ARP aims to:
Bring together academics and practitioners to promote the research and practice of record production.
Through the conference, the journal, the mailing list, this website and the various other events and conduits for communication that are available to and organised by ARP, the community aims to bring together academics and researchers from as many disciplines and areas of study as possible, and to work with industry professionals and practitioners to promote the study of the production of recorded music in all its forms.
Sponsor the international Art of Record Production conferences
The conference committee, usually the director(s) and conference chairs of the Art of Record Production (ARP) in collaboration with a conference host will organise the annual ARP conferences. We welcome proposals from any institution, anywhere in the world, wishing to host the conference.
Publish the free, open access on-line Journal on the Art of Record Production
JARP, the Journal on the Art of Record Production is published on a separate website and is led by the joint editors-in-chief currently Katia Isakoff (Founding Editor) and Richard James Burgess MBE.
Promote research into all aspects of record production
The conference, journal and website are the primary ways in which ARP promotes these forms of research. We are always keen to find new ways in which we can promote research, and would be happy to receive proposals and suggestions for future events or activities.
Encourage recognition of record production as an area for scholarly research
ARP is proud of its near 20 year record in raising the profile of the academic study of record production and recorded music through events, publications and networking.
Build links between the Association and other academic and professional organisations
Many members of ARP are also members of other professional organisations and we are active in building links between ARP and other organisations to promote research and understanding in the area of record production, the wider realm of musical pedagogy and scholarship, and research policy and governance in general. For example, in 2011 we organised a panel discussion at the 130th Audio Engineering Society Convention in London, and both the UK Music Producers Guild (MPG) and the US Producers and Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) have participated in ARP conferences over the years. In 2014 we co-organised a symposium at the University of Aalborg, and along with the Royal Musical Association and many other UK music research organisations we launched the Music Research Consortium UK. Our scholars have authored and edited numerous leading books on the subject.
Encourage dialogue between the research and teaching community and industry wherever possible
The keynote speaker(s) and many of the panelists and plenary speakers at the ARP conference are industry speakers - record producers, musicians, record company and publishing professionals. Wherever possible we seek to make the connection between the academic world of research and pedagogy and the industry world of creative practice and commerce, to examine how they can help each other and promote mutual understanding.