Course

Advanced Sound Applications

Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1271
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
Through lecture/demonstrations and lab work, students will explore advanced techniques in synthesis and audio. Emphasis will be placed on ways in which audio and synthesis are combined in contemporary music production, along with more experimental uses of this technology. Students will produce a final project combining audio and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) techniques.
Course content
  1. Advanced audio editing, including time stretching, transpositions, loop points, etc.
  2. Advanced software instruments, including synthesizer, percussion and string modeling instruments
  3. Virtual orchestras: aesthetics and possibilities
  4. Controlling signal flow and creating ergonomic mix templates
  5. Hybrid synthesis and synthesizers
  6. Advanced MIDI editing including transform and sampler envelope vectors
  7. Advanced audio time- and pitch-editing to correct timing and intonation
  8. Side chaining and other advanced mixing paradigms
  9. Working with Indigenous communities and cultural knowledge
Learning activities

In this course, students will participate in lectures and demonstrations, working alongside the instructor, in the large studio or Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab, the studio or at home.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

The following is an example evaluation scheme:

Tests/Quizzes (minimum of 2)   25%
Midterm Project 30%
Final Project 35%
Professionalism 10%
  100%

Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work. 

Instructors may use a student's record of attendance and/or level of active participation as part of the student's graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.

This is a letter-graded course.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Apply advanced audio editing and mixing techniques;
  2. Design and manipulate sounds using software instruments and synthesizers to meet specified briefs;
  3. Use advanced MIDI and audio editing tools to creatively transform or correct audio material;
  4. Create original compositions and productions using advanced techniques;
  5. Integrate virtual orchestras and genre-specific ensembles (e.g., rock, pop, electronica) into music projects;
  6. Recognize the scope of AI tools integrated into DAW (digital audio workstation) software;
  7. Explore culturally safe practices when seeking community guidance and permissions for collaboration. 
Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.

Requisites

Prerequisites

MUSC 1171 

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for MUSC 1271
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2027

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
26
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
26
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N4215
Times:
Start Time
9:30
-
End Time
11:20
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N4215
Times:
Start Time
10:30
-
End Time
12:20
Section notes

This course is restricted to Music Technology students.