MUSC 204: Music Technology Workshop

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Class Program
Music
Distribution
Humanities Lecture
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 22 Lab Hours 22
This course introduces concepts in modem electronic music production. It will include acoustics, notation, MIDI, loops, sampling, audio recording, editing, and mixing through class instruction and hands-on learning. Student projects will culminate in the preparation of student compositions and arrangements. Students can repeat this course for up to 6 credits.
Quarters Offered
Spring
Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:

  1. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the various components of music technology that are available thorough projects and live demonstrations.
  2. Apply the aesthetic and technical considerations inherent in coordinating music technology into various classroom and ensemble settings though performance.
  3. Demonstrate experience and proficiency in music technology hardware and software for recording, editing, mixing, audio effects, MIDI sequencing, and notation through computer-based programs and projects.
  4. Display knowledge of a breadth of musical types, styles, time periods, and cultures by using digital versions of world instruments through personal compositions.
  5. Utilize critical thinking skills through evaluation of student and professional performances.
Course Content Outline
  1. Introduction to the Technology
    1. Sequencing/MIDI Software
    2. Electronic Instruments and MIDI Controllers
    3. Composition and Music Theory Basics
  2. Listening and Creative Skills
    1. Creating Music
    2. Octaves, Harmony, Chords, Bass Notes, Scales
    3. Song Structure
  3. MIDI Introduction
    1. How MIDI works
    2. USB and Firewire
    3. MIDI Channels
    4. Sound Sources
  4. MIDI Sequencer Basics
    1. Initial set-up and first recording
    2. Cutting, Looping, Copying, Editing
    3. Quantizing, Editing Velocity, Pitch Bending
    4. Creating and Editing Controller Data
    5. Drum Beats
    6. Time Signatures, Tempo
    7. MIDI Notation (Scoring)
  5. Audio
    1. The Recording Process
    2. Recording Environments and Set-Ups
    3. Studio Personnel
    4. Audio Equipment
  6. Digital Recording
    1. Sound Theory
    2. Recording Analogue and Digital Formats
    3. Audio Files and Hard Disk
    4. Mono and Stereo
  7. Microphones
    1. Types and Patterns
    2. Placement
    3. Stereo Techniques
  8. The Mixing Desk
    1. Input Channels
    2. Bus Outputs
    3. Master Section
    4. Routing
    5. Adding Effects
    6. Mixing
    7. Editing
  9. Audio Projects
    1. Live Stereo Recording
    2. Multitrack Recording
Department Guidelines
  • This class is offered as a lecture/lab class.
  • To satisfy the General Education Outcomes, classroom discussion on the origin of examples and playing styles must be addressed.
  • All students must take part in lab techniques. This includes set-up and breakdown of all audio equipment.
  • It is recommended for all students to have a USB Thumb Drive to save all materials and portfolio items.
  • Lab hours can be completed outside of normal class times at instructor’s discretion.

PO4 should be assessed: Students will be able to recognize or articulate personal/interpersonal aspects of, or connections between, diverse cultural, social, or political contexts.

PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.