In the contemporary music industry, producers, engineers, and artists must work collaboratively to develop high-quality music productions that integrate live and electronic elements. Whether in professional studios or remote setups, modern production involves balancing creative vision with technical execution, ensuring all elements of a track work together cohesively.

This assessment requires students to collaborate in small groups to produce a fully realised 3–5 minute song, incorporating a blend of acoustic and electronic elements. At least one recorded instrument or vocal element must be included, demonstrating effective use of microphone techniques and recording workflows. The production must also incorporate synthesised or programmed elements, reflecting contemporary music production practices. The song you record can be an original composition or a cover. 

Students will be assessed on both their individual contributions (e.g., recorded instrument, MIDI programming, sound design) and the final collaborative production, ensuring the song meets professional standards in arrangement, sound design, and overall sonic quality. Each student will contribute a distinct part of the production, whether through live recording (e.g., vocals, guitar, percussion) or electronic production (e.g., synthesis, MIDI programming, sampling).

This task develops critical skills in music production, collaborative workflow management, and technical execution, preparing students for the mixing and mastering stages in later assessments.

Submission Requirements

Each individual in the group must submit:

1. Ableton Live Session Folder (No Consolidated Audio)

• One Ableton Live project folder containing all session files, including raw and edited audio.
• Edits must remain visible (no consolidated audio files).
• Properly labeled tracks for clarity (e.g., "Vocals_Main," "Bass_Synth," "Guitar_Lead").

2. Multitracks of All Raw Audio (Exported and Clearly Labelled)

• Exported stems of all recorded audio tracks in 24-bit, 48kHz WAV format, with NO mix effects applied (e.g., no EQ, compression, or reverb).
• Effects that are integral to the sound design (e.g., synth patches, guitar amp tones) should remain.

3. Rough Mix as a Guide

• A rough mixdown of the track to serve as a reference for the mixing engineer.
• This should not be fully mixed, but should demonstrate the intended balance and arrangement.

4. A Short Written Reflection  

• A 500 word written reflective document exploring the technical & creative process and collaboration & personal learning.

Technical Quality of Recorded & Programmed Elements (25%)

• All recorded elements demonstrate professional clarity, gain staging, and tone.
• Proper microphone placement, clean signal flow, and noise management in recorded elements.
• Synthesised and electronic elements are well-designed and integrated into the track.

Integration, Arrangement & Creativity (20%)

• The production effectively blends acoustic and electronic elements into a cohesive track.
• The arrangement demonstrates a clear structure and flow, ensuring musicality and engagement.
• The track shows creativity and originality in instrumentation, sound design, and production choices.

Teamwork & Collaboration (15%)

• Students effectively communicate and collaborate to create a unified production.
• The production reflects consistent decision-making and an understanding of the group's collective vision.
• Each student actively contributes and works cohesively with their group members.

Individual Contribution (20%)

• Each student’s recorded or programmed part is technically sound and creatively valuable to the production.
• The contribution is well-integrated within the track and enhances the overall arrangement.
• The student takes ownership of their role and delivers their part on time and to a high standard.

Reflective Assessment (10%)

• The written reflection demonstrates critical engagement with the production process.
• The student articulates technical and creative decisions in their recording/programming.
• The reflection provides insight into challenges faced and solutions implemented.

Session Organisation & File Management (5%)

• All tracks are properly labeled and arranged for easy navigation.
• The session is clean and structured, maintaining industry-standard organisation.
• The Ableton Live session is prepared for mixing, with all parts in place.

Multitrack Export Accuracy (5%)

• Raw audio is exported correctly in 24-bit, 48kHz WAV format with no mix processing (except necessary sound design elements).
• All files are correctly named (e.g., "Vocals_Main," "Synth_Lead") and formatted for efficient import into another session.

In the professional music industry, the roles of mixing and mastering engineers are crucial in transforming raw recordings into polished, release-ready tracks. This assessment mirrors industry workflows by requiring students to mix and master a song that was recorded by another group during Assessment 1. This process reflects real-world scenarios where mixing engineers often work with material they did not record, focusing on enhancing the artistic vision while ensuring technical excellence.

Students will apply advanced mixing techniques such as level balancing, EQ, dynamic processing, spatial effects, and automation to achieve clarity, cohesion, and musicality. Following the mixing stage, students will perform mastering to prepare the track for distribution, ensuring proper loudness levels, tonal balance, and dynamic consistency across playback systems.

Submission Requirements

1. Ableton Live Session Folder – Mixing Phase

• Submit a fully organised Ableton Live project folder containing all tracks, edits, automation, and effects used during the mixing process.
• Ensure proper track labelling, session organisation, and grouping for easy navigation.
• Do not consolidate audio files; all edits must remain visible to demonstrate the full workflow.

2. Ableton Live Session Folder – Mastering Phase

• Submit a separate Ableton Live session for the mastering phase, showing the processing applied to the final stereo mix.
• Include all mastering chain settings (e.g., EQ, compression, limiting, stereo imaging).

Final Mastered Track (Multiple Formats)

• Export the final mastered track in the following formats:
• WAV: 44.1kHz, 16-bit (CD quality)
• WAV: 48kHz, 24-bit (high-resolution audio)
• MP3: 320 kbps (listener for the artists)
• Ensure the track meets professional loudness standards suitable for your intended distribution platform (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music).

Written Reflection (300–500 words)

• Reflect on your mixing and mastering process, covering:
• Technical decisions: Explain your choices regarding EQ, compression, spatial effects, and automation.
• Creative approach: Discuss how you enhanced the song’s artistic and emotional impact through mixing and mastering.
• Challenges and Solutions: Identify any technical or creative challenges encountered and how you addressed them.
• Personal Learning Outcomes: Reflect on how this project contributed to your growth as an audio professional.

Technical Quality of the Mix (30%)

• Demonstrates proficiency in level balancing, EQ, compression, and panning to create a cohesive and clear mix.
• Effective use of dynamic processing to control peaks and enhance the track’s energy without over-compression.
• Appropriate application of spatial effects (reverb, delay, stereo imaging) to create depth and width in the mix.
• Maintains clarity and separation between instruments, ensuring that all elements are well-defined in the mix.

Mastering Quality (20%)

• Achieves a professional loudness level suitable for the chosen distribution formats (e.g., streaming platforms, CD).
• Demonstrates effective use of EQ, compression, limiting, and stereo enhancement to ensure tonal balance and dynamic consistency.
• Mastering decisions enhance the track’s overall impact while preserving the integrity of the mix.
• Consistency across multiple formats (WAV, MP3) with no noticeable degradation in quality.

Creativity and Artistic Expression (15%)

• Demonstrates a creative approach to mixing and mastering that enhances the emotional and artistic impact of the song.
• Uses automation and effects creatively to add interest, movement, and dynamic shifts.
• Shows an understanding of the genre’s aesthetic, while incorporating unique production choices where appropriate.

Session Organisation and File Management (10%)

• The Ableton Live session for both mixing and mastering is well-organised, with clearly labeled tracks, buses, and effects chains.
• Efficient file management with no missing files, properly named tracks, and a clean session layout.
• All edits are visible (no consolidated audio), showcasing the full production process.

Export Accuracy and Technical Compliance (10%)

• The final mastered track is exported correctly in all required formats (WAV 44.1kHz/16-bit, WAV 48kHz/24-bit, MP3 320 kbps).
• Ensures technical compliance with industry loudness standards for distribution platforms.
• No technical errors such as clipping, phase issues, or file corruption in the exported tracks.

Reflective Assessment (15%)

• The written reflection demonstrates critical analysis of the mixing and mastering process, with clear explanations of technical and creative decisions.
• Provides insight into challenges encountered and solutions implemented, showing problem-solving skills.
• Reflects on personal growth and learning outcomes, identifying key skills developed through the project.

In the contemporary music industry, a successful release requires more than just a well-produced track. It involves strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, and selecting the appropriate distribution channels to reach the intended audience effectively. This assessment requires students to develop a comprehensive distribution plan for the song they worked on during Assessment 1 (Production Portfolio).

Students will work individually to create a plan that includes the following key components:

• Selection of the distribution medium (e.g., digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or physical formats such as vinyl, CD, cassette).
• Justification for the chosen medium, supported by industry research on current distribution trends and audience behavior.
• A detailed release timeline, outlining key milestones from pre-release activities to post-release promotion.
• A budget plan that accounts for all costs associated with the release, including production, distribution fees, marketing, and artwork.
• Creation of single cover art, formatted correctly for the chosen distribution platform or physical medium.

This assessment will develop students' understanding of music distribution strategies, industry economics, and visual branding, preparing them for real-world scenarios where artists must manage both the creative and business aspects of releasing music.

 
Submission Requirements

Distribution Plan Document (1,000–1,200 words)

• Chosen Distribution Medium: Clearly state whether the release will be digital, physical, or both.
• Justification for the Medium: Use industry research (with references) to support your choice, considering genre, audience, and current trends.
• Release Timeline: A clear, step-by-step timeline detailing key activities, such as mastering deadlines, marketing campaigns, release dates, and post-release strategies.
• Budget Breakdown: A detailed budget plan covering costs for:Distribution platform or manufacturing fees
• Marketing and promotional expenses
• Artwork design costs
• Additional costs (e.g., licensing fees, PR, social media ads)
• Marketing Strategy (Optional but Recommended): Briefly outline how you will promote the release to reach your target audience.

Single Cover Art

• Design original single artwork that aligns with the song’s style and artistic identity.
• Ensure the artwork is formatted correctly for the chosen medium:Digital: 3000 x 3000 pixels, JPEG/PNG, 300 dpi (for streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music)
• Physical (e.g., Vinyl/CD): Correct dimensions for sleeve inserts

Distribution Strategy and Justification (30%)

• Clear identification of the chosen distribution medium (digital, physical, or both).
• Strong, well-researched justification for the choice, supported by industry trends, data, and audience insights.
• Demonstrates understanding of the strengths and limitations of the chosen medium.

Budget and Financial Planning (20%)

• A comprehensive, realistic budget covering all relevant costs (distribution fees, artwork, marketing, etc.).
• Demonstrates awareness of cost-effective strategies while maintaining professional quality.
• Shows a clear understanding of the financial aspects of music distribution.

Release Timeline (15%)

• A detailed, logical timeline outlining key release milestones from pre-launch to post-release promotion.
• Includes realistic timeframes for tasks such as mastering delivery, artwork submission, marketing campaigns, and release dates.
• Reflects an understanding of project management in a music release context.

Single Cover Art (15%)

• The artwork is visually appealing and aligns with the song’s aesthetic and intended audience.
• Meets technical specifications for the chosen platform or medium (correct dimensions, resolution, file format).
• Demonstrates creativity and design principles, enhancing the overall presentation of the release.

Industry Research and Referencing (10%)

• Strong integration of relevant industry research to support distribution decisions.
• References credible sources (e.g., industry reports, case studies, academic articles) using proper citation format (APA recommended).

Professional Presentation (10%)

• The distribution plan is well-structured, clearly written, and free from errors.
• Uses professional language and formatting, suitable for presenting to potential collaborators, labels, or distributors.
• Includes appropriate visual elements (e.g., budget tables, timelines) to support the written content.