MUSC 161 Computer Applications to Music II. This course develops the student's ability to produce his or her own multi track recordings with Pro-tools digital audio workstation. Fundamentals of auxiliary buss, application of plug-in inserts such as EQ, compression, noise gate, delay, and reverb are applied. Principals of analogue and sample synthesis are applied to the development of projects. Fundamentals of microphone theory and application are introduced. Notation software is introduced and well as workstation components and application.
Prerequisites: MUSC 160 with a minimum grade of 70%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Develop an advanced understanding of the digital audio workstation
- Develop the ability to edit the pitch and rhythmic placement of audio files
- Develop the ability midi information used with synthesizers
- Develop an introductory knowledge of Compression, Reverb, Digital Delay, Noise Gating, Side Changing, Effect Automation
- Develop and understanding of basic microphone technique, and microphone construction
- Learn to record digital audio and virtual instruments using midi
- Develop fundamental working practices of developing recording projects
- Develop the language and concepts of the recording environment
- Develop personal musical growth as a composer and as a recording technician
- Develop an understanding of the basic functions of effects application to recorded tracks
- Learn the fundamentals of recording theory
- Develop the ability to record music for personal and professional use
- Develop transferable knowledge that is applicable to all digital audio workstations
Teaching and Learning Approach
Weekly lectures are presented with video and audio presentations. Students are assigned to read the textbook
and listen to music. Discussion is encouraged and students are encouraged to for opinions on what they hear. It
is hoped that students will be exposed to music that they have not previously been aware and use this to form
their own musical direction.Learning Resources
Required:
No required textbook: Students are encouraged to take detailed notes, keep all handouts, and reference moodle
resources.
Recommended:
USB storage drive, headphones, 1/8" - 1/4" headphone adapter, microphoneDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. First semester overview, and semester 1 Project review
2. Plug-in effects, EQ, dynamics processing, pitch & elastic audio editing
3. Study break week
4. Review of Dynamics & FX, resolving issues. Midterm Project Check - Review for test
5. Gain Staging
6. Introductions to Microphones & Recording Techniques
7. Gates & Sidechains
8. Synthesizers ADSR
9. Review Final Projects - Advanced Routing Techniques - Mixbus, Compression/EQ on groups, Parallel Compression
10. Project listening and review
11. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Homework | 1-13 | 30% |
| Midterm Project Exam | 1-13 | 25% |
| Final Project Exam Participation - Attendance, Group Recording | 1-13 | 40% |
| Projects, etc | 1-13 | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 97 - 100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 94 - 96.9 | A | 4.00 |
| 90 - 93.9 | A- | 3.67 |
| 87 - 89.9 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83 - 86.9 | B | 3.00 |
| 80 - 82.9 | B- | 2.67 |
| 77 - 79.9 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73 - 76.9 | C | 2.00 |
| 70 - 72.9 | C- | 1.67 |
| 60 - 69.9 | P | 1.00 |
| Less than 60% | F | 0.00 |
| Did not withdraw | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.