Gizem Okten defends her thesis

On the 23rd November PhD candidate Gizem Okten defended her PhD thesis entitled, "An investigation into the effect of acoustics on the vocal strain of opera singers". PhD examiners Professor David Sharp of the Open University and Dr Bob Peters of London South Bank University were impressed with the amount of work undertaken and the quality of the collaboration with the Royal Academy of Music. We all wish Dr Gizem well!

Dynamic Earplugs to be used by Trombone section

On the 16th November 2016, the students of the Royal Academy of Music were given Dynamic Earplugs.  These earplugs are designed to be compatible with playing a brass instrument unlike normal flat response musicians' earplugs. The Dynamic Earplugs will be tested by the Trombone section during concert rehearsals as acoustic screens are also incompatible with their instrument.

Two more abstracts submitted to ICSV 24

A further two abstracts were submitted to ICSV 24 to be held in London in late July 2017. The first was by PhD candidate Gizem Okten entitled, "An investigation into the effect of acoustics on vocal loading of opera singers" in the musical acoustics session. The second is a group effort by former Masters student Simon Brown, current Masters student Carl Ruegger and their tutor Stephen Dance. The paper is entitled, "Measuring the absorption characteristics of small samples using scale modelling and a Microflown impedance gun".

Two abstracts submitted to Acoustics 2017

Two abstracts have been submitted to Acoustics 2017, a joint venture between the Acoustical Society of America and the European Acoustical Association. The venue is Boston in late June, which should be nice. The abstracts were by Stephen Dance, "Face the Music", and Eric Ballestero on "Improving the reproduction of an operatic performance in an IMAX cinema".

New USB measurement microphone

A new UMIK-1 omnidirectional measurement microphone was purchased from miniDSP.com. It is hoped that this USB connected computer based measurement microphone will be part of a cheap and easy to use acoustic sound level monitoring system. The UMIK-1 was recommended by Direct (former B&K room acoustic measurement system)

Ian Gorton awarded CIBSE Bursary

Full time Masters student Ian Gorton has been awarded a bursary from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineering. Ian is studying on the MSc in Environmental and Architectural Acoustics course has decided to use the bursary to support his education through the purchase of special software. London South Bank University all wish him!

Abstract submitted to ICSV 24, London

On the 9th November 2016 an abstract was submitted to the International Congress on Sound and Vibration 24 to be held in London, 23-27th July 2017. The paper is based on the Masters thesis of Rodrigo Sanchez-Pizani and is entitled, "Impact that acoustic design has on higher education for non-English speaking students". More to follow!

The Art of Being a Consultant

The Acoustics Group is pleased to announce that the Institute of Acoustics will be holding a symposium on, "The Art of Being a Consultant". This is the fifth time the IOA are running this annual seminar which tours around the country. The Keyworth Centre of London South Bank University is where the event will be hosted on the 22nd February 2017. Leading consultants give their time to inform those new to consultancy or are thinking of joining the industry the benefit of their wisdom/experience.