Seattle Central Community College
Humanities/Social Sciences Division
Music Department
Computer Music and Recording
Music 185
Course Syllabus
Spring Quarter 2015
Monday, Wednesday - Section 1
10:00am – 12:30pm
Room: BE 3151
MIDI LAB BPH 104
Brian Kirk M.A. Music
Office: BA 204 (Broadway Performance Hall)
Primary Email:
Website
http://seattlecentral.edu/faculty/bkirk
Secondary email
Prerequisites: None
Course Description:
Computer Music and Recording serves as an introduction to the technical skills necessary for electronic music production and recording. The course is specifically designed to teach the basic elements of music including listening, improvising, recording, arranging, mixing and digital editing. Whether students are planning to pursue additional studies in the field of music technology, music education or performance, or are taking the course to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of music, they should find the course interesting, entertaining and enriching.
The course is designed for all students regardless of there background in music.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will be able to use a computer for original music creation through listening, recording, improvising, sequencing, with an emphasis on the understanding of musical elements indigenous to the art of electronic music composition
2. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of basic MIDI recording techniques, analysis of musical material, editing and refining recorded material, through creative application of music composition.
3. Each student will be able to use the software for the development of a CD coursework portfolio to be used for assessment, auditions, rehearsals, employment opportunities and/or personal enjoyment
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course students should have basic knowledge and understanding of the following:
1) Identify the Reason® MIDI recording and digital sequencing devices in order to use the basic functions.
2) Construct and record melodic and harmonic material, or refine recorded material, through note input and editing techniques.
3) Create sophisticated musical ideas such as the use of drum loops.
4) Demonstrate mixing techniques such as fade in, fade out and volume parameters
5) Compose extended musical ideas and create more complex pieces, using formal development, variation, textural contrasts and dynamic shadings.
6) Compile a CD portfolio of coursework that can be used for assessment and personal enjoyment.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement:
If you need course adaptations or accommodation because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with your instructor, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with your instructor as soon as possible.
Instructor's Educational Philosophy
Being a professional musician, I have always perceived teaching as natural extension of the tradition of American jazz music, when the master musicians mentored the young apprentices. Having the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for music and experiencing the “magic” that occurs in the students as they begin to realize their academic and performance potential has been the most rewarding experience of my career.
While “education” has come to mean many things, the essence education suggests that our efforts must focus on the full development of students in all matters of deliberate action. Education should seek to develop students in all matters of deliberate action. My role as a teacher is to treat students as human beings who not only have authentic life-experiences, but who are also active participants in the production of knowledge. In so doing, knowledge is not transferred, but rather created and critically examined in the context of the classroom and beyond. Highlighting the significance of electronic music production as a complex and consequential social practice as well as an art form, it is my desire to assist students with the understanding and knowledge of music technology. It is the mission of this Instructor to help students to appreciate how electronic music is put together, the importance of a good solid technological musical foundation and also its’ values, meanings and sensibilities.
Electronic music composition and music making is an enormous industry that offers personal enjoyment and employment in various fields such as web design, film scoring, cellular ring tone technology, video gaming, music production, home studio recording, independent music production of Compact Disc, music video production and artist management.
The goal for this course is to provide students the knowledge and skills in the field of electronic music production, so that they may find employment as songwriters, recording artist’, performance musicians, recording engineers, sound engineers, conductors, composers for film, computer programmers, music editors, radio and television program directors, teachers and instructors, and other electronic music making related industries.
Methods of Instruction:
Lecture, demonstration, artist showcases, textbooks/workbooks, Video tutorials, computer note entry, and midi keyboard instruction on the use of the concepts associated with note entry
1. Study Activities: Hands on learning with the computer hardware and software with specific task and activities assigned to aid in learning of basic computer music production skills. Students have access to the same music production equipment at the same time which allows for collaborative learning as well as independent learning activities. All tests are interactive with immediate feedback, upon completion of an examination, quiz and or project. Students will compile their work in a CD portfolio as a means of assessment, personal enjoyment and/or to be used vocationally.
2. Student textbook/workbook: including assignments, overviews. lesson checklist, study activities, reading, glossary examples, listening notes, computer points of emphasis, templates and demonstration songs, with graphic illustrations (color coded symbols) and models. Student booklets detail each activity and are adaptable to all the various student learning styles. A CD Rom tutorial of the basic music production software is available for the visual learning style. Each lesson contains an outline of the specific aims and skills involved in the lesson.
3. Integrating this material with existing curriculum: the course is designed to allow integration with other areas of the fine arts, such as music performance and graphic arts, film and video, and drama. The course allows students the ability to connect all of the other mediums through the development of computerized music recording integration into film and video, as well as sound production to accompany visual art presentations, drama musical scores and programmed music and dance performance. Students of the music will discover the art of electronic music production extremely vital to the understanding of elements of music theory, piano performance with the lessons focusing on the development of listening skills, music fundamentals and technical skills, and applying these in a creative capacity.
Textbooks:
1) Reason® 7 Ignite
Thomson Course Technology, 2012
2) Teaching with Reason (Student Booklet)
Author: Stephanie Sobey-Jones
Propellerhead Software Company Stockholm Sweden
Supplementary Readings/Audio-Video Media:
1)CD –SCCC Student Network
2)Fundamentals of music packet designed specifically to teach the basic elements of music
3) Web based Instruction video tutorials boyinaband.com
Learning Music Fundamentals (Recommended but not required)
The Teaching Music Reason curriculum requires no basic knowledge of Reason, however some basic computer skills and some experience working with melody, rhythm, simple chord sequences and musical forms. Many of the basic elements of music can be easily learned and understood with the first lessons in listening, evaluating and analysis. The curriculum is flexible in that many of the lessons can be taught at a pace that allows students to learn electronic music production at their own pace. The task and activities within the Reason software allow students a more creative approach to music fundamentals heightening the student’s interest and retention of the information. Students can take this course without having prior musical training.
Course Policies
CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR: When you wish to contact me, you should plan to do so whenever possible using the email, via the Canvas Learning Portal.
I have included other contact options here in the syllabus in case of emergency.
RESPONSIBILITY: This course is not self-paced -- it does follow a regular schedule -- and the absence of in-class meetings places a good deal of responsibility on your shoulders: you are the only person who can motivate yourself to get your work done thoroughly and on time. CLASS PARTICIPATION: Your active participation in all class activities is absolutely crucial to your success, and to the success of your classmates. The successful student in this course will be dedicated, responsible, and self-motivated. The class will work in groups so that certain concepts are presented and understood thoroughly by the class.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS – 50% OFF THE HIGHEST GRADE
"CLASSROOM" BEHAVIOR POLICY: The college classroom must be a working and learning environment in which adults treat each other with respect. Students who demonstrate a disregard for working, learning, adult behavior, appropriate use of language, or respect for others' ideas may be asked to leave the class.
ADVICE ON APPROACHING THE CLASS: Engaging in this class shouldn't feel like a chore that you resent having to perform. If it does, you should probably do some serious thinking about why you're enrolled. This isn't the kind of class -- if such a class exists -- that you can pass by memorizing a bunch of stuff on Thursday and spitting it out onto a Scantron form on Friday. In this class, you are expected to spend your time actively engaged specific activities geared toward learning electronic music production. We will do many specific tasks’ that enable you to learn the software, hardware, music fundamentals and the joys of music production. If you approach this class by wondering how little work you can do and still get by, or if you approach this class by thinking only about what grade you're getting instead of what you're learning, then you will not succeed. If, however, you approach this class with dedication and a positive attitude, I guarantee that you will be rewarded with the satisfaction that comes from the genuine acquisition of knowledge and skill.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In this course, Students have the right to an Instructor who will:
• helping students to learn the material presented in this course
• be organized, and share that organization with students
• establish realistic goals
• pay attention to students’ needs
• be aware of different learning styles
• attend and participate consistently
• maintain open lines of communication
• be a good resource for students
• share knowledge
• Consistent offering of constructive criticism
• maintain an open mind
• treat the course and all its participants with dignity and respect
In this course, the Students are responsible for:
• learning the material and seeking help when needed
• attending class consistently
• coming to class prepared to work
• completing all assigned readings on time
• submitting all assignments on time
• participating in all activities of the course
• seeking assistance when it’s needed
• maintaining open minds
• giving the course and all its work their best effort
• taking control of their own attitude, time, and performance
• participating in effective and useful groups
• treating the course and all its participants with dignity and respect
50 points / 200 / 50 points / 200 / 500
Point Total / Decimal Grade
981-1000 / 3.9-4.0
961-980 / 3.7-3.8
841-960 / 3.5-3.6
821-840 / 3.3-3.4
801-820 / 3.1-3.2
781 -800 / 2.9-3.0
761-780 / 2.7-2.8
741-760 / 2.5-2.6
721-740 / 2.3-2.4
701-720 / 2.1-2.2
681-700 / 1.9-2.0
661-680 / 1.7-1.8
641-660 / 1.5-1.6
621-640 / 1.3-1.4
601-620 / 1.1-1.2
581-600 / 0.9-1.0
499-580 / 0.7-0.8
0 - 498 / 0.0
Course Materials
Student Textbook/Workbook:
Teaching Music with Reason - Provided Online in Canvas
Reason Ignite 7 SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTBOOK (optional)
A Reason Music tutorial CD-ROM is available on the SCCC Student Computer Network. It is a video presentation that explains the technical functions of the Reason software.
About Reason Software (software requirements)
the course is adaptable to the use of any PC driven sequencing software programs available for music. Keep in mind that the software and hardware requirements for each computer lab may change as upgrades become available.
There are specific software programs that this course may adapt to this course -
Logic Pro
Digital Performer
Cubase
The preferred course curriculum is designed to use Teaching With Reason, which is an introductory level curriculum designed to use over one or more quarters of a two year music program
A Creative Approach to Music Fundamentals
The Teaching Music Reason curriculum requires no basic knowledge of Reason, however some basic computer skills and some experience working with melody, rhythm, simple chord sequences and musical forms. Many of the elements of music can be easily learned understood with an emphasis placed on the first lessons on listening, evaluating and analysis. The curriculum is flexible in that many of the lessons can be taught at a pace that allows students to learn electronic music production at their own pace. The task and activities within the Reason software allow students a more “creative approach” to music fundamentals heightening the students interest and retention of the information. Students can compose music and record within the course without any formal training in music fundamentals.
Course Content Outline Schedule
Week 1
Listening and evaluating, analyzing musical material, exploring and evaluating sound, shaping and modifying sound arranging (selecting, moving and copying material) analyzing musical material
Understanding basic musical elements, developing structural frameworks,
Week 2
Listening and evaluating, exploring and evaluating sounds, shaping and modifying sound
mixing, exploring effects (and effects unit parameters)
Week 3
Listening and evaluating, understanding basic musical elements, arranging, exploring, creating and developing patterns, recording note entry, editing and refining material, developing structural frameworks, applying knowledge creatively, student knowledge assessment
Week 4
Arranging, editing and refining recorded material, note entry-/recording, creating melodic, textural, timbre or dynamic variation, exploring and evaluating sounds
Week 5
Developing structural frameworks, creating melodic, textural timbre or dynamic variation, editing and refining recorded material, recording and note entry