Survey of Music Technology – CMUS 102
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/05/2024
Course Description
An introduction to current music technology used in generating music for the commercial music marketplace. This includes using a digital audio workstation, recording analog music, programming digital music, triggering loops in real time, and notating music digitally.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
The technologies covered in this course introduce the digital tools needed to take music from its inception, to charting it theoretically, through recording, mixing, mastering, and creating print product for the marketplace. While digital hardware and software change, this course introduces the essential steps required in the current commercial music industry to prepare product for distribution.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Digital Audio Worksheet Assignment
Digital Audio Worksheet: from the Digital Audio lecture and research using the web, the student will fill out the worksheet using complete sentences. This worksheet will prepare the student for the Digital Audio Quiz.
Tutorial Assignments (7)
The student will use the presentations provided in each module: week to submit his or her own completed tutorials in the designated software format to the specifications established within each video tutorial.
Project Assignments (3)
The student will submit 3 projects that will be completed after the specified tutorials are completed: (1) Rhythm Track in Ableton, (2) Pro Tools Session with Live Vocal, (3) Video and Soundtrack in Ableton. Each project must be completed in the prescribed format.
Quizzes (2)
There will be 2 quizzes throughout this course. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, include multiple-choice questions, and have a 45-minute time limit.
Quiz: Midterm Exam
The quiz will consist of both a written portion and a technology portion. In the written portion, students will be asked to explain the digital music production process, the industry-standard process through which all recorded music must pass in order to reach the consuming public. The technology portion will require creation of several simple drum loops in Ableton Live.
Quiz: Final Exam
The quiz will contain a written portion as well as a technology portion. The written portion will consist of multiple-choice questions that will review content from the entire course. For the technology portion, students will be asked to demonstrate basic competencies in Ableton Live. The entire quiz will have a 2-hour time limit.
