MA in Sonic Arts

Masters Programme: MA in Sonic Arts: School of Music and Sonic Arts: Queen's University Belfast

MEDIA & THEORY

This route offers a practical and theoretical framework for the investigation of the role of sound in contemporary media culture. Project work will introduce students to design strategies for new electronic musical instruments and new human-computer interface devices. Written work and critical analysis will explore themes such as automation, the network, emergence and social engagement. This route focuses on the interaction between humans and technology and is a response to the complex relationships that surround the use of sound in contexts such as new media art, sound installation, moving image, immersive environments and network performances.

Contact: Dr. Sile o’Modhrain

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING

COMPOSITION & SOUND DESIGN

This route focuses on digital audio processing and musical acoustics. Graduates will have a thorough understanding of the core principles involved in cutting-edge synthesis and processing techniques, including realistic simulation of musical instruments and virtual sounding objects, as well as digital audio effects such as spectral transformations, reverberation, and surround-sound. The route is suitable both for students who aim to pursue further academic research as well as students how would like to increase their technical knowledge and skills in the area of music technology for application in professional areas such as broadcasting, composition, multi-media industries.

Applicants are expected to have a background in mathematics and/or electric engineering

Contact: Dr. Maarten van Walstijn

This route focuses on a wide-range of creative tasks and includes projects in multimedia sound design, stereo and multichannel tape composition and performance-based work such as improvisation with new musical instruments and interfaces. Much of the work exploits the specialist facilities in SARC, including the unique Sonic Laboratory with its ground-breaking diffusion system.

Applicants to this route are expected to have developed skills through prior experience of creative work.

Contact: Dr. Pedro Rebelo

MUSIC INTERFACES & INTERACTION

This route focuses on historical and practical perspectives of the use of these technologies in the context of musical applications. Students will explore ways of integrating technology with the human sensory system with respect to music creation. On completion of the route, students will gain a general understanding of the applications of different types of sensors and other hardware technology. These skills will then be developed towards practical applications. The route provides background for critical analysis of the use of these technologies and an understanding of different protocols of communication to combine sensors with hardware and human gesture.

Contact: Dr. Sile O'Modhrain, Dr. Ben Knapp

ADMISSIONS | PROGRAMME | FUNDING | LIFE AT SARC | STUDENT WORK