planning and implementation of audio productions
  • Contents: History of audio production, analysis of productions of E and U music, in-depth room acoustics, instrument acoustics, recording technology. Methods of multi-track production, mixing techniques, effects, mastering. Practical examples and exercises.


Medial Composition Special Focus Mandatory Module

  • Targets: Conception and realization of composed audio content in a media context.
  • Contents: Analysis of media composition. Harmony theory, melody, stylistics, form theory, sound design. Requirements of the media context. Computer-aided composition and sound design. Picture-sound relation. Artistic authenticity and personal style.