Working with Sounds and Spaces: Field Recording for Qualitative Research (join a waiting list)

Date:

27/03/2014 - 28/03/2014

Organised by:

NCRM, University of Southampton

Presenter:

Dr. Michael Gallagher, Human Geography, University of Glasgow

Level:

Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)

Contact:

Jacqui Thorp
Training & Bursary Administrator
National Centre for Research Methods
University of Southampton
Email: jmh6@soton.ac.uk

Map:

View in Google Maps  (SE1 6SB)

Venue:

London College of Communication, University of Arts, Elephant & Castle, London

Description:

This two-day course is for researchers who want to learn how to use field recordings for researching spaces and places. Field recordings are audio recordings made in acoustically uncontrolled environments, often outdoors. The practice originated with wildlife recording, but is now used more widely in soundscape research, sound art, anthropology and human geography. It can be used to document and represent the sounds of spaces, and to record research activities insitu, such as walking interviews or outdoor events. It also has performative qualities, giving scope for intervention in the production of space through creative outputs such as installations, audio walks and public performances. Field recording often reveals marginal or hidden aspects of environments in a way that can complement other media such as written transcripts, field notes, documentary photography and video.

The course will be focussed on practical, hands-on activity, but along the way we will also think through some of the methodological, conceptual and ethical issues raised. During the course, you will:

* Learn about the different styles and uses of field recording

* Find out about common recording techniques, technologies, formats and microphone set ups

* Make some recordings of your own

* Learn some basic editing techniques in software

* Share and discuss your recordings with others

* Consider different ways to disseminate field recordings

* Think about how field recordings can be used alongside other media in research

Participants will work in pairs for the practical elements. Though the course is aimed at an introductory level, there is the flexibility for participants to explore more advanced aspects such as contact mics, hydrophones, multitrack editing and so on as required. Please email the speaker if you have particular requirements or expectations.

Participants will need to be willing to familiarise themselves beforehand with some basic information about core principles of audio recording. This information will be made available online in advance of the course.

Participants are encouraged to bring any hardware or software that they have used, or will be using, in their own work, but this is not essential as equipment will be provided.

Cost:

The fee is:

1. £60 - For ALL UK registered postgraduate students
2. £90 - For staff at UK academic institutions, RCUK funded researchers, public sector staff and staff at registered charity organisations
3. £440 - For all other participants

All fees include event materials, lunch, morning and afternoon tea. They do not include travel and accommodation costs.
Full refund if cancelled one month prior to the course, NO refund less than one month.

Website and registration:

Region:

Greater London

Keywords:

Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Soundscape Research , Sound Art , Anthropology , Human Geography

Related publications and presentations:

Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis

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