Test Items & Activities
Basic Skills in Music Technology (TI:ME 1A):

Notation

List 5 common note editing software products.
Refer to online movies
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Demonstrate how to set up a score using a Wizard or manually.
Demonstrate note entry by drag&drop, step entry, or real-time performance.
Demonstrate how to add lyrics.
Demonstrate basic page layout. (%, measures/staff, margins, text)
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Create a piano vocal score
Add and change lyrics using several methods
Add & modify proper expression marks including:
slurs, dynamics, articulations
Use online help to answer questions
Demonstrate how to add chord symbols to a piano vocal score.
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Demonstrate manual control of the following:
adding measures, changing barline styles & positions,
adding repeats, endings, and DS functions, changing note positions,
adding pickup measures, changing meters, moving measures & sections,
Properly format standard MIDI files for transfer to notation programs
Create a hymnal style SATB arrangement using layers
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(weekend)
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Create multiline ensemble score from hymnal score (or new score)
Extract parts from ensemble score
Transpose lines, parts, and score to other instruments
Convert scores to various online representations.
Save finale files to correctly formatted floppy disks, zip disks, and internet servers
Save files in proprietary format and standard MIDI files.
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Demonstrate advanced notation features:
drop-out scores, ossia staves, etc.
Discuss features of various notation packages
Demonstrate lower end notation packages.
Discuss use of notation packages in school classrooms
Scan - recognize music
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Discuss national and state ed. standards that could apply to music notation.
Develop lesson plans for notation software use

Sequencing

Create a sequence immediately with minimal instruction
Define sequencing and the function of a sequencer.
List 3 or more common sequencers for Mac and/or PC.
Describe major parts (windows & their function) of a typical sequencer:
arrange window, matrix edit (piano roll), score, event list
Enter & delete notes in a sequencer graphically.
Describe how to approach sequencing in a public school music class.
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Demonstrate looping
Enter sequences via the keyboard in real-time.
Download internet MIDI files from common MIDI search engines.
Adjust meter, tempo, instrument choice, MIDI channel, etc.
Edit note pitch, position, length, etc.
Control zoom in various window views.
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Define and demonstrate several methods of quantization
Demo how to add accels, ritards, and tempo changes
Create multitrack arrangements that demo all of the above characteristics
Save files in proprietary format and correct standard MIDI format
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Edit common sequencer setup paramaters
Demonstrate how to add volume, pan, and other expressive changes to a sequence
Explain the reason for a silent first measure in many sequences
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(weekend)
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Demonstrate soloing and muting tracks.
Demonstrate punch-in recording of MIDI sequences.
Add expressive elements to a provided piece.
Add ritards and accells to a provided piece.
Convert files between sequencer and notation packages.
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Transpose parts
Print parts from a sequencer
Convert MIDI files to audio formats
Create an audio CD of class MIDI files
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Discuss national and state ed. standards that could apply to music sequencing.
Develop lesson plans that use a sequencer

Electronic Musical Instruments

Define MIDI using 5 key concepts.
Who invented MIDI, ..when, ..why?
Demonstrate typical MIDI network topologies (setups).
Explain the differences between MIDI and digital music.
Describe a MIDI plug using standard terminology.
Describe a MIDI cable using standard terminology.
Explain the functions of I/O ports on a typical MIDI instrument
Explain why MIDI is still in use even though better technologies exist.
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Describe the electrical specifications of MIDI.
What is MIDI's communication speed in bps? Is this fast or slow?
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Explain 2 types of bytes used by MIDI and their functions
Explain 2 classifications of MIDI messages and their uses
Recite 7 channel messages and what they do
Recite 3 system message classes and exemplify
Explain control change messages
Explain "Running Status"
Explain "General MIDI" and its GS and XG extensions
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Explain how sound works
Explain 4 measurable parameters of sound and their perceptual counterparts
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(weekend)
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Demonstrate MIDI connections
Explain MIDI "modes"
Define tonal synthesis
Describe in generic terms how synthesizers emulate acoustical phenomena
Describe and evaluate several methods of tonal synthesis
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Describe example digital audio set-ups
Choose generic and specific audio equipment for various functions
Microphones, recording hardware, recording software, media
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Discuss national and state ed. standards that could apply to MIDI and audio gear.
Develop lesson plans that use sequencer and audio hardware
Discuss the contents of a music technology / audio lab
Discuss how to develop a music technology / audio lab