Intro to Audio
Multimedia Computer Music Production & Recording
Course Syllabus
www.hansensclasses.com
Gina Hansen, Instructor
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is for students wanting to produce music using professional music studio equipment. With this lecture/demonstration and hands-on class, students will be able to build a music studio and learn the basic operation of electronic musical equipment. The pieces of electronic musical equipment include MIDI synthesizer, music workstations, computer workstations, groove boxes, drum machines, soft-synthesizers, sequencers, controllers and other new products as the industry advances. This is an introductory course and is intended to build a strong foundation in understanding studio music operation, whether the student is interested in composition, making beats and/or being a producer.
In Multimedia Art, Computer Music Production & Recording, students will learn the basics of computer music production and recording. Students will learn how to create and operate a digital audio workstation using computers and MIDI devices. They will research the science of sound and its attributes; this history behind different types of microphones, signal flow and how it differs between analog and digital audio systems, pick-up & polarity patterns and how they work; working with different audio file types, editing and sound engineering, the difference between notes, chords & connections; how to run a live digital audio session; how to track, edit and mix their own music; the reasons for creating music or sound bytes for different purposes; and the business fundamentals of how to market and promote skills learned in the classroom for real world use.
GRADING:
A large focus of this course will be centered on students helping their community and focusing on future career skills. Students will be assessed by Standards-Based Grading systems for the following items:
- Participation
- Quizzes / Tests
- Assignments
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Click for COURSE COURSE NORMS, STUDIO ETIQUETTE, RULES & PROCEDURES
COURSE GOALS:
- To learn a skill that can be helpful at home and in our community
- To be able to create a peaceable, soul-pleasing aesthetic
- To learn in-class skills that can lead to out-of-class employment & job opportunities
- To become more familiar with the concept of multi-track, multi-layered recording that is necessary in understanding Film, Animation and Computer Programming
- To learn skills that can lead toward college music and recording preparedness
STANDARD CONCEPTS:
- Students will understand the history of sound.
- Students will understand the science of sound.
- Students will understand different types of microphones, pick-up patterns and how they work.
- Students will understand the difference between notes, chords & connections.
- Students will understand the difference between analog and digital sound recording.
- Students will understand signal flow and how to setup digital and analog mixers and recording consoles.
- Students will understand how to setup & run a LIVE Logic, Garageband, or Main Stage Session.
- Students will understand will understand how to track, edit and mix their own music.
- Students will understand the purposes of creating music or sound bytes for different purposes.
- Students will understand how to market and promote skills learned in the classroom for real world use.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS PROVIDED IN THE CLASSROOM:
- Supplemental readings and materials provided in class
- Assignments will be published and assessed from google drive
- Microphones
- MIDI Keyboard / Drum Pad Controller
- MIDI converter, Cables
- Digital Mixing Console(s) in every DAW for all students and shared access to DJ Mixer
- Old School headphones. Specialty earphones are not required and some are available to students in the class, but students are encouraged to bring earphones they find comfortable for listening & production.
- Software: Garageband, Logic Pro, and various digital drum machines, plugins and VSTi
- Additional Software as needed / requested.
Many students & parents ask what they could use for home computer production and the following recommendations are suggested FREE Audacity, PC FL Studio, or FREE Garageband for Mac.
For more advanced capabilities Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton and Native Instrument products are suggested. Many of these programs offer free demo versions.
- Files will be saved in class. They will also be compressed and uploaded to soundcloud to receive project credit. It is advised that students upload the original files with layers to their google drive or flash drive prior to exiting the course, as sometimes the machines may require reimaging and files could be erased.
DETAILED EXPLANATION OF COURSE STANDARDS FOR AUDIOPHILES & TECHNICALITIES:
- Working the MIDI Converter with Digital Mixer DAW
- Signal Flow
- Connecting Cables and return monitoring
- Bussing (see cell phone)
- midi-mapping
- Business and Marketing --> Promoting your Sound --> Making Money in Music Production
- BPM and DJing --> Understanding and working with beats (see iambic pentameter)
- Ring Tone Design
- Creating Loops
- Live Sound Production
- Building Your Own Studio --> $, $$, and $$$
- Pro Tools software
- Beginning radio podcasting (student voice)
- digital and Acoustic Instrument Recording
- Music Apps
- Music Productions
- How to Jam
- Mic Technique
- Speaker and Monitor Setup
- Science of How Sound is Recorded
- Developing Yourself as an Artist (infusing your own personal style)
- Sound Production Teams --> Many roles
- Making Your Own Instruments --> Electronic invention and design (electronics and midi-mapping)
- Editing
- Composing
- Radio and TV Sound
- Sound Effects and B-Roll for Film
- Layering and MultiTrack Recording