Syllabus
MUS 3313: Digital Music Production (Computer Applications in Music)
Spring, 2008, MW 2PM or TR 9:30AM in the Music/Multimedia Computer Lab, AR 3.01.30B

Instructor: Dr. David Sebald
Office: AR 2.03.28 (opposite the choral rehearsal room)
email: dsebald@aim-ed.com,
phone: 458-5327

Description:

This course presents an overview of current applications of computers and related technologies of interest to musicians. The core of the curriculum is comprised of: 1) MIDI and audio sequencing, 2) tonal synthesis, 3) digital audio, 4) audio production, 5) basic acoustics, 6) MIDI theory. Concept knowledge and operational skills are stressed equally. Students have input concerning relative emphasis on these topics and on the inclusion of other topics. The course uses UTSA’s Macintosh computers, hardware, and software located in the music computer lab; however, students are encouraged to use personal equipment and software if these can adequately complete class projects and tests..

Course Objectives:

• Demonstrate understanding of basic music technology and computer related concepts and terminology.
  
• Demonstrate understanding of how computers work.
  
• Demonstrate ability to operate a Mac and/or Windows desktop computer fluently.
  
• Demonstrate understanding of and ability to use common music software: MIDI & audio sequencers, algorithmic composers, audio editors, etc.
  
• Demonstrate ability to use common productivity software: web browsers, text editors, web page editors, file transfer programs, graphics tools, and media production tools.
  
• Demonstrate ability to use common music and media technology hardware: scanner, CD burner, mixer, recorders, microphones, sound reinforcement equipment.
• Demonstrate understanding of MIDI theory and applications.
  
• Demonstrate basic understanding of acoustics as it relates to audio.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of digital tonal synthesis.
  
• Demonstrate understanding of digital audio theory and applications.
  
• Demonstrate ability to use the Internet productively as a creative musician.

Needed materials:

• USB Flash Drive at least 128 Meg)
  
• Headphones or earphones every class day.
  
• Looseleaf notebook for tutorials and numerous class handouts.

Graded output:

• Several Short Quizzes (Class Policies, Computereze, Macintosh, Acoustics, Synthesis, Sampling)
  
• Several Graded Tutorial or Demo Projects in various formats
  
• 2 Sequencing Projects (Original MIDI/Loop sequences of professional quality)
  
• 1 Digital Audio Project
  
• 2 Major Exams: Midterm (mostly MIDI) & Final Exam (comprehensive)
  
• 1 Creative Music Technology Term Project. (either an audio or multimedia show.)
  
• All grades carry equal weight.

Absense Policy:

3 absences are allowed for any reason. 4th absence lowers final average one letter grade
Students who are late to class are counted absent unless they see me before leaving class that day.