Course Outline for Music Recording Technology 20
Introduction to Music Technology

Effective: Fall 2021
SLO Rev: 12/09/2016
Catalog Description:

MURT 20 - Introduction to Music Technology

3.00 Units

Fundamentals of digital audio manipulation, recording and production within industry-standard digital audio workstation software. Focus on essential functionality and technical proficiency within audio platforms such as Avid ProTools and Ableton LIVE. Introduction to MIDI sequencing, digital signal processing and audio editing.
1005.00 - Commercial Music*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. analyze, describe and demonstrate the fundamental processes and techniques used in working with industry-standard Digital Audio Workstation software;
  2. define and utilize essential vocabulary used in working with industry-standard Digital Audio Workstation software;
  3. analyze, describe and demonstrate the recording, production and compositional techniques utilized by artists creating music with industry-standard Digital Audio Workstation software;
  4. acquire and demonstrate professional behaviors required in the music industry.
Course Content:

Lecture (Content):

  1. Fundamental knowledge in audio recording DAW's (such as AVID ProTools)
    1. Essentials of track types
    2. Editing tools
    3. Fundamentals of the virtual mixing window
    4. Fundamentals of reverb, delay, eq and dynamics processing
    5. MIDI tracks and basic sequencing
    6. Fundamentals of automation
  2. Fundamental knowledge in Audio Production/Sequencing DAW's (such as Ableton LIVE
    1. MIDI sequencing basics
      1. MIDI instruments, controllers and interfaces
      2. Basic MIDI vocabulary & editing
      3. Fundamentals of MIDI quantization
    2. Fundamentals of the virtual mix window
    3. Creative uses of Digital Signal Processing
    4. Using samples
  3. Fundamental knowledge in the professional audio industry
    1. Fundamentals of digital vs analog audio
      1. Sample/Bit rates
      2. Audio file types
    2. Essentials of professional roles within the commercial music industry
    3. Fundamentals of critical listening and critique

Lab (Content):

  1. Fundamental skills in audio recording DAW's (such as AVID ProTools)
    1. Basic transport controls
    2. Recording audio with a simple interface
    3. Fundamentals of the virtual mixing window
    4. DSP plug-ins and inserts
    5. Bus sends and aux inputs
    6. Getting audio into and out of the DAW
    7. MIDI tracks and basic sequencing
    8. Fundamentals of automation
  2. Fundamental skills in Audio Production/Sequencing DAW's (such as Ableton LIVE)
    1. MIDI sequencing basics
      1. Getting MIDI into and out of the DAW
      2. Assigning MIDI to a software instrument
      3. Fundamentals of MIDI quantization
      4. MIDI troubleshooting
    2. Drum programming
    3. Composing with loops
    4. Creative uses of Digital Signal Processing
    5. Using samples
    6. Getting audio into and out of the DAW
  3. Fundamental skills in the professional audio industry
    1. Familiarity with basic types of industry-standard hardware and software
    2. Professional behaviors
      1. Dependabilty
      2. Time management
      3. Work ethic
    3. Fundamentals of critical listening and critique

 

Methods of Instruction:
  1. Verbal explanation and demonstration.
  2. Demonstration/Exercise
  3. Practice/Demonstration
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Laboratory exercises
  6. One-on-one coaching
  7. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Create or edit a session in ProTools demonstrating several fundamental technical skills.
  2. Record and edit audio from a single audio source using a typical audio interface.
  3. Program a drum groove in a drum editor/sequencer in different musical styles.
  4. Create an original work of audio art in Ableton LIVE using a combination of samples, sequenced MIDI instruments and loops.
  5. Collaborate with other students on a group audio project
  6. Take a written quiz over essential digital audio terminology and procedures.
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Group Projects
  3. Laboratory exercises
  4. Demonstration of practice and skills
  5. Critique
  6. Final Examination or Project
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Assess characteristics of various microphones and evaluate microphone technique strategies.
  2. Construct a multitrack session.
  3. Demonstrate an appropriate implementation of basic techniques of audio signal flow through analog and digital signal chains.
  4. Develop a critical ear for aspects of individual tracks in a recording session.
  5. Explain the basic principles of acoustics and sound, including analog to digital audio conversion.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Cook, Frank D. (2018). ProTools 101 Cengage.
  1. Lynda.com online instructional videos, such as "Ableton LIVE 10 Essential Training" or "ProTools Essential Training" or "Programming Drum Beats in Ableton Live"..
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Fundamentals of digital audio manipulation, recording and production within industry-standard digital audio workstation software. Introduction to MIDI sequencing, digital signal processing and audio editing.