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Short course

Field Recording Short Course

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<p>Field Recording Short Course | On campus<br></p><p>Image: close-up of a portable audio recorder on a backpack, ideal for outdoor recording (Pexels, Creative Commons) </p><p>https://www.pexels.com/photo/electronic-device-on-a-backpack-11713445/</p>
Discover the art of field recording from environmental sound and mobile recording to storytelling and sonic documentation. Explore the tools and methods used and gain valuable audio skills.
Next start months
November 2026
January 2027
May 2027
Tutor(s)
Hannah Kemp-Welch
Price
From £480.00

Course description

Course overview

With field recording becoming an increasingly popular tool across creative, ecological, and documentary practices, this course offers a practical introduction to key techniques and approaches, from environmental sound and mobile recording to storytelling and sonic documentation.

Taught through a combination of lectures, guided listening, hands-on recording tasks, and group discussion, this two-day course explores the creative and technical foundations of field recording - the art of capturing sounds from the world around us. Whether you're interested in sound art, documentary, music composition, or simply want to deepen your awareness of the sonic environment, this course provides an accessible and immersive entry point.

The course includes practical listening exercises, on-location recording sessions, and opportunities for reflection. Students will explore key aspects of field recording, including microphone types and setup, listening strategies, context and ethics, and creative approaches to working with recorded sound. We will use field recorders, binaural microphones, hydrophones, contact microphones and geophones to explore the local area. You’ll gain insight into the tools and methods used in field recording, the role of listening as a creative and critical act, basic editing and sound treatment, and the diverse contexts in which field recordings are applied from sound art and film to radio, archives, and environmental or ecological work.

The course aims to equip you with a solid grounding in field recording practice, foster attentive and creative listening, and support the development of a small portfolio of recorded material. By the end of the course, you will have produced a short field recording piece or audio sketch, shared in a supportive group setting.

Who this course is for

This course is aimed at creatives, artists, musicians, documentarians, and curious beginners interested in working with environmental sound. It's also suitable for those in ecology, performance, or research who want to expand their audio skills. 

Level of experience: beginners

No previous experience is required. Students will use accessible devices to record and receive support in using free editing tools.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Introduction to field recording, key artists and theories
  • Tools, techniques, and ethics of location recording
  • Sonic environments and the politics of place
  • Editing and shaping field recordings
  • Presentation and sharing of short projects

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate awareness of different field recording methods and contexts
  • Use of a variety of microphone types to capture sound
  • Understand core concepts such as soundscape, site, and acoustic ecology
  • Apply ethical and contextual considerations when recording in public or shared spaces
  • Create and present a short field recording piece or audio sketch
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

Everything needed to complete the course is provided, but please feel free to bring your own recording tool if you have one you enjoy using

Tutor

Hannah Kemp-Welch

Hannah Kemp-Welch is an internationally exhibiting sound artist. Her work spans field recording, composition and performance, working solo and on collective radio art projects. Earlier this year Hannah travelled to the arctic to produce a feature documentary for BBC, which was selected for Radio 4's 'pick of the week'. She teaches audio production in a variety of settings; and recently received an APA award in the Grassroots Production category for a podcast series made with parents and carers. Hannah’s work with sound extends to writing, curating and designing public programmes. She has contributed to recent blockbuster exhibitions Feel the Sound at Barbican and Nottingham Contemporary’s Your Ears Later Will Know to Listen. Hannah teaches BA and MA Sound Arts at LCC and works closely with UAL’s Creative Research in Sound Arts Practice research centre.

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