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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
03 Oct 2026Jun 2027
This module explores the nature of musical sound and the ways that technology can be used by musicians working in the creative industries. You'll be introduced to the skills needed for making recordings, and the module resources include software packages for analysing and editing recorded sound. You'll study how the physics of sound underlies musical experiences and investigate the acoustic properties of different instruments. The module aims to deepen your understanding of the nature of sound and to equip you better as a musician, whatever your background and musical interests.
There are several strands to this module. Hands-on activities involve making your own recordings and manipulating what you have recorded using the software Sonic Visualiser and Reaper. These activities are introduced at the beginning of the module, and you'll build your skills with them right up to the final assessment.
Interspersed with this practical element, you'll learn about the scientific basis for music – how it is transmitted through the air and produced by a wide variety of instruments – and the physics that lies behind its production. You'll learn about how we hear sound as well as how we perceive it, relating observations about, for example, loudness and pitch to the physical basis on which those descriptions are based.
You don't need any knowledge of musical notation in order to study this module, but a grasp of some basic musical concepts – names of notes and the octave, for example – will be helpful. If you've not studied music in any form previously, you'll be directed to websites where you can gain the relevant information.
Similarly, you won't need any sophisticated mathematical or scientific knowledge. As some mathematical and scientific ideas are introduced, it will be helpful to have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts; again, you'll be directed to websites that will help.
The core teaching text of the module is grouped into four blocks.
The module is presented online, and the text is interspersed with musical recordings and video clips. Before you begin, you'll need to download the relevant software. This is supplied as part of the module’s materials with temporary licences that last for the duration of the module. You will also need to buy a small hand-held recording device if you don’t already own one (no other purchases are required). Throughout, there are activities of various sorts – quizzes, listening exercises, recording and software tasks – which help you to engage with the teaching materials. You'll be able to interact with other students as you undertake tasks on the module’s online forum.
There are no entry requirements for this module, but you are advised to have studied one or more OU level 1 Arts modules, which will provide you with relevant study and writing skills.
You are not required to have detailed knowledge of either musical notation or mathematics, but some preparation in both will be useful. The module website will contain links to relevant materials in these areas.
If you are studying this module as part of either our music degree or diploma you should be guided by your prior experience and existing skills in deciding whether to study this module or Understanding music (A234) first, as there is no recommended order in which you should study them.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
The module is fully online and you'll have access to a module website, which includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying A232 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Music, sound and technology starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
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