Center of Excellence Media Arts & Technology
Audio Recording Technology
MUSC 1331 – MIDI I
CRN 71832 - Fall 2015
Central Campus – Fine Arts Building Room 305 | 7:00 - 10:00 pm | Tues/Thurs
2 hour lecture, 4 hour lab course / 96 hours per semester/ 12 weeks
Instructor: Dr. Scott Gehman
Instructor Contact Information: 713-718-2354; scott.gehman@hccs.edu
Office location and hours: Fine Arts Center room 305, Noon – 3PM Tues/Thus
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in
this course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking
for my assistance. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am
available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics. Feel free to come by
my office anytime during these hours.
Course Description
MUSC 1331 This course will provide an overview of the Musical Instrument Digital
Interface (MIDI) system and applications. Topics include the history and evolution of
MIDI, hardware requirements, computer numbering systems, channels and modes, the
MIDI language and typical implementation of MIDI applications in the studio
environment using software based sequencing programs.
Prerequisites: None
Course Goal
Have students understand and apply concepts and techniques of MIDI implementation
in a modern recording studio.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
1.Identify and define terminology associated with the synthesis of sound,. MIDI,
sequencing programs and Macintosh computers
2. Demonstrate proper use of terminology associated with the synthesis of
sound, MIDI, sequencing programs and Macintosh computers
3. List and define the properties of a sound
MUSC 1331 – page 2
4. Define the relationship between pitch and frequency
5. Define the relationship between timbre and waveform
6. List and describe the common building blocks used in the synthesis of sound
(VCA, DCA, VCO, DCO, LFO, wavetable, etc.)
7. Demonstrate an ability to use and program the general sections of a modern
digital synthesizer (global functions, performance functions, multi-timbral
functions, controller functions.)
8. List and describe common methods to synthesize sound
9. Compare and contrast common methods used to synthesize sound
10. List and describe methods used to modify synthesized sounds
11. Describe monophonic, polyphonic and multi-timbral sound synthesis
12. List and describe common features found on sound synthesizers
13. List and describe MIDI events
14. Describe and identify MIDI ports, signal flow and connections
15. Demonstrate the ability to create and modify a sequence file template with
appropriate tracks, track assignments and transport track and edit windows
16. Demonstrate the ability to record and modify MIDI events using a computer
sequencer program
17. Demonstrate the ability to play back and rearrange MIDI information record to
a computer sequence program
18. Demonstrate the ability to record, edit, save and transmit system exclusive
data used by a MIDI synthesizer
19. Demonstrate the proper connections of MIDI devices using “IN”, “OUT”, and
“THRU” ports and MIDI cables
20. Demonstrate the proper use of MIDI channels
21. Demonstrate an ability to detect and describe the relative pitch, partial
content and envelope of a sound
22. Demonstrate an ability to detect and describe modifiers being used in the
synthesis of sound
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards
The following workplace competencies and foundation skills have been designed into
this courses curriculum:
· Participate as a team member
· Works with diversity
· Selects technology
· Reading
MUSC 1331 – page 3
16 WEEK CALENDAR*
WEEK 1 Survey, Lab Usage Agreement. Intro, Syllabus, Expectations, Learning
Web, Active Listening, Listening Assignment, What is MIDI
Intro to MIDI
workstation. Intro to DP.
Mac Basics.
WEEK 2 USB, Getting Started, Recording with DP, JUNO D Sounds Lab 1. Read
Text Chapter 1, answer review questions.
WEEK 3
Music Basics, Reading Ch. 2 p25-28, DP Part 2, Drum Lab 2, Rhythm Grid,
Click Track, Quantize, Copy/Paste, Repeat, Patch Changes WEEK 4 DP 2a 2 Bar, Overdub, Drum Window, Tools. Position Bar,
Overdub/Memory Cycle Toast Titanium
JV 1010 Sounds Lab 3
WEEK 5
Using DP 3 Auto Record, Mixer View, Markers, Control Change Volume,
Pan General MIDI, Standard MIDI Files
WEEK 6 JV 1010 Lab 4
WEEK 7 Mid Term Project Auto Lab 5. Mid Term Exam
WEEK 8 Intro to Logic, setting up project, loops, , introduce Logic soft synths,
recording MIDI, tempo, basic editing, Piano Roll, Logic Loops Lab 6.
WEEK 9
Transposing Loops, Reassign MIDI instruments to loops. Mixer. Keys, Time
Signature. Event List. Quantize. Assign Logic Lab 7
WEEK 10
Assign UltraBeat Lab 8, ESX Sampler, Markers. Master Fader, Bounce to Disc.
Effects, Plugins, Automation, Open Lab Time.
WEEK 11
Open Lab Time. Turn in Lab 8
WEEK 12
Final Exam
* calendar is subject to change
Instructional Methods
MUSC 1331 is a required course for all audio recording majors.
As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my responsibility
to provide you with knowledge concerning the field of education, modeling good
teaching strategies, and organizing and monitoring the field experience that allows you
to connect the information that you learn in this course to the real world of education.
As a student wanting to learn about the field of audio recording, it is your responsibility
to read the textbook, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams,
participate in classroom activities, attend class, and enjoy yourself while experiencing
the real world of education.
MUSC 1331 – page 4
As I believe that engaging the students in the learning is essential for teaching to be
effective, you will spend the majority of class time involved in collaborative activities.
You will be involved in discussions with your classmates and your instructor. As you will
want to contribute to these discussions, you will need to come to class prepared to
discuss, analyze and evaluate information from your text and other assigned readings.
Student Assignments
Students will be required to complete the following assignments during the semester:
Student Survey
Mac OS X Lab
Listening Assignment
Juno Sounds
Reading Review Questions Chapter 1
Drum Lab
JV1010 Sounds /JV1010 Lab
Mid Term Project
Logic Loops Lab
Logic Lab 1
Logic Lab 2
Assessments
Labs: 30%
Quizzes: 10%
Midterm: 15%
Final Exam: 15%
Major Projects: 30%
Instructional Materials:
1. Pocket USB Drive (4GB minimum)
2. MIDI Power! by Robert Guerin ISBN 978-1598630848
3. CD-Rs for data backup and Audio CDs
4. Jewel cases or paper sleeves for CD-Rs
5. Permanent marker (for labeling CDs)
6. Notebook for notes
7. Stereo Headphones with 1⁄4” and 1/8” plugs
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student
grades are to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions,
and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make
up
MUSC 1331 – page 5


Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of
any special projects or assignments
Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Bloom’s Taxonomy Analysis, Educational Philosophy Paper, Midterm Exam,
Final Exam, Field Study
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all
assignments
 Complete the field study with a 70% passing score
Program/Discipline Requirements
The Field Study is a discipline requirement of MUSC 1331. The field study is essential
in your deciding if education is the right career path for you. The field study also
reinforces what you are learning in class by connecting theory to the real world of
education. This assignment is very important and as such, it must be completed with
70% of possible points or you will not receive a passing grade in this class.
HCC Grading Scale
A = 100 – 90;……………………………………4 points per semester hour
B = 89 – 80: …………………………………….3 points per semester hour
C = 79 – 70: …………………………………….2 points per semester hour
D = 69 – 60: …………………………………….1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F………………………………..0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) …………………………………0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn)……………………………………0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)…………………………………… 0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit) …………………………………… 0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must reenroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing
education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade
points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades “IP,” “COM” and
“I” do not affect GPA.
Grading Criteria
Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to
determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery
of course content and skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering
the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for
each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able
to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your performance.
MUSC 1331 – page 6
Grading Percentages
Analysis of Bloom’s Taxonomy
Philosophy of Education Paper
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Field Study
20% of your final grade
20% of your final grade
15% of your final grade
15% of your final grade
30% of your final grade
Instructional Materials
TEXT: Sadker, M.P. & Sakder, D.M. (2008). Teachers, Schools, and Society (8th ed.).
Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
HCC Policy Statements
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site:
http://central.hccs.edu/students/student-handbook/
Access DE Policies on their Web site:
All students are responsible for reading and understanding the DE Student Handbook,
which contains policies, information about conduct, and other important information. For
the DE Student Handbook click on the link below or go to the DE page on the HCC
website.
The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures unique
to the DE student. Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of the
mandatory orientation. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with the handbook's
contents. The handbook contains valuable information, answers, and resources, such
as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance requirements, etc.),
student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.), course information, testing
procedures, technical support, and academic calendars. Refer to the DE Student
Handbook by visiting this link:
http://de.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/distance-education/studentservices/DE-Student-Handbook.pdf
Access CE Policies on their Web site:
http://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/