The instructor will devote three hours per week to lecture/demonstration. One hour per week will be spent working on lab assignments under the supervision of the instructor. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab or at home.
No prior experience with computers or music technology is assumed.
- a brief history of technology in music
- introduction to audio recording principles
- setting up and troubleshooting a typical computer-based music system
- basic concepts of MIDI, sampling, and an introduction to synthesis
- introduction to music sequencing software (DAW)
- introduction to audio mixing techniques
- setting up a personal or school music technology studio or lab
- future directions in music technology
Through lecture/demonstrations and hands-on lab work, students will learn the basic theoretical and practical applications of music technology. Emphasis will be placed on the creative and artistic use of these tools. Due to the continually evolving nature of technology, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts common to all music software and hardware, and the ability to transfer their knowledge and skills to new situations.
On successful completion of the course students will be able to work effectively with at least two industry standard DAWs, and to demonstrate:
- a knowledge of important developments in the history of music technology, along with an appreciation of current trends
- the ability to use relevant software for MIDI sequencing, audio recording, editing and mixing
- an understanding of basic concepts of MIDI, sound synthesis and sampling, and the ability to apply this knowledge in setting up and maintaining a personal or school-based studio or lab
- creative and inventive uses of the techniques learned in this course
| Exams and quizzes: | 20% |
| Project work (minimum of two; may include but is not limited to MIDI remix, audio remix, electronic soundscapes): | 60% |
| Written critiques of own and others' work: | 20% |
| Total: | 100% |
No single evaluation will be worth more than 30%
No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the lab.
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