| Semester 2, 2023 Online | |
| Units : | 1 |
| School or Department : | School of Creative Arts |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Overview
The evolution of music technology has enabled songwriters and composers to develop and render their creative ideas entirely in the digital environment. Computer based notation software, Digital Audio Workstations, sequencing and virtual instruments have become central to creative production in music. It is essential for the modern musician to be able to engage the potential of these technologies in their creative process.
This course explores the intersection of music technology and composition. Building on students existing knowledge and skills of the fundamentals of music theory and practice, through a mix of guided exercises and projects, students will be introduced to theoretical and practical strategies for creating new musical works inside the digital environment. Students will blend composition and digital music production techniques through the use of computers, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) sequencing, and virtual instrument technology.
This course is designed to help students transition into the study of music at university level. Learning activities are designed to provide students with formative feedback throughout the semester, with early assessment in place to assist in identifying students in need of extra support.
Weekly learning activities and work created as part of assessment in this course will contribute directly to the development of a professional portfolio of creative work, as well as providing students with key practical and technical skills essential to their future employability in the creative arts.
This course assumes students have the ability to operate a computer and navigate a file-system and be able to contribute to the creation of a new musical work.
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course student should be able to:
- Leverage a range of theories and practices related to music composition and digital music technology to produce prescribed musical outcomes
- Analyse, interpret and communicate musical ideas in a range of digital media contexts
- Apply relevant skills and knowledge in the creative manipulation of existing musical material
- Apply relevant skills and knowledge in the creation of new musical artefacts
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction to the history and development of digital music technology | 10.00 |
| 2. | Virtual Instruments 鈥� samplers, synthesisers, and drum machines | 10.00 |
| 3. |
Orchestration 鈥� considering the limitations of physical instruments |
10.00 |
| 4. | The elements of a musical composition | 10.00 |
| 5. |
MIDI and Sequencing |
10.00 |
| 6. |
Working with loops / Sampling |
10.00 |
| 7. | Remixing | 20.00 |
| 8. | Producing music for media | 20.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Recommended free options: Avid Protools First, Garage Band, FL Studio
Recommended paid options: Avid Protools, Logic Pro X
A computer that meets the recommended requirements for running your choice of DAW software.
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | No | 20 | 2 |
| Creative work 1 | No | 30 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Creative work 2 | No | 50 | 1,2,3,4 |