I am currently teaching two adult education short courses at Goldsmiths:
Introduction to Field Recording and the Soundscape
https://www.gold.ac.uk/short-courses/introduction-to-field-recording/
Field Recording and Soundscape Composition
https://www.gold.ac.uk/short-courses/field-recording-soundscape-composition/
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 in to the second course usually have some experience of field recording.
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 its 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 a 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 First (the free version). Students can use alternative software if the wish but due to class size (generally around 20) I can’t offer technical support across multiple DAWs.
The beginner course runs three times a year (termly) on a Monday evening 7.30 – 9.30. The advanced course three times a year 7.30 – 9.30 on a Wednesday evening. Both courses take place on Zoom.
Private tuition
I offer a number of education packages for both individuals and groups:
Urban Field Trip Sessions – one-to-one
These session 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 heath 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 if 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. However, I can be flexible and travel if required – however, additional costs/expenses will be incurred. Please email marcus@marcusleadley.com to discuss.
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: £200
Terms and conditions: full payment minimum one week in advance by bank transfer. 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, 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.
Equipment I can 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
Urban Field Trip Sessions – groups
These are a great way to get some 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 (see above). If people have their own equipment I encourage them to bring it along – I will also bring a range of equipment or 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: £200
Terms and conditions: payment minimum one week in advance by bank transfer to secure a place and ensure the session can run; I’ll need a minimum of two participants to run a group field trip (once a date is confirmed I can consider last minute sign ups). 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 (TBC – subject to numbers ) are June 30th, July 7th & 14th.
Please contact me via marcus@marcusleadley.com to make inquiries or book a place.
Other 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 advance 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.
Details and Costs
3-hours soundscape composition session (am/pm by arrangement). Again, I prefer to run these sessions on a Friday if possible.
Fee: £200
Terms and conditions: full payment minimum one week in advance by bank transfer. 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, 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.
You can come to me or I can travel to you. However, if I need to travel there will be some additional costs; I will need to recoup travel costs and potentially make a charge for time spent in transit. Please email to discuss.
Private tuition takes place on Fridays. By special arrangement I may be able to offer some Saturdays or Sundays. Please email me at marcus@marcusleadley.com to discus
Non-residential courses
I offer a range of long weekend (Friday to Sunday) group sessions in Kent and Dorset. These cover (in various combinations) soundwalking, field recording, digital editing, sound file management and processing, soundscape composition techniques, performance and installation strategies.
Next date and course details TBC
Enquires/expression of interest to marcus@marcusleadley.com
Mentoring and research
One-to-one session (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 £60.
Consultancy
I’ve worked as a consultant/facilitator on a number of large-scale projects and commissions and am happy to be included (by prior agreement) in funding bids/proposals. My day (6 hours) rate is £300
For example, see:
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
Field Recording
I can work as a field-sound recordist for art projects and other commissions. My day (6 hours) rate is £300 (recording equipment included) + all costs associated with the task (including additional equipment hire if required). Please email me at marcus@marcusleadley.com to discus