What will I learn on this module?
This module will introduce you to the implications of the ‘digital turn’ in music composition/performance/production, music scholarship and music education. Throughout the module, we will ask how digital technologies have reshaped modern understandings of and approaches to music as both an art and an object of study. In weekly workshops, you will learn how to analyse and evaluate a range of digital music and digital musicology projects, which may include (but will not be limited to) examples of computer music and digital scenography in opera, digital critical editions of music, music mapping projects, reconstructions of lost historical soundscapes, and digital archives/collections relating to music. In weekly seminars, we will use assigned scholarly readings as springboards for reflecting critically on some of the social, cultural and aesthetic changes brought about by digital technologies in people’s everyday engagement with music across the world. Seminar topics will include the rise of CDs and DVDs, the use of streaming platforms such as YouTube and Spotify, DIY music practices, music creativity in the age of AI, digital intellectual property rights, and using digital tools for music teaching.
How will I learn on this module?
Your learning will be divided between 90-minute workshops and 90-minute seminars each week. The workshops will focus on exploring a number of digital music and digital musicology projects, including (but not limited to) examples of computer music and digital scenography in opera, digital critical editions of music, music and sound maps, reconstructions of lost soundscapes, and digital archives/collections relating to music. The seminars will involve discussion of assigned scholarly texts. Both workshops and seminars may also include presentations (solo or group). Throughout, these sessions will encourage you to engage in dialogue with your peers and with a diverse range of voices from beyond the classroom. Your assignments will be further supported by one-to-one and group tutorials.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through the module tutor, your programme leader, and engagement with your peers. Your module tutor will offer tutorials for the preparation of your assignments and will offer you written and/or oral feedback on both summative and formative tasks. In addition, you will be able to see the module tutor during consultation hours and ask them questions via email. Your peers will provide you with a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with academic literature, the workshop slides, and other resources available on the eLearning Portal. Feedback will be ongoing throughout class activities as well as preparation and completion of the formative and summative tasks.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will demonstrate a critical understanding of how digital technologies have impacted music composition/performance/production, music studies and music education
• You will be able to analyse and evaluate a wide range of digital music and digital musicology projects
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will demonstrate a familiarity with key concepts and debates in digital musicology and the digital humanities
• You will be able to express your ideas with confidence in a variety of academic and non-academic formats, both orally and in writing
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will demonstrate an understanding of digital technologies’ asymmetrical reach and impact on music communities and the music industry in different parts of the world
How will I be assessed?
1. Podcast (Individual or group), 10 minutes (40%). MLOs: 1, 3, 4, 5
2. Essay, 2,500 words (60%). MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Feedback on essays comprises annotations to the script and a short report. Feedback on podcasts comprises a short report. In both cases, you will be able to receive further feedback in a short tutorial with the module tutor.
Pre-requisite(s)
Students may take EITHER the level 5 (MU5XXX) OR the level 6 (MU600X) version of this module in their degree, but not both.
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
How have digital technologies changed the ways in which music is composed, performed, taught and studied? In this module, we will look at how the ‘digital turn’ has reshaped modern understandings of and approaches to music as both an art and an object of study. We will learn to analyse a range of digital music and digital musicology projects, including examples of computer music and digital scenography in opera, digital critical music editions, music maps, reconstructions of lost soundscapes, and digital archives/collections. Furthermore, we will use selected scholarly readings as springboards for reflecting on some of the social, cultural and aesthetic changes that digital media have brought about in people’s everyday musical experiences. Topics that we will cover include the rise of CDs and DVDs, streaming platforms (e.g., YouTube and Spotify), DIY music, music creativity in the age of AI, digital intellectual property rights, and digital resources for music teaching.
Course info
UCAS Code V100
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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