Course Unit Form
Course unit title:
Management and Production of Musical Projects (Optional Course Unit)
Code of the scientific area:
Mus
Duration (annual, semester or term):
Annual
Total student workload (total hours):
260.0
Contact hours:
In-person (P) - TP-10.0; PL-10.0; S-10.0
% of distance-learning contact hours:
0.00%
ECTS credits:
10.0
Responsible lecturer and corresponding teaching load in the course unit:
Pedro Sousa Silva - 16.0h
Other lecturers and their teaching load in the course unit:
Learning outcomes and their compatibility with the teaching method (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by students):
O1 - Understand all elements of the production chain associated with musical creation projects (for example, solo or ensemble concerts, CD or digital album recordings, music videos or documentaries, artistic residencies, recovery and recreation of historical repertoires, composition and performance of contemporary works, collaborative projects, internships, publication of works in physical or digital formats, development of sound archives or databases).
O2 - Learn to plan the production of a musical project, from its initial conception through to final execution. Objectives O1 and O2 are aligned with the teaching methods and the profile of the doctoral programme by emphasising artistic practices in real-world contexts and mastery of the entire musical production cycle. Teaching is oriented towards creation and practice-based research, allowing students to develop technical, creative and reflective competences to plan and execute complex projects, valuing musical heritage.
Syllabus:
Elements of the musical production chain • Organisational structures of concerts and musical events • Audio and video recording, editing and production techniques • Management of historical and contemporary repertoires: transcription, adaptation and recreation • Strategies for creating and maintaining digital archives and musical databases • Analysis of case studies of relevant musical productions
Planning and management of musical projects • Methodologies for conceiving artistic projects: idea, research and feasibility • Drawing up production plans and managing resources • Fundamentals of funding and budget management for musical projects • Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams and relations with stakeholders • Communication and artistic dissemination strategies in digital and physical contexts
Demonstration of the coherence between the syllabus and the course unit's learning outcomes:
The syllabus is fully aligned with the defined learning outcomes. The study of the elements of the musical production chain provides the knowledge needed to master all the stages associated with musical projects, from organising events to creating digital archives, directly addressing objective O1.
The topics related to the planning and management of musical projects develop practical and reflective competences, allowing students to plan and execute complex projects. These competences are directly linked to objective O2, which emphasises the need to understand all phases of musical production, from conception through to realisation.
This articulation ensures that students acquire technical and creative knowledge essential to success in academic and professional contexts.
Teaching and learning methodologies specific to the course unit, articulated with the pedagogical model:
The teaching and learning methodologies of this course unit are articulated with the programme's pedagogical model, which promotes a balance between theory and practice, research and artistic experimentation. The approach adopted favours the direct application of concepts in the development of real projects, ensuring active and integrated learning. Classes will be theoretical-practical, including laboratory practice and seminars, allowing an in-depth exploration of the syllabus and the application of structured teaching methods.
Method: practice-based learning • Strategy - development of individual and collective projects simulating professional musical production contexts • Tools - case studies, simulation exercises, analysis of existing projects and creation of new production models • Students actively participate in the planning and execution of musical projects, applying production methodologies, resource management and communication strategies
Method: collaborative teaching • Strategy - teamwork to develop and implement interdisciplinary projects • Tools - co-creation sessions, guided debates, collective presentations and structured feedback • Collaborative learning allows the sharing of knowledge and the simulation of professional environments, where team management and communication between different agents in the sector are essential
Method: applied research • Strategy - experimentation with and analysis of musical production methodologies • Tools - laboratory practice, use of digital technologies, exploration of editing and project-management tools • The use of technological platforms and contemporary techniques allows production processes to be tested and validated, from conception through to the distribution of musical works
Method: immersive teaching • Strategy - direct contact with professionals and specialists in the musical production sector • Tools - seminars, round tables, masterclasses and practical workshops • Interaction with guest professionals exposes students to different approaches and challenges within the sector, promoting critical reflection and contact with experiences from the artistic and academic milieu
Method: problem-based learning • Strategy - resolving real challenges linked to the production and management of musical projects • Tools - case studies, analysis of failures and successes in previous projects, simulation of funding-application processes • The practical approach to problems allows students to develop decision-making competences, strategic thinking and the capacity to adapt to different contexts
Assessment:
By 31 May, students must draw up an application to a DGArtes project-support programme, using the previous year's form and regulations as a reference. This task aims to provide practical experience in developing funding proposals, in line with the competences required in the field of musical production.
Assessment will comprise two components: • qualitative assessment - carried out by peers in the course unit, promoting the exchange of ideas and the development of critical-analysis and constructive-feedback competences • quantitative assessment - carried out by three doctoral programme lecturers, using a grid of criteria similar to that applied by the competition's jury, ensuring a rigorous assessment process aligned with professional standards
The work may be carried out individually or in a group, allowing students to explore different models of collaboration and project management.
Students who do not pass the assessment may submit a revised version of the application by 30 June.
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching and assessment methodologies and the course unit's learning outcomes:
The teaching and assessment methodologies of this course unit are aligned with the learning outcomes, ensuring that students develop technical, creative and strategic competences to work in the field of musical production. The pedagogical approach integrates theory and practice, allowing the direct application of knowledge in real projects.
O1, which aims at understanding the musical production chain, is addressed through methodologies such as practice-based learning and collaborative teaching. Students analyse case studies, take part in seminars and workshops with industry professionals, and apply technological tools for musical management and production. These methodologies ensure an in-depth understanding of the processes involved in organising events, recording, editing and producing musical content.
O2, which focuses on planning musical projects, is developed through problem-based learning and applied research. Drawing up the application to a DGArtes support programme constitutes a practical exercise reflecting the challenges of musical production in a real-world context. Throughout the process, students apply methodologies for project conception and feasibility, budget management and communication strategies, acquiring competences essential to their professionalisation.
Laboratory practice and seminars complement this approach, providing moments of experimentation and critical reflection.
During classes, students test methodologies, discuss creative solutions and assess the feasibility of their projects in interaction with lecturers and peers. The analysis of real examples and contact with professionals reinforce the connection between the syllabus and the demands of the sector.
Assessment is structured to effectively measure students' progress. Qualitative assessment, carried out among peers, develops critical-analysis and constructive-feedback competences, preparing students for professional and academic dialogue. Quantitative assessment, conducted by three lecturers, follows criteria aligned with those used in funding competitions, ensuring rigour and fairness in appraising applications.
In this way, the course unit ensures integrated training, providing students with a solid methodological framework and practical experiences that prepare them for musical production in artistic and professional contexts.
Bibliography (recommended/compulsory reading):
Baca, M. (2016). Introduction to Metadata. Getty Publications. Duckett, J. (2011). HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites. Wiley. Gibson, D. (2019). The Art of Mixing: A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production. ArtistPro. Kotler, P., & Scheff, J. (1997). Standing Room Only: Strategies for Marketing the Performing Arts. Harvard Business Review Press. Moser, H., & Douglass, C. (2021). Project Management for Musicians: Recordings, Tours, Concerts, and More. Hal Leonard Corporation. Owsinski, B. (2020). The Mixing Engineer's Handbook (5th ed.). Bobby Owsinski Media Group. Schechner, R. (2017). Performance Studies: An Introduction (4th ed.). Routledge. Sloboda, J. A. (2000). The Musical Mind: The Cognitive Psychology of Music. Oxford University Press.
Remarks:
Management and Production of Musical Projects is an optional course unit, aimed at doctoral students interested in exploring and applying tools from these fields in their creative projects.
Content and methods will be adjusted according to students' profiles.
The course unit requires a minimum of 3 enrolments to run.
