The Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship

Call for Applications - The Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship 

Project Code: SCE_2023_04

The subject area of Music Technology and Games at the University of Huddersfield is pleased to invite applications for The Andrew Scheps Music Production Scholarship for new UK, EU and International PhD students starting in January 2024.

We are offering one scholarship to a candidate who can choose between two areas of study. While we provide a framework for each area, we also welcome candidates with strong ideas on how to develop these areas further. If you have a strong background in music technology, music production, social sciences, or a related field, along with some experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis, we invite you to join us in exploring the fascinating area of spatial audio within popular music production.

Study Option 1: Music Producer Perspective 

This study explores spatial audio from the perspective of music producers, particularly in popular music genres (we particularly welcome those wishing to explore electronic dance music). The research includes qualitative non-experimental and experimental stages to analyze the impact of spatial audio on music production mixes. 

In the initial qualitative non-experimental stage, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations will be used to identify trends and working practices within your chosen genre. Next, controlled experiments will be conducted based on previous psychoacoustic studies and cutting-edge spatial audio experiments. Robust perceptual listening tests and advanced data analysis techniques will uncover results that significantly influence the music production process. 

Utilizing the findings, you will create a concise portfolio of spatial music productions that effectively employ techniques and best practices. Feedback from industry professionals will be sought to ensure the relevance and impact of your work, contributing to the advancement of spatial audio in music production. 

Requirements: 

• A strong background in music technology, music production or a related field. 
• Excellent communication and academic writing skills. 
• Experience in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis is desirable but not essential. 
• Experience with listening test methodologies is desirable but not essential. 

Study Option 2: Music Consumer Perspective 

This study encompasses two main areas aimed at enhancing our understanding of spatial audio and its impact on the consumers’ experience. Firstly, it conducts perceptual listening experiments using popular music mixes from different genres to explore consumer perspectives on the overall listening experience, immersion, and related attributes. The experiments cover various environments (ITU standard rooms, headphones, sound bars), revealing how spatial audio impacts perception under different conditions. Secondly, the study develops a comprehensive questionnaire aligned with the listening experiments. The questionnaire uncovers factors influencing consumer preferences and experiences regarding spatial audio. A holistic understanding of how spatial audio affects the listening experience is established by linking the questionnaire with the experiments. This research advances spatial audio technology, enhances consumer-centric music experiences, and provides valuable insights for its development and improvement. 

 Requirements: 

• A strong background in social sciences, music technology and production or a related field. You should have an interest in music if your background is in social sciences  
• Excellent communication and academic writing skills. 
• Proficiency in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. 
• Experience with listening test methodologies is desirable but not essential  

 The successful candidate’s primary affiliation will be within the Music and Audio Production (MAP) research group, which is part of the Centre for Centre for Audio and Psychoacoustic Engineering (CAPE) within the School of Computing and Engineering. Members from the group and research centre have a successful track record in spatial audio research and are hosting the 2023 AES Internal Conference on Spatial Audio and Immersive Audio. 

The successful candidate can expect: 

• A full fee waiver of tuition fees 
• Full-time PhD study for three years beginning in January 2024 
• Supervision from internationally renowned academic staff, including support from Grammy award winning producer Andrew Scheps  
• £3k per annum stipend 
• Access to financial support relating to the scholarship 
• Access to cutting-edge music production and research facilities, including a Dolby Atmos equipped studio and purpose-built spatial audio critical listening room 

How to Apply

Applications for scholarship opportunities are made by first submitting an Expression of Interest following which successful candidates will be invited to submit a full application. Please see the webpages below for more information on this process:

Engineering Scholarships

Expressions of Interest

How to Apply

The above links and Expression of Interest Form give full details of what is required in order for your application to be considered include the following:

• Qualification certificates and academic transcripts
• References from two individuals
• Research proposal (if applicable)
• Two-page curriculum vitae (CV)
• Passport or alternative ID
• Proof of IELTS 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) or equivalent English language requirements (if applicable)
• More information on international entry requirements for international can be found here: https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/where-are-you-from

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact sce.research.admin@hud.ac.uk

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 29th September 2023

 

For informal enquiries, please contact: 

Austin Moore a.p.moore@hud.acuk

Chris Dewey c.dewey@hud.ac.uk

Hyunkook Lee H.Lee@hud.ac.uk