Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

MUS 153A - Introduction to Electronic Music: Sequencing

1 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
0 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introduction to producing music with WAV and MP3 sounds through computer software. Includes introduction to electronic music, concepts in acoustics and music synthesis, use of hardware and software, music sequencing software, and documentation of projects.

Information: MUS 153A and MUS 153B  together constitute MUS 153 .


Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Experiment with commercial music software packages to produce sequenced music examples.
  2. Apply basic principles of music composition in construction electronically produced music compositions and/or arrangements including chord progressions, melody, form, and texture.
  3. Describe the differences between WAV and MP3 sounds and their uses in electronic produced music.
  4. Describe the evolution of electric music from analog to digital production through major compositional shifts from musique concrete to analog synthesizers with magnetic tape storage to computer software.
  5. Create a narrative paper for each project describing the process of composition or arranging.

Outline:
  1. Introduction to Electronic Music
    1. Overview of the history of electronic music
    2. Development of analog and digital synthesis
    3. Electronic music in the home studio, albums, movies, video, commercials, and live performance
  2. Concepts in Acoustics and Music Synthesis
    1. Basic harmonic structure and sound waves
    2. Envelopes and wave forms
  3. Use of Hardware and Software
    1. Computer and printer
    2. Keyboard controllers
    3. Using computer software
      1. Initialize storage media
      2. Open programs
      3. Cut, copy and paste
      4. Create and save files
      5. Mouse and keyboard commands
      6. Print hard copy
    4. WAV and MP3 basics
      1. Use of WAV and MP3 files in music software
      2. Import/export applications of WAV and MP3 files
  4. Music Sequencing Software
    1. Creating looping patterns
    2. Principles of cloning, modifying, and copy/paste functions of looped sounds
    3. Timing patterns of looped sounds
    4. Use of mixing functions to modify looped sounds
    5. Use of composite sounds to enhance looped patterns
  5. Documentation of Projects
    1. Diary of work sessions using a standard word processing package
    2. Copying songs to tape or disc for archiving and storage


Effective Term:
Full Academic Year 2017/18