Introduction to Computer Technology for Musicians

Spring 2019


"It would appear that we have reached the limits of what it is possible to achieve with computer technology, although one should be careful with such statements, as they tend to sound pretty silly in five years."
John von Neumann (ca. 1949)
Instructor: Dr. Timothy A. Nord
Office: 2202 JJWCM
Phone: 274-3389
E-mail: nord@ithaca.edu
Office Hours: M 2, T 2, R 1


Course Information

Course: MUMC 10300
Room: 2102 JJWCM
Times: Section 01 - 9:00 MW
Section 02 - 8:50 TR
Section 03 - 9:50 TR
Section 04 - 10:50 TR

Required Materials

None


 Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide music students with the basic knowledge and skills to be able to use different aspects of technology in their subsequent coursework and professional careers. This course is designed to provide an introduction to technology for music students, including an overview of computer hardware and software, and how to use these tools in a musical environment. Throughout the course, we will examine representative technology in the areas of digital audio editing, software synthesis, MIDI sequencing and music notation.

Course Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to help students learn how they may be able to use technology to assist them in a variety of ways in their musical careers. Over the course of the semester, the student will: learn the fundamental parameters of sound, learn the basics of sound synthesis, learn the difference between synthesizers and samplers, learn the basics of digital audio recording and editing, learn the differences between digital audio and MIDI, learn how to edit MIDI performance parameters, learn how to use a music notation program and learn how to create professional quality printed music.

Grading

Grading will be based on attendance and the completion of assignments, projects, and quizzes. All assignments are given a point value. Some introductory assignments may be worth 5 points while most assignments will be worth 10 points. More involved assignments and projects will be worth more points. Assignments are due one week after they are assigned unless otherwise noted. Late assignments are accepted up to two weeks after the assignment is made and may incur a late penalty. Assignments will not be accepted after two weeks from the time they are assigned (after two weeks, they will receive an automatic grade of 0). Homework assignments made prior to midterm will not be accepted for a grade after midterm. All homework (except the final project) will be due by your last class of the semester. An assignment is not considered submitted, and will not be graded, until all components have been turned in. This means, for example, for the notation unit, an assignment will not be graded until the electronic file has been submitted and a paper printout has been turned in. All electronic files must be submitted through Sakai, do not email them to me. Your final grade will be a percentage grade based on the number of points you have earned throughout the semester compared to the maximum possible. You may check your assignment grades at any time in Sakai. You will also be able to see your semester grade as it stands at that point.  Once an assignment is graded and returned, please check the assignment page for any comments I may have entered.

Attendance

Due to the nature of this course, your attendance is required at all class meetings. Any unexcused absences will result in a lowering of your grade. See the Attendance Policy section of the Ithaca College Undergraduate Catalog, 2018-2019, for a complete statement of the College Attendance Policy.

Course Overview (see course schedule for specific dates)

Unit
I. Digital Audio
Unit 1 introduces the fundamental concepts of sound and digital audio. Working with Audacity, we will explore the basics of audio recording and editing. Tasks will range from basic recording and editing techniques to the application of various sound processing modules such as filters, reverb, and special effects.
II. Audio Production
Unit 2 continues our work with Audio. Working with GarageBand, we will continue recording and editing processes, including recording on each students own performance instrument. Added to this will be the use of various types of pre-recorded loops to be used to create complete original composition projects.  This unit will also introduce recording and editing MIDI data, illustrating the differences between MIDI recordings and digital audio.
III. Sound Control
In Unit 3, we move into the world of sound synthesis.  Using a mixer, synthesizers, samplers and several other tools in Reason, we will explore the nature of sound, timbre and the manipulation of various sound parameters. We will continue to record and edit MIDI data as well as the application of editing tools to digital audio.  Included in the various projects will be MIDI recording, creation of drum patterns, timbre creation and manipulation and mixing as well as other activities.
IV. Notation
In Unit 4, we move from the aural to the visual. Finale or Sibelius will be the tool we use to learn how to create professional quality notated music. The focus of this unit is the understanding of standard notation rules in various styles.  Included in the various projects will be basic notation skills, MIDI recording, working with a lead sheet, transposing instruments, transcriptions and large and small ensemble scores.