Getting to Know Soundtrap/Garageband/Digital Music Composition & Editing
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
- Soundtrap/Garageband Quickstart
- Song Form
- Composition 1: 12 Measures
- Composition 2: 36 Measures
- Song Critique
Recording with Soundtrap/Garageband
- USB Microphones
- Recording Vocal Tracks
- My Favorite Things Podcast
MIDI, Digital Signal Processing & Electronic Music History
- Using DSP Plug-ins
- Creating a Journal
- DSP Re-Mix
- Musique Concrete/Remix the Rails
- John Cage, Louis & Bebe Barron, The Beatles
- Working with MIDI: Entering Notes, Recording, Editing
- MIDI Drum Composition
- MDI Fusion
- The Five Components of Sound Design
- Historical Examples of Sound Design
- Sound Effects Story
- 30 Second Radio Commercial
- Creating Sound for Animation
- Temp Tracks
- Creating Sound Design for a Commercial
- Creating Sound Design for a Movie Trailer
Music Technology I Course Syllabus
Teacher: Fred Trumpy
Web Site: www.bernardsband.org
Google Classroom Code:
Course Description: (2.5 Credits)
This semester-long course will introduce students to the theory and fundamentals of using software and hardware tools for producing music (including digital music editing, multi-track recording, MIDI note entry, signal processing plugins, computer music notation software, sound design, electronic music history and microphone technique). The class will stress application and creative content, using a series of project-based learning activities which includes student exposure to performing with electronic instruments and vocal recording, multi-track recording (both MIDI sequencing and live instruments), music arranging, and music history.
This course is a hands-on, applied class delivering to class members an experience with digital music and video editing/recording software applications: iTunes (for playback and burning), Soundtrap/GarageBand ( Digital Audio Editing Workstation) and Final Cut Pro and iMovie (Video Editing). These programs represent a large portion of the types of things musicians are doing with music technology at this time and span in sophistication from entry-level to professional. Although there will be some flexibility to work ahead, this course can only cover beginning to intermediate types of operations.
Most of the coursework will be applied, but some theory will be presented in order to explain some of the terms and operations in which we engage.
Points are assigned to each course activity. Student grades will be calculated by dividing the total points possible by the total points awarded. There will also be a “Time on Task” grade.
- Course Activities (class activities and larger projects). Most assignments will be completed in class, but some may or may not require extra time in the lab.
- Time on Task (how I believe you are using your time in the pursuit of course objectives in class).
Late Project Policy: If you are absent, the normal district policy prevails for turning in assignments (or making up quizzes, tests). Once per marking period I will allow you to turn in a project late if you share with me a good reason (it is up to you to see me to make this arrangement). Otherwise, students receive no credit for projects turned in late. I do recommend completing and submitting assignments even when they are late so you may benefit from instructor feedback.
A cumulative final grade will be calculated by averaging grades for the two quarters (no final exam).
I trust students will engage in class activities with a serious effort toward accomplishing the goals of the course. I will try to be observant and responsive to students and may make adjustments when necessary.
Please be prompt and in your seat on time.
Course Structure and Procedure:
Each new unit will begin with a presentation of concepts, demonstrations, examples, tutorials and explanation/demo of project assignment.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define and describe a digital audio workstation. “Trouble-shoot” workstation, identify specific connections and successfully connect all parts of a workstation.
- Describe the features of audio editing software.
- Exhibit a basic knowledge of song form by composing an organized song in Garageband using various musical forms.
- Exhibit fluency while using Garageband & Final Cut Pro
- Define MIDI and understand the differences between MIDI and audio files.
- Compose and record a Song using MIDI and audio files.
- Execute editing skills to create a new arrangement of a song.
- Define and effectively utilize various FX Plug-ins.
- Create a Musique Concrete composition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of sound design.
- Create an original sound design for a commercial
- Integrate all skills developed for the purpose of creating sound design for a movie trailer including ADR, sound effects, Foley, music and ambient sound.
Grading Criteria: Students will be assessed in the following manner:
- Completion of all class projects: 60%
- Time on Task: 40%