Course Outline for Music Recording Technology 22B
Electronic Music II

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

MURT 22B - Electronic Music II

3.00 Units

This advanced course builds upon the knowledge and technical skills developed in MUSA 22A Electronic Music I. The integration of MIDI and digital audio recording environments will be studied as well as advanced electronic music production. Projects will include audio for film and video, theatrical productions, video games, advertisements, sound effects and sound installations.
Prerequisite: MURT 22A.
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. develop and create music and audio for visual media;
  2. create sound effects and incidental music for theatrical productions;
  3. compose complex, multichannel works of electronic music;
  4. create music for the specific needs of industry collaborators;
  5. incorporate advanced electronic music production techniques towards multiple outcomes.
  6. create, arrange and produce advanced recorded music projects utilizing a digital audio workstation that is MIDI capable;
  7. demonstrate professional behaviors required in the music industry.
Course Content:
  1. Composition and production of music for visual media using the digital audio/MIDI workstation
    1. Digital audio and MIDI sequencing
    2. Importing audio
    3. Resizing audio
    4. File management
  2. Audio/video sync
    1. Setting tempo
    2. Sample editor: hitpoints
    3. Fades
    4. Stacked recording
    5. Sample edit functions
    6. Audio mixdown
    7. Freeze
    8. ReClock
    9. Equalization (EQ)
  3. Composing for film
    1. Foley design and recording
  4. Soundscape design
  5. Audio plug-ins
    1. Online/offline plug-ins
    2. Audio channel window
    3. Mixer window: inserts and sends
    4. Plug-in automation
  6. Software sampler
    1. Sampling
    2. Synthesis
    3. Custom patches
    4. File management
    5. Low frequency oscillator (LFO) assignment
    6. Modulation wheel
    1. Advanced signal processing
  7. Collaboration in the professional setting
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Guest Lecturer
  2. In-lab small group and individual instruction
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Distance Education
  5. Multimedia presentations
  6. Performance and discussion of group and individual projects
  7. Reading assignments, handouts, and homework
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on audio/video sync and discuss.
  2. Compose incidental music for an on-campus production
  3. Compose a 60-second background loop for a video game.
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Performance and critique of group projects
  3. Performance and critique of individual projects
  4. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Analyze the layers of a multi-track electronic music piece.
  2. Properly wire MIDI instruments, computers, and digital interfaces.
  3. Recognize and operate basic electronic music instruments.
  4. Students will demonstrate advanced aptitude in the art of digital audio recording.
  5. Understand and implement the essential components of MIDI sequencing software.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Margulies, Jon (2018). Ableton LIVE 10 Power (1st). Cengage.
  1. Lynda.com online instructional videos, such as "Ableton LIVE 9 Essential Training" or "ProTools 12 Essential Training" or "Programming Drum Beats in Ableton Live"..
  • Portable hardrive
  • Analog sound-making object materials
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
The integration of MIDI and digital audio recording environments will be studied as well as the development of advanced post production skills needed for employment in the music recording industry.
Prerequisite: MURT 22A.