Music 150 Music Technology Syllabus

Tom Fallat, music instructor

 

Office: A 156  available by appointment

Phone: 425-564-2043 emergency number: 206-322-6866

Email: music150@soundsound.com

Home page: www.soundsound.com

Class Location: E102 M-F 11:30 AM-12:20 PM, at MIDI lab as arranged

Credit Hours: 5

 

MUSIC 150 is entitled Music Technology, It is the first of a four quarter sequence that explores music and audio production techniques in digital audio.  This course will begin with an overview of the theory of sound, simple physics, electricity and acoustics.  The history of music production will be surveyed focusing on the progression from analog beginnings to today’s digital workstations. Anecdotal information will be shared from the instructor’s fifteen-year experience in running a recording studio and a college radio station.  Current hardware and software for writing and producing music will be introduced, including MIDI sequencing with Digital Performer.  Students will begin to explore the MIDI MUSIC LAB in preparation for more in-depth work in Music 151.  No prerequisites are required, but music and computer skills are helpful. 

 

Texts: There are no required texts, but for the student who wishes to have hard copy references to supplement the course lectures and demos, the following texts are optional and on order at the bookstore:

 

Audio in Media  by Alten, Wadsworth Press ISBN: 0534548040

Modern Recording Techniques, Huber Focal Press  ISBN: 0240804562

Producing Music using Digital Performer by Newhouse, Berklee Press; ISBN: 0876390564

 

Additional requirements: Students may wish to purchase a zip disk or USB volatile memory device later in the term to save their projects to.  A notebook or laptop will assist in notetaking.  Please bring a writing instrument and paper to class.   Students will be asked to supply their email address. Assignments will be submitted by email or on paper.

 

Course Organization:  The course will meet Monday-Friday for fifty minutes each day in a lecture/demo format.  Demonstrations involving sound, recording, and technology will be given as appropriate with an emphasis on practical use. Students will be expected to participate in discussions and may volunteer to perform as part of the class demos.  Quizes will be given at least once a week and at least two writing assignments will be given. There will be a final project involving the use of the MIDI lab. 

 

Grading Criteria: Class attendance is required in lieu of required texts.  Absences will lead to a lowered grade and students are responsible for material missed in class.  Grade will be determined by attendance and ungraded assessment quizzes (40%), graded quizzes, (20%), midterm and final (20%), assignments, projects or presentations (20%).

 

Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with the Director of Disability Support Services in Rom B132 to establish their eligibility for accommodation.