Published
29-4-2026
Type of Work
Learning and Teaching - Literature Review
Abstract
The rapid transformation of the music and audio production industries has significantly altered how people engage with audio creation and learning. While technologies for music production have become more accessible and decentralised, the pedagogical challenge of developing critical listening and audio mixing skills remains ongoing. This paper reflects on the design principles underpinning group learning environments intended to support the teaching of critical listening and audio mixing within higher education. Drawing on practice-led reflection, learning-space literature, and industry change, the paper argues that intentional learning-space design plays an active pedagogical role in fostering engagement, collaboration, and the development of shared listening frameworks. Rather than presenting a fixed model, the paper offers design principles that can inform current and future approaches to teaching critical listening and audio mixing in group contexts.
Citation
Belcastro, D. (2026). Learning spaces as pedagogy in audio education: Designing for collaboration, listening, and mixing in higher education [Staff Scholarship, SAE University College]. Creo.