Research

Prof. Dr. Titas Petrikis, a distinguished full-time Professor at Vytautas Magnus University and Visiting Professor at Vilnius University, specializes in a broad spectrum of subjects including Music Composition, Film Music History, and Composition for Film, TV, and Theatre, and the business aspects of media industry. His research, primarily practice-based, delves into the nuanced art of composition for the moving image, employing innovative methodologies and theoretical frameworks to explore the sonic dimensions of visual narratives.

Beyond his core focus, prof. Petrikis's interdisciplinary background in History and International Relations enriches his research, fostering a unique exploration of the intersections between music, social science, politics, and cultural studies. This distinctive approach has led to the development of pioneering research topics, such as the influence of political movements on musical expression and the role of music in cultural diplomacy.

Prof. Petrikis has shared his insights and findings through presentations and master classes at prestigious international conferences and universities across Europe and America. These engagements have not only contributed to the academic discourse but have also facilitated collaborative projects and been recognized with various accolades, highlighting his impact on both the music and academic communities.

Titas Petrikis teaches Film Music History and Analysis, Film Soundtrack Production, Introduction to Film Production, Sound for Documentaries, Digital Audio Editing, Audiovisual Process, Composition in the Work, Creative Composition, Applied Music, Project Management and Marketing in Arts, Career Planning, and other modules at the university level. Below is a detailed overview of the main modules led by prof. Petrikis, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of composers and scholars through comprehensive and innovative education.

Music Industry  

Course Annotation: 

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the music industry, a key sector within the creative industries, by examining its creative and commercial facets. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry's dynamics, focusing on the synergy between creativity and commerce. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including music production technologies, innovative music dissemination methods, copyright issues, promotion strategies, innovation in the industry, and the influence of digital technologies.

The course employs a blend of lectures, audio presentations, and interactive discussions to delve into these subjects. A distinctive feature of this course is its emphasis on practical application through assignments and projects. Students will be tasked with creating hypothetical projects, outlining their delivery within the music industry context. These assignments are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, challenging students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Furthermore, the course provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will coordinate and present creative projects at the university's annual cultural festival. This hands-on experience not only enhances their project management and teamwork skills but also allows them to contribute to a significant event in the university's cultural calendar.

Student Testimonials:

"The best tutor I've encountered in two years of study! I looked forward to attending lectures, listening, and engaging in discussions. The homework was interesting and useful! Very competent; the classroom atmosphere was open, encouraging us to express our thoughts freely and seek advice for any ideas we had. He greatly motivated us for the upcoming academic years (2023)."

"The lectures were engaging and beneficial. The instructor presented the material in a language that was understandable to students. Seminar discussions not only reinforced the study material but also united the entire course in teamwork (2023)."

"Probably the best professor over the two years. He managed to engage and involve the entire course, even though we previously tended to avoid speaking. Some of his materials would have been very useful in the first semester. He's very precise, organized, and looks at situations with great humanity. He listens to our opinions on everything and beautifully aligns our plans with his. He invited a very good guest who provided a lot of useful knowledge and know-how. It's a pity that he won't be teaching our course in the remaining studies (2023)."

Composition in the Work

This course is designed to merge innovative ideas with sophisticated techniques, thereby enriching students' original compositions. It encourages students to contextualize their work within a broader artistic and cultural framework and to develop a cohesive body of work at an advanced level. The module challenges students to create larger-scale compositions, preparing them for an effective presentation or lecture. In these sessions, students will explore a variety of developmental possibilities for their creative assignments, discuss their unique compositional methods, and reflect on their overall working process.

Additionally, students will be supported in preparing for the recordings of their compositions with a string quartet from the music academy, an opportunity that is available optionally. This hands-on experience not only enhances their practical skills but also provides a valuable insight into the collaborative aspects of music production. The culmination of this course will see the final compositions premiered during the university's culture days, offering students a prestigious platform to showcase their work to the university community and beyond.

This comprehensive approach aims to equip students with the skills to critically assess and articulate their creative decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of their artistic identity and potential avenues for their work's evolution.

Student Testimonials:

- A very good teacher who does his job with the right spirit. Thank you! (2021)

"Regarding to the module itself, it's very gratifying that producers working with electronic music are encouraged to record live audio, and that the course allows for creative freedom. Consultations are useful, and the tutor dedicates additional time to this, evaluating students not by comparing them to others but based on each one's progress and improvement over the semester, which is very important. It's delightful that lectures are interactive, with discussions encouraged, and the students are sometimes gently pushed to make additional progress. In summary, this course is very beneficial and encourages self-improvement, of course, as much as you choose to engage with it. A big THANK YOU to the tutor." (2021)

 "An excellent instructor! Inspires with their enthusiasm, readily offers consultations, and provides constructive criticism for improvement. He strives to engage students and encourage active participation. This module is the only one that is so closely directly to the study program, so it's great to have such lectures from which you can gain knowledge and practice for future work." (2021)

New Media Art Projects

Course Annotation:

This course is designed to immerse students in the practical aspects of creating and managing both collaborative and personal artistic projects within the realm of new media art. It aims to bridge the gap between artistic vision and technological execution, fostering a space where innovative ideas can flourish.

Throughout the course, students will embark on a journey of artistic discovery, starting with the conception of personal artistic ideas. They will learn to navigate the complexities of finding suitable artistic expressions and integrating technological solutions, ensuring their projects are both visionary and feasible. The curriculum emphasizes the dual nature of the artistic process, blending creative intuition with effective project management strategies.

Students will engage in both group collaborations and individual work, allowing for a diverse exchange of ideas and the development of strong teamwork and leadership skills. To support their creative endeavors, the course offers regular consultations with course instructors and guest professionals from the creative industries. These sessions are designed to provide valuable feedback, introduce industry standards, and inspire innovation.

The culmination of the course is the preparation and presentation of creative products for demonstration, gallery exposition, or other format review. This final phase allows students to showcase their work, applying the skills and knowledge acquired to produce compelling pieces that reflect their personal artistic journey and technical prowess.

Student Testimonials:

"This tutor performed exceptionally well in teaching us about the nuances of creative project management. We received immediate feedback on our tasks or in the following meeting. The teaching style was engaging and encouraged the group to participate in discussions raised during the lectures. Personally, I found it highly motivating and it increased my confidence in the creative process." (2023)

"Very involved, always energetic, and ready to help. It was a pleasure to attend the lectures." (2023)

"Probably the most impressive professor throughout my years of study. I rarely write reviews about teaching quality, but Titas's lectures were always engaging and encouraged growth and interest. Thank you for the opportunities." (2023)

"An excellent, useful, and informative lecture, both theoretically and practically. The professor's professionalism is solid, and the sharing of his valuable experience is truly enriching." (2022)

"One of the best lecturers over the program of four years. The information was presented clearly, and it was genuinely interesting to engage in discussions during the lectures." (2022)

Digital Sound Editing

To introduce contemporary aesthetic trends in digital media sound, acquire foundational methodologies for working with digital sound, and develop the ability to complete creative tasks that meet the main professional technical requirements for a communication specialist.

Student Testimonial:

"I really enjoyed everything - both the practical tasks and the lectures. The tutor greatly inspired all students to dream and pursue their dreams, to be creative and authentic. Thank you." (2023)

"It's very good when you can see that the tutor is knowledgeable about the subject he teaches. In this case, the professor has experience in creating soundtracks, so the most interesting and useful were examples from his own work, etc." (2023)

"Feedback and student engagement in the learning process were excellent." (2023)

"The atmosphere was friendly, and the information provided was relevant." (2023)

Expression of Audiovisual Art

In this course, students will explore the aesthetics of expression in audiovisual art. The module aims to foster an understanding and appreciation of music and video installations within both historical and contemporary contexts. Students will learn strategies for designing functional artworks in specific spaces and will be encouraged to implement effective teamwork practices. Additionally, the course will focus on developing technical skills necessary for creatively utilizing aspects of concert promotion, advertising contexts, and audience immersion.

Student Testimonial:

The tutor is distinguished by exceptional responsibility and moderation. There is also open, lively communication that inspires, as Titas shines passion for his profession." (2021)

Management of Media Art Projects

Course Annotation:

This course is designed to introduce students to the principal methodologies of arts management, focusing on the essential stages of project management, their content, and interrelations. It aims to equip students with the knowledge to apply both classic and contemporary project management strategies within the field of new media arts. Emphasizing the integration of information technology, the course prepares students to achieve optimal outcomes in arts project management.

Student Testimonials:

"The most professionally beneficial lecture in four years! An excellent, professional tutor." (2022)

"The information was clearly presented, with real examples provided. The professor excellently introduced the nuances and challenges of working as a freelance artist, clearly explaining not only the financial but also the legal aspects. We were informed about both successes and difficulties. I learned what to avoid in such work and where to seek help if problems arise. The material on applying for help in developing art projects was also clearly presented. An exceptionally useful course." (2022)

Film Music History and Analysis

Course Annotation:

This course is designed to develop competences in understanding the integral role of music in film narrative, fostering analytical skills in assessing the interplay between film language and soundtrack. It equips students with the ability to critically appreciate musical and cinematic aesthetics across various film eras and genres. The module also emphasizes the significance of historical, social, economic, and political contexts in shaping the emotional and dramatic impact of film music. Importantly, it offers an inclusive learning environment, accessible to students without prior music or arts theoretical background, aligning with the broader competences outlined in the study programme.

Student Testimonials:

"The teacher passed on his love for music analysis brightly. It was a beautiful discovery and the practical assignement as well as the essay and the oral presentation were very suitable. The extracts of movies to support the class were also worth it as well as the progression of the classes' timeline." (2023)

I really enjoyed the course, which was my favourite of the five courses I had here, even though I'm not a filmenthusiast. I'm looking forward to see your name in the credits in some Danish films in the future :) (2015)

 I wanted to thank you for your lectures, which were informative and inspiring. I wish there could be more like this in the faculty. (2015)

I just wanted to say thank you for your course. Honestly, it was my favorite. I learnt a lot not only about music, but also about films. I am proud to be a student of a famous Lithuanian composer. I can't explain, either it's your way of teaching or your attitude towards students, but after your lessons I used to have great store of inspiration! Hope still have =) Wish you more creative sounds and ideas and success in your work! (2014)

 

If you are considering undertaking a postgraduate research in a related area, or simply would like to cooperate on joint research programs, do get in touch at infotitasmusic [dot] com

 

Here below is the bibliography of his main publications:

1. Petrikis, T., 2010 (2008). Contemporary Changes in Treating Music and Sound in Films // Before and After Music. Proceedings from the 10th International Congress on Musical Signification. Ed by Lina Navickaite-Martinelli. – Acta Semiotica Fennica XXXVII, Lithuanian Academy of Music and Teatre, Umweb Publications, International Semiotics Institute: Vilnius, Helsinki, Imatra, 2010, p. 500-506. ISBN 978-9986-503-93-4.
2. Petrikis, T., 2014. Music Textbook for 9th Grade// Interactive Timeline, Sviesa: Kaunas. ISBN 978-5-430-06367-2.
3. Petrikis T. ‚Creating a New Sound World for Dracula (1931)‘, in Phillip Drummond (ed.), The London Film and Media Reader 3: The Pleasures of the Spectacle, London: The London Symposium, 2015, ISBN 978-0-9573631-5-1.
4. Petrikis, T., 2015. ‘Creating a New Soundtrack for Dracula (Browning 1931) in The New Soundtrack, Vol 5 No 1, p35-54, Edinburgh University Press, Sept 2015