Syllabus PDF

MUS / MED 318-71 & 318-72: Music Technology
http://people.wcsu.edu/wintersg/
Instructor: Gregg Winters Office Hours: By Appointment
Voice Mail: (203) 341-1570 E-Mail: [email protected]
Syllabus
Course Description:
This class is an introduction to the use of computers in music production, music notation,
and music education. Basic software and concepts in educational and music technology
will be emphasized. Sources, selection, evaluation, creation, and implementation of
electronic media for the musician and music educator will be covered in this course.
Course Goals:
• Identify the basic components of a computer music workstation and their function
• Correctly configure and connect workstation hardware/software
• Demonstrate an understanding of common MIDI and audio applications such as:
notation, sequencing, plug-ins, loop-based, software instruments, tutorial, and
accompaniment software
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize a computer music workstation (hardware,
software, and the Internet) to create musical compositions and multimedia
presentations
Required Text & Materials:

1. Menasche, Emile D. (2002) The Desktop Studio.
Hal Leonard Publishing
2. A supply of blank CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-R discs
for saving projects and backing-up work
3. Access to WebCT for class information, assignment
instructions, on-line documentation, and assessment
4. Access to WCSU student File Shares for file storage
Class Schedule:
• MED/MUS 318-71: Tuesday Evenings 5:25pm-7:55pm White Hall 219
• MED/MUS 318-72: Wednesday Evenings 5:25pm-7:55pm White Hall 219
Both sections (71 & 72) are identical classes. The Wednesday section is only offered when enrollment
warrants. In the case of an unavoidable conflict, and only if both sections are offered, students may request
to attend the other class meeting that week (if space allows).
MED/MUS 318-72 Music Technology Syllabus
Student Expectations & Attendance:

Since this will be a "hands-on" course, student attendance and participation will be
essential to the learning experience. For this reason, unexcused absences will negatively
affect your semester grade. Although class time will be provided for assignments,
additional lab time will be available during the week. Check the lab schedule for "open
lab" days and times that best match your schedule. All assignments are to be completed
and handed in on time. Projects that are significantly late will be subject to downgrading.
Since each class will focus on new material, students should not plan on finishing previous
work during class time. See Laura Piechota or a lab monitor if you need to arrange a
specific time for lab usage.
Evaluation:
The following formula will be used to determine your semester grade:
• 50% - Assignments 1-10

• 20% - Class Participation (attendance is required in order to participate)
• 10% - Quizzes
• 20% - Exams
-- Semester Overview --
1st Class Meeting Introduction To Music Technology, Synthesis, & Mac OS X

Assignment #1: Read chapters 1 & 2 in the text and utilize Microsoft Word to compose a one-
page paper summarizing how synthesizers make sound. Identify the basic components of sound
and the difference between analog and digital synthesis. Attach your MS Word file to a WebCT
E-mail message and send it to me before the next class meeting.
2nd Class Meeting Workstation Hardware & Software Overview Assignment #1 Due
Assignment #2: Read chapter 3 and search the Internet to find three different music
applications that were not discussed in class. Utilize Microsoft Word to write a one-page review of
the three applications, including their URL addresses and system requirements. Attach your MS
Word file to a WebCT E-mail message and send it to me by the next class meeting.
3rd Class Meeting 1st Quiz / Introduction To Finale Assignment #2 Due

Assignment #3: Utilize Finale to notate the "C" major folk song melody distributed in class.
This project will introduce the basic Finale “user interface.” Students will learn how to utilize
many of Finale’s “tools” to enter, edit, and print notation and lyrics. The final arrangement will
be transposed to the key of "F" major before printing. Follow the directions provided in class to
complete and submit this assignment.
4th Class Meeting Finale: Layers & Chords Assignment #3 Due

Assignment #4: Create a simple 4-part folk song chorale using the melody distributed in class.
This project will introduce the use of layers in order to map stem direction for individual notes.
How to enter Roman numeral chord symbols will also be covered. Follow the directions provided
in class to complete and submit this assignment.
©2006 (Gregg Winters) 2

5th Class Meeting Finale: Lead Sheets & Piano Parts Assignment #4 Due
Assignment #5: Use Finale to recreate the National Anthem lead sheet distributed in class.
Select “Split Into Two Staves” from the Record Mode option, under the Hyperscribe menu, in
order to record the piano part onto the Grand Staff. Make your version look identical to the
example provided. Follow the directions provided in class to complete and submit this
assignment.
6th Class Meeting Finale: Large Ensemble Scores Assignment #5 Due

Assignment #6: Utilize your Finale skills to recreate the concert band score distributed in class.
Export the clarinet part in addition to printing your finished score. Follow the directions provided
in class to complete and submit this assignment.
7th Class Meeting MID-TERM EXAM & Intro To Sequencing Assignment #6 Due
Homework: Read chapters 4, 8, 9, & 12 in the text to prepare for MIDI sequencing next week.
8th Class Meeting Introduction To MIDI Sequencing Reading Homework Due

Assignment #7a: Read chapters 5, 6, & 7 in the text to prepare for audio recording, editing,
and utilizing loops. To complete assignment #7a, create a 5-6 track MIDI sequence based upon
the folk song melody distributed in class. Use features like “punch-in & out,” quantizing, and
“step recording” to enter and edit your tracks. This MIDI sequence must be completed in order
to advance to the audio component of the project next week. Refer to the directions distributed
in class regarding how to hand in assignment #7a.
9th Class Meeting Introduction To Multi-track Audio Assignment #7a Due

Assignment #7b: Read chapters 10, 11, & 13 in the text to prepare for mixing, plug-in effects
processing, mastering, & CD burning. To complete assignment #7b, convert all of your MIDI
tracks to audio by soloing each MIDI track in your sequence and recording the output of the TG-
100’s audio signal to individual audio tracks (using the stereo mini-plug cables provided). This
must be finished before moving on to the mixing & mastering component of the project next
week. Refer to the directions distributed in class regarding how to hand in assignment #7b.
10th Class Meeting Introduction To Mixing & Mastering Audio Assignment #7b Due
Assignment #7c: Read chapter 14 in the text to prepare for scoring music to video next week.
To complete your sequencing assignment, utilize the material discussed in class to “mix” your
arrangement using automation & plug-ins. Bounce your final mix to disk and export it as a stereo
AIFF file. Create a new Digital Performer project and import the stereo file you just exported.
Use EQ, compression, or other plug-ins to master the project. Add a fade in, fade out, or both.
Export the finished mix as an AIFF file and convert it to an MP3. Refer to the directions
distributed in class regarding how to hand in your final master mix (assignment #7c).
11th Class Meeting Scoring Music To Picture (Part 1) Assignment #7c Due
Assignment #8a: Import the QuickTime video (distributed in class) into Digital Performer.
Copy the movie’s audio to a DP stereo audio track. Utilize markers to identify “hit” points.
Compose a simple MIDI/audio underscore to the video using Digital Performer. Use the MIDI
editing features within DP to fix mistakes. Save your sequence as a Standard MIDI File (SMF)
and follow the directions provided in class to complete and submit assignment #8a.

12th Class Meeting Scoring Music To Picture (Part 2) Assignment #8a Due
Assignment #8b: Convert all your finished MIDI tracks to audio, mix as needed, bounce all
the audio tracks to disk, and export the final stereo mix as an AIFF file. This audio file will be a
combined mix of the movie’s original sound track & your musical score. Use iMovie to import
the QuickTime video footage and delete its audio track. Import the AIFF audio file to add your
score mix to the video. Export the finished project as a new QuickTime movie. Refer to the
directions distributed in class regarding how to hand in your finished assignment #8b.
13th Class Meeting 2nd Quiz / Tutorial & Accompaniment Software Assignment #8b Due
Assignment #9: Search the Internet to find three different music tutorial and / or
accompaniment applications (or web sites) that were not discussed in class. Utilize Microsoft
Word to write a one-page review of the three music applications/web sites, including their URL
addresses and/or system requirements. Attach you MS Word file to a WebCT E-mail message
and send it to me by the next class meeting.
14th Class Meeting Microsoft Office For Musicians Assignment #9 Due

Assignment #10a: Search the Internet to research the current cost of the basic music
workstation hardware & software components in our lab. Utilize Excel to create a simple
spreadsheet outlining these components and their price. Have Excel calculate the cost of a
complete workstation by using formulas. Save your project.
Assignment #10b: Use PowerPoint to make a multimedia presentation out of your Excel
spreadsheet. Workstation components should be pictured on individual slides with information
regarding their function, purpose, and price. Include screen capture images of your projects, your
mp3 sequence, and your QuickTime movie as examples of what a music technology workstation
can be utilized to accomplish. Save your presentation as a PowerPoint Package. Drag your Excel
project into the PowerPoint Package folder and refer to the directions distributed in class
regarding how to hand in your finished assignment.
15th Class Meeting Review / Make-Up Work Session Assignment #10a/b Due
This final class meeting will be utilized to review for the final exam and finish any outstanding
work.
16th Class Meeting FINAL EXAM

The final exam will be administered during our regular class meeting time (5:25-7:55pm).

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MUS / MED 318-71 & 318-72: Music Technology

Required Text & Materials:

Student Expectations & Attendance:

• 50% - Assignments 1-10

1st Class Meeting Introduction To Music Technology, Synthesis, & Mac OS X

3rd Class Meeting 1st Quiz / Introduction To Finale Assignment #2 Due

4th Class Meeting Finale: Layers & Chords Assignment #3 Due

©2006 (Gregg Winters) 2

6th Class Meeting Finale: Large Ensemble Scores Assignment #5 Due

8th Class Meeting Introduction To MIDI Sequencing Reading Homework Due

9th Class Meeting Introduction To Multi-track Audio Assignment #7a Due

©2006 (Gregg Winters) 3

14th Class Meeting Microsoft Office For Musicians Assignment #9 Due

16th Class Meeting FINAL EXAM

©2006 (Gregg Winters) 4

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