Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of MUS 10 and 40A with grades of "C" or better or equivalent keyboard skills and ability to read music notation
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to electronic music creation, audio synthesis, sequencing, MIDI technology, and computer–aided music notation. Areas of coverage include signal flow, creation of sound patches and tracks, computer-aided score notation, and hardware/computer-aided sequencing. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the capture and manipulation of various audio sources.
  • CSLO #2: Create, edit, and save a software based electronic music composition featuring the insertion of sound patches.
  • CSLO #3: Transcribe and edit a notation based piece of music onto an appropriate music editing software program.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

72

Outside of Class Hours

90

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1.Demonstrate a working knowledge of the history of electronic music creation.
2.Differentiate between analog and digital methods of synthesis.
3.Explain the basic theoretical knowledge of the capture and manipulation of various audio sources.
Laboratory Objectives:
1.Dictate and save a notation-based piece as a project file.
2.Transcribe and edit a notation-based piece of music.
3.Demonstrate a basic theoretical understanding of the capture and manipulation of various audio sources.
4.Create, edit, and save a hardware or software-based electronic music composition featuring the insertion of sound patches.
5.Save the sequence-based piece as both a project file and export content in a playable format.
6.Produce a computer based digital composition using electronic music composition software and software-based sequencing technology.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: 1) Explain the concepts of analog and digital synthesis processes. 2) Correctly identify images (screenshots) of varying sections of currently used software applications.
          • Projects
            • Example: Projects are evaluated based on a rubric informed by industry standards 1) Students will play a recording of their sequenced MIDI project, or show a finished printable score of music notation. 2) Students will design a hardware or virtual (software-based) system of MIDI devices which will permit the playback of multi-timbral media content in four or more parts.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Skill demonstrations evaluated based on a rubric informed by industry standards. 1) Instructor will present images of basic studio wave forms varying in amplitude, frequency and shape; students will identify and discuss anticipated audible differences in the wave forms as well as how they were created. 2) Students will participate in drills on foundational digital audio workstation operation techniques such as power up, instsallation and activation of peripherals (in the proper order), software installation, activation, configuartion, and operation, and project/media content file management.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lab:

          1. 1) Students will apply electronic sound creation techniques in the creation of original, custom "patches". 2) Instructor will lead the class in lab drills addressing system operation basics such as power up, turning on peripherals (in the proper order), starting the computer program, creation and management of files, media content, etc.

          Lecture:

          1. 1) Instructor will lecture and lead discussion regarding the methodology of designing a hardware or virtual (software-based) system of MIDI devices which allow for the performance of multi-timbral music in four or more parts. 2) Instructor will lecture on electronic sound creation and alteration techniques. Students will discuss which techniques are advantageous to various compositions.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1) Read the assigned text content addressing analog and digital synthesis. Present a brief oral report to the class discussing important key points in the chapter. 2) Locate and read an article in a current periodical (example: Electronic Musician) on current trends in electronic music hardware, software, and/or computer systems. Report your findings during class discussion.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1) Write a critical review of two electronic music-centered recordings employing concepts and terminology introduced in the class. 2) Skills demonstration: Students will play finished compositions in class.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Students will be tested on the following: 1) Concepts and topics drawn from in-class lectures, discussions and lab activities as well as out-of-class assignments. 2) Electronic music composition sequencing workstation configuration, operation and software navigation.

          Required Materials

          • Modern MIDI: Sequencing and Performing Using Traditional and Mobile Tools
            • Author: McGuire
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2013
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Designing Sound
            • Author: Farnell
            • Publisher: MIT Press
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Music Producer's Survival Guide: Choas, Creativity, and Career in Independent and Electronic Music
            • Author: Jackson
            • Publisher: Cengage
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.