I have been teaching field recording short courses at Goldsmiths University of London since 2016. From the summer term 2024 Goldsmiths will be pausing the delivery of all short courses. The good news is that I will be continuing to offer both my online courses, as taught at Goldsmiths, privately.
Evening Short Course: Introduction to Field Recording and the Soundscape (online)
This 10-week course is suitable for complete newcomers to field recording and for those with some experience of basic hand-held recorders who want to improve the quality of their recordings.
The next course begins on Monday 22 April 2024, 7.30-9.30pm, UK time.
To book contact: marcus@marcusleadley.com
Evening Short Course: Field Recording and Soundscape Composition (online)
This course is a natural progression for those who have already taken my Introduction to Field Recording short course. However, the course is self-contained and suitable for anyone with previous experience of field recording and digital audio software.
The next course begins on Wednesday 24th April 2024, 7.30-9.30pm, UK time.
To book contact marcus@marcusleadley.com
General information about the courses
Both 10-week courses are self-contained but also function as a progression – with the latter being more of an advanced-level course that focuses more on composition. People coming straight into the second course usually have some field recording experience.
In Introduction to Field Recording and the Soundscape we begin with an overview of the history of field recording and soundscape studies. We take a sound walk and then practical sessions with handheld recorders, shotgun mics, contact mics, binaural (in ear) mics, hydrophones (underwater sound) coil mics (electromagnetic signals) and the bat detector (ultrasound). We each take an individual field trip but listen as a group and the final three sessions are an introduction to computer editing, plus some compositional basics.
In Field Recording and Soundscape Composition we start with a couple of practical field recording session and take our field trips. Then it’s studio time all the way using the material we’ve recorded: as well as soundscape composition we have a Foley session, (making sound effects for a film), look at multichannel (5.1 & 8.1) techniques, and use hardware as well as software to manipulate sound.
For both courses computer editing and composition are taught using Avid Pro Tools and Pro Tools Intro (the free version). Students can use alternative software if they wish but due to class size (generally around 20) I can’t offer technical support across multiple Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
The beginner course runs three times a year (termly) on a Monday evening. The advanced course runs three times a year, on a Wednesday evening.
Both courses take place on Zoom.
Field Trip Sessions
I offer education packages for both individuals and groups:
Urban Field Trip Sessions – One-to-One
One-to-one sessions are ideal for people who want a bespoke session focussed on their specific interests, needs and requirements. They are also ideal for anyone with mobility or health issues.
If you have your own equipment, bring it along as I can help you get the most out of the tools you have. If you’re interested in a taster session to see if field recording is for you, or if you are thinking of buying basic kit or upgrading to professional equipment, I can provide a range of recorders and microphones to try out.
Session content can be agreed in advance and I’m happy to advise on issues relating to specific practices, art projects or commissions. Usually, I run these sessions in Greenwich (London, SE10) as there’s a lot of sonic diversity in a relatively small area: the park, markets, urban streets, Thames riverside, museums, boating lake, Greenwich foot tunnel etc.
I can be flexible and travel if required – however, additional costs/expenses will be incurred. Please email marcus@marcusleadley.com to discuss.
Equipment I provide:
- Hand-held recorders (Zoom, Tascam)
- Pro-format recorders (Sound Devices, Fostex)
- Shotgun microphones (Sennheiser, Rode)
- Micro condensers (DPA, MicBooster)
- Binaural in-ear mics (Sound Man, Roland)
- Hydrophones (JRF) for underwater sound
- Contact mics (JRF) for surface-transmitted sound
- LOM Geofon for ground/tree recordings (and more!)
- Coil mics for electromagnet sound
- Soma Ether for advanced electromagnetic and opened-band radio transmission sensing
- ‘Bat detector’ for ultrasound recording
Details and Costs
3-hour session (am/pm flexible to suit you). I prefer to run these sessions on a Friday. Other days are possible, subject to discussion.
Fee: £280
Terms and conditions: full payment minimum one week in advance by bank transfer. For cancelation up to 48 hours in advance, I’m happy to return the full fee. After that, 1/2 fee will be charged. Cancellation on the day – full fee forfeit. If, in the event of sickness or emergency, I should need to cancel alternative dates will be offered. If these are not suitable, the full fee will be reimbursed. Apologies, but in the unlikely event of a late cancellation on my part I will not be able to reimburse other costs you may have incurred.
Urban Field Trip Sessions – Groups
These one-day sessions are a great way to get hands-on experience with field recording equipment and techniques, and learn about best practice while exploring a sonically rich location. I run these sessions on Fridays in Greenwich (London, SE10) as there’s a lot of sonic diversity in a relatively small area.
If you have your own equipment I encourage you to bring it along – I will also bring a range of equipment for you to try out (see kit list above).
These sessions are great fun and quite social, offering the chance to meet people with similar interests.
Details and Costs
11am – 5pm (6 hour) day – includes a short lunch break.
Fee: £300
Terms and conditions: payment minimum one week in advance by bank transfer or PayPal to secure a place and ensure the session can run; I’ll need a minimum of three participants to run a group field trip. Maximum number of participants seven – to ensure good access to equipment for all. For cancellation up to 48 hours in advance, I’m happy to return the full fee. After that, 1/2 fee will be charged. Cancellation on the day – full fee forfeit. If, because of cancellations, numbers fall below the minimum 2 persons required to run the session I will contact everyone with a view to rescheduling. If, in the event of sickness or emergency, I should need to cancel a session myself alternative dates will be offered. If these are not suitable, the full fee will be reimbursed. Apologies, but in the unlikely event of a late cancellation on my part I will not be able to reimburse other costs you may have incurred.
Depending on group size some sharing of equipment may be required.
The next proposed dates for Group Field Trip Sessions spring/summer 2024 TBC.
Please contact me via marcus@marcusleadley.com to make inquiries or book a place.
1-to-1 Tuition
I also offer one-to-one tuition for soundscape composition techniques.
Teaching sessions are 3-hour blocks; I find this is a practical length of time for covering basics and more advanced techniques.
Ideally, you will have your own laptop/desktop and already be running some form of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. If not, please email me at marcus@marcusleadley.com to discuss.
These sessions can be online or in-person at one of my studios (London or Canterbury) or I can come to you – however, I will need to recoup travel costs.
Details and Costs
These are 3-hour soundscape composition sessions (am/pm by arrangement). Again, I prefer to run these sessions on a Friday if possible. By special arrangement, I may be able to offer some Saturdays or Sundays. Please email me at marcus@marcusleadley.com to discuss.
Fee: £200
Terms and conditions: full payment minimum one week in advance by bank transfer. If you cancel up to 48 hours in advance, I’m happy to return the full fee. After that, 1/2 fee will be charged. Cancellation on the day – full fee forfeit.
If, in the event of sickness or emergency, I should need to cancel alternative dates will be offered. If these are not suitable, the full fee will be reimbursed. Apologies, I will not be able to reimburse other costs you may have incurred.
Weekend courses
I offer a range of long weekend (Friday to Sunday) group sessions. These cover (in various combinations) soundwalking, field recording, digital editing, sound file management and processing, soundscape composition techniques, performance and installation strategies. Accommodation not included.
Previous locations have included Whitstable (Kent), West Bay (Dorset), and Sydenham Woods (London).
Enquires/expression of interest to marcus@marcusleadley.com
Mentoring and research
One-to-one sessions (usually via Zoom) for all conceptual/practical aspects of field recording and sound art projects. I’m happy to research equipment/tech options and advise. My hourly rate here is £70.
Consultancy
I have worked as a consultant/facilitator on large-scale funded projects and commissions, and am happy to be included (by prior agreement) in bids and proposals. My hourly rate here is £120 and my day (6 hours) rate is £700 – overtime is charged at £120 per hour, excluding any travel or accommodation.
Examples of projects I have worked on include:
http://www.electricbackroom.org.uk/Sounds%20from%20the%20Garden.html
http://www.electricbackroom.org.uk/The%20Museum%20of%20ecoacoustic%20Phenomena.html
https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/55/transport_roads_and_parking/598/woodside_link_road/4
Live Field Recording
I can work as a field-sound recordist for art projects and other commissions. My day (6 hours) rate is £700 (all recording equipment included unless specialist, or additional hire is required) + any costs associated with travel, accommodation or other expenses. Please email me at marcus@marcusleadley.com to discuss.