Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Prerequisite
- MUS 51
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course covers computer music production. The use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) in composition and post-production are covered with hands-on project based learning, theory and demonstrations. Students will compose original music using software instruments and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Students will also study and complete audio post-production projects such as mixing a professional song, creating a radio commercial and creating a podcast.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Compose digital music at an intermediate to professional level.
- Apply advanced mixing techniques in DAWs.
- Apply concepts of music theory to MIDI compositions and musical recordings.
- Analyze elements of an audio production and apply learned techniques to a project.
- Demonstrate proper etiquite and interpersonal skills while working on group projects.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Course overview, introduction to the workstations and file sharing system for completing assignments | 1.00 |
Digital Audio Workstation review, including the latest version updates of software applications like Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Studio One | 2.00 |
Advanced techniques in programming and editing MIDI | 2.00 |
Advanced techniques in mixing digital audio in the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) | 2.00 |
DAW and Interface recording techniques for recording voice, guitar, and other acoustic instruments | 3.00 |
Methods and platforms for music publishing, streaming and sales, including copyright and licensing | 1.00 |
Advanced arranging tools and methods | 2.00 |
How to set up an interface for recording audio | 2.00 |
DAW tools and techniques for recording audio, including recording, punching in, creating take folders, and dealing with latency and monitoring | 3.00 |
Composing and arranging with software instruments | 2.00 |
Programming drums and synth pads | 2.00 |
Recording MIDI keyboard parts and real or software bass | 2.00 |
How to mix a song: apply balance and pan | 3.00 |
How to mix a song: apply effects and automation | 1.00 |
How to mix a song: master bus processing and bouncing the mix | 2.00 |
Techniques in mastering audio | 2.00 |
How to mix a song: applying EQ for clarity and fullness | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Setting up a MIDI composition project template | 1.00 |
Programming drums and synth pads in the DAW | 3.00 |
Recording MIDI keyboard parts and real or software bass | 2.00 |
Editing and arranging a MIDI composition | 4.00 |
Apply post-production mixing in the DAW, intermediate to advanced techniques | 4.00 |
Mix a song: | 8.00 |
Recording a radio commercial | 6.00 |
Combine MIDI and audio recording techniques to create an original song in the DAW | 4.00 |
Create a digital portfolio | 4.00 |
Apply EQ for clarity and fullness | 3.00 |
Apply compression to control dynamics | 3.00 |
Apply effects for depth and creative sound design | 4.00 |
Create a podcast episode | 5.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Collaborative Group Work
- Demonstrations
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
Methods of Evaluation
- Quizzes
- Projects
- Practical Evaluations
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the Mix Online article about vintage audio compressors and summarize the key differences between vintage and modern compressors. Submit a 500-word essay to the assignment.
- Read an article on using reverb in a mix and create a 5-slide presentation sharing your findings for the class discussion.
Writing Assignments
- Research an electronic music or film composer and write a 3-page essay or create a presentation on the topics outlined in the assignment, including background, major projects, gear and software used and awards. Submit the essay to the discussion created for this assignment.
- Write 500-word essay describing the features of your DAW of choice, including signal flow, plugins and unique features, and share that essay with the class in the group discussion.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Download tracks provided by instructor and practice mixing. Share your results with the class by posting the mix bounce and screenshot of the mix window in the assignment.
- Follow the step-by-step directions to create a hip-hop trap beat in a DAW. Submit the bounce of the song with a description of your process in the assignment. Comment on the production elements of one other student's project.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Nahmani, D. (2021). Logic Pro X 10.5 - Apple Pro Training Series: Professional Music Production. Pearson, 1st. 9780137460243.
Frank D. Cook. (2021). Pro Tools Fundamentals I. Avid, 2021. 978-1-943446-83-4.
Minimum Qualifications
Commercial Music
Music (Masters Required)