Staff Profiles

Subject Coordinator for BA Creative Music Production and BSc Sound Technology and Digital Music.

I design, develop and deliver a number of undergraduate modules in a variety of technical and creative subjects including acoustics, music recording and production, digital audio, interactive systems, signal processing, sound synthesis, sound and the moving image, video technology, transducers, audio electronics, loudspeaker system design. 

Recipient of the Oxford Brookes University Teaching Fellowship Award (2013). 

Modules taught

Sound and Recording

Digital Audio

Sound Synthesis

Sound for Picture

Acoustics and Recording Studio Design

Audio Signal Processing

Electroacoustics 1: Transducers

Electroacoustics 2: Design and Optimisation

Image Technology

My research interests include:

(Audio and Acoustics)

3D musical acoustic measurement techniques.

Analogue and digital audio technologies, tools and techniques.

Immersirve/surround sound recording and reproduction systems and aesthetics.

Electro-acoustics, transducer and loudspeaker system design.

Technology in music.

Music and audio processing and networking.

(Education/pedagogy)

Experiential learning.

Application of technical theory in professional contexts.

Research group membership

Research projects

3D Musical Instrument Acoustic Measurment Techniques

Experiential Learning in Music Production - Applied theory in professional contexts

Journal articles

• Carugo D, 'Flying Solo: Elevating student sound engineers into responsible work experience roles at live music events'
  Journal of Music, Technology and Education 11 (3) (2019) pp.319-330
  ISSN: 1752-7066 eISSN: 1752-7074
  Abstract

  The role of live sound mixer is somewhat akin to piloting an aeroplane full of passengers: you are in control of the outcome for a number of people for a certain time, and must take in a lot of sensory information, process and act upon it using highly technical controls and equipment. Work experience students at live events often work up to this role and have to undertake more menial tasks such as running cables, moving loudspeakers and other equipment, loading vans and trucks; even on a long-term placement. However, by taking the lead from pilot training where the learner takes the controls under supervision of a more experienced professional pilot, student sound engineers can assume control of a live mix with an audience present while benefitting from the guidance of a professional. This article discusses such an approach in the context of its place within or alongside the curriculum.
  

  Website 

Conference papers

• D Carugo, K Hayatleh, FJ Lidgey,D Sharp, 'Sensor grid design for high resolution 3D acoustic measurements of musical instruments'
  (2019) pp.388-395
  ISBN: 9781510889309
  

Areas of expertise

Sound Engineering, Acoustics, Audio, Music Production, Sound Recording, Mixing, Sound Systems, Electroacoustics, Musical Acoustics, Live Events. 

Membership of professional bodies

Member of the Audio Engineering Society 

Member of the Institute of Acoustics (appointed to the Publications Editorial Board)

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Consultancy

Consulted on various projects including:

Music festival sound control and noise niusance measurement.

Intercom systems for racing cars.

Noise measurement for combined heat and power unit prototypes.

Beta-testing (under NDA) for various audio equipment manufacturers.

Conferences

Member of the organising technical panel for the DAFX-01 conference (Digital Audio Effects conference, 2001), Limerick, Ireland.

Other experience

Part-time Lecturer at the University of Limerick; Music control systems researcher at MIT Media Lab Europe; professional recording and performing Musician, Sound Engineer (studio and live sound), Music Producer.

Multi-disciplinary practitioner in sound and music, equally at home in the creative or engineering side of audio. 20+ years of experience of music performance, touring, recording and production from the perspective of the musician, producer, studio engineer, live sound engineer and from a technical engineering (acoustics/electronics/software) perspective in parallel with 15 years of academic experience in teaching/learning and research work. 

More than a passing interest in motoring, renewable energy and wildlife.

Press, publicity and reviews

In the news:

Speaking about collaborating with the local community:

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11062541.Thousands_are_expected_to_attend_folk_music_weekend/

Honourable mentions:

http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/music/14828409.Cool_jazz_from_the_heart_and_soul/

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/15132851.Jazzman_Alvin_sprinkles_stardust_on_show/

Presenting the Brookes TV special on the Oxford Jazz Festival:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR_WuGaV-Ys