CENTRAL METHODIST UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

Advanced Music Technology MU205

2 hours

Mission

Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.

Description

A continuation of Fundamentals of Music Technology, this class surveys advanced technological techniques.  A focus on church and school related components.  Many assignments will be completed with the use of notation and sequencing software.  No prerequisite. 2 hours.

Purposes

• To learn how to creatively apply technology to professional situations in the field of music
• To synthesize actual creative use of technology in church, school, and performance settings
• To instill an awareness of the growth of technology in the school and church sector

Outcomes

The successful student will:

• Be able to operate, program, and apply the technological components of the performance field in a worship or school setting
• Be creative in the use of music technology
• Articulate through conversation and writing an intelligent understanding of uses, programming, pricing, and aesthetic of music technology
• Suggest an appropriate and effective software or hardware for practical needs in the workplace

Assessment activities (student mastery of outcomes will be demonstrated through the following activities)

• Complete written reviews articulating the application of specific technologies
• Create small scale stage productions and recordings using existing CMU equipment and software
• Mock proposals and acquisitions
• Participate in class discussion

Proposed Texts

Manzo, V. (2015).   Foundations of music technology.  New York:  Oxford University Press.

Course Grades

            90-100%         A

            80-89%           B

            70-79%           C

            60-69%           D

            0-59%             F

Academic Conduct Policy

Your projects must represent your work and your ideas.  Ideas incorporated into your work that are not your own must be properly documented. 

Students are expected to follow the CMU Academic Conduct Policy as outlined on the CMU website.  Any evidence of academic misconduct may have any or all of the following consequences:

1. Grade of zero on the individual assignment.
2. Grade of F in the class.
3. Dismissal from the class.
4. A notation of academic misconduct on your transcript.

The Dean of the University may take additional action, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.

Academic Property

All work (original or copy) submitted by the student to satisfy the requirements of the course may be retained at the discretion of the instructor for non-profit and educational purposes. Such work is generally used for assessing the course and providing evidence of student accomplishment for review by accrediting agencies. Any student wishing to prohibit such use of their work may do so by notifying the instructor in writing.

Non-discrimination Policy

Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability. This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.

The procedures, described in the university’s catalog, are intended to guide and assist faculty, staff, and students in complying with this policy and in determining reasonable accommodations to be made for the federally defined disability claimed.  All materials and information regarding disabilities will be governed by the University’s normal policies regarding privacy.

To request reasonable accommodations for a disabilities, students must fill out and submit the application and information forms and provide professional documentation of the disability (These forms can be found at http://www.centralmethodist.edu/learn/forms.php). The staff of the Center must receive the information before reasonable accommodations are provided. Please see the website for the Center for Learning and Teaching for more information (http://www.centralmethodist.edu/learn/index.php).

ASSIGNMENTS

Recording Introduction

Produce a one minute recording featuring a harmonic track, a melodic track, and click track.  This production should feature no effects, editing, or sampling.  The submission should be accompanied with a written outline of the steps you took to produce the recording.

Editing Project

Produce a one minute recording featuring a harmonic track, a melodic track, and click track.  This production should feature no effects, or sampling.  You will submit separate versions of the recording demonstrating your ability to manipulate assigned editing parameters.  The submission should be accompanied with a written outline of the steps you took to produce the recording.

Research a Landmark Recording

This is to be a 5 paragraph essay, with and introductory paragraph that begins with a thesis statement (why you think your album is important, for instance), 3 body paragraphs explaining your key points, and a conclusion paragraph where your thesis is restated with your keypoints in mind. Work with the professor to select an album of your choice.  The recording should be a “landmark” selection, upon which sufficient data can be discovered.  Details and parameters which should be considered include recording processes, location, technology, individuals involved, and social implications.  Times New Roman 12-point, double spaced. Minimum 2 pages with a 3rd page for sources.  Minimum 3 sources, not including the album.

Research Presentation

Prepare a five to seven minute presentation discussing and illustrating interesting findings in your research for the paper.  Consider including interesting anecdotes that may not be included in your writing, using the actual recording as a tool for your presentation, and discussing what implications your findings may have on your productions throughout the remainder of the semester.  Outline must be submitted upon completion of the presentation.

Sampling Project

Using only samples provided in the GarageBand software, produce a one minute recording.  At a minimum, this selection should feature one percussion track, one bass track, one harmonic track, and one melodic track.  Avoid highly-repetitive structures.

Effects Project

Produce a one minute recording featuring a harmonic track, a melodic track, and click track.  This production may feature editing, but no sampling.  You will submit separate versions of the recording demonstrating your ability to manipulate assigned effects appropriately.  Effects should only be used in the digital audio workstation, and should not be present in the “dry” track.  The submission should be accompanied with a written outline of the steps you took to produce the recording.

Group Recording Project

Using a digital audio workstation and other technologies studied throughout the semester, produce a recording of an original musical composition or an arrangement of an existing one with group members that the professor will assign to you.  Recording must be a minimum of two minutes in length.  Orchestration must at a minimum include one percussion track, one bass track, one harmonic track, and one melodic track.  Sampling may be used for one track only.  Submission should be accompanied by a private reflection, one page in length that explains the steps taken, how you contributed to the project, and how you perceived your group member contributions.

Final Recording Project

Using a digital audio workstation and other technologies studied throughout the semester, produce a recording of an original musical composition or an arrangement of an existing one.  Recording must be a minimum of two minutes in length.  Orchestration must at a minimum include one percussion track, one bass track, one harmonic track, and one melodic track.  You may recruit other musicians to perform for your selection, but you are responsible for arranging, capturing, editing, and producing the recording.  Sampling may be used for one track only.  Submission should be accompanied by an outline of the steps you took to produce the recording.

Operate an Assigned Piece of Equipment

Using class discussion, the textbook, the manual, and any other resources you can attain demonstrate that you can operate an assigned piece of equipment for software at a time designated by the professor.  This assignment may manifest in a scheduled meeting time, rehearsal time, or performance time for a university ensemble.

Reading

Assigned reading may stem from textbook or supplemental materials.  In- class quizzes may occur after reading assignments have been due.  These quizzes may be planned, or take form as a pop quiz.  Content will be germane to vocabulary or major concepts related to the reading.

Final

Evaluation based on all reading, class discussions, and assignments.  Contents will be cumulative.

Class Discussion/Participation

A weekly or bi-weekly evaluation of your engagement in class.

Grade Weight

Discussion/Participation                     10%

Quizzes                                               30%

Projects                                               40%

Final                                                    20%