Field recording – the art of located sound with Jez riley French

Creative and professional development Music

Ref: SWE11977

Beginners £260
Print
Book now

Places available

About this course

Create site specific sound using field recording techniques. Alongside discussion on different approaches to working with located sound, gather recordings to work on and explore durational listening and recording.

Course Description

Familarise yourself with the basic principles of field recording equipment and techniques, starting with the conventional and also looking at more experimental approaches that are now key elements of the form.

You will have the chance to use various different types of microphone and listening devices, exploring into the ultrasonic, electromagnetic and infrasound ranges, as well as discussing some approaches to working in different ways with located sound (installation, live performance, sound design for film etc).

During the course it is intended that all participants will gather a series of recordings and work on them, with guidance. A key aim is to explore the benefits of durational listening and recording. Ideally, you will have an interest in listening beyond a passive sense.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • It is essential that you bring the following items:
  • Sound recorder (portable) – this can be a digital recorder (such as those manufactured by Zoom, Tascam, Olympus, Sound Devices etc). It should have input sockets for external microphones.
  • A pair of decent headphones (not earbuds). Suggestion: Sennheiser HD range are recommended
  • Batteries for your recorder and spares
  • Empty SD card for your recorder
  • Any microphones of your own choice that you own or want to use. You will have the opportunity to try several types of microphone supplied, for loan, by the workshop tutor.
  • Pen / paper for note taking
  • Laptop for editing (with editing software) (not essential but we will be looking at editing of sounds)
  • Clothing and footwear suitable for walking outdoors in all weathers
  • Head torch for night work

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • USB memory stick
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals.

Tutors

Jez riley French

Jez riley French makes use of intuitive composition, field recording, improvisation and photography, and has been exploring his enjoyment of and interest in detail, simplicity and his emotional response to places and situations for over 3 decades. Alongside performances, exhibitions and installations, French lectures and runs workshops around the world...

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.

Sign-up to be the first to know

Sign up to our Short Course enews to hear about new courses, late availability and get creative inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.