WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
PROPOSAL FOR NEW COURSES
Department __Music_____________________Date_____10/3/03__
MUS 108______________________Audio Production I______________________3__
Course No.
Course Name
Credits
This proposal is for a(n)
Applies to: ___X__ Major
___X_ Required
_____ Elective
___X__ Undergraduate Course______ Graduate Course
______ Minor
_____ Required
_____ Elective
______ University Studies*
Prerequisites_____None____
Grading method ___X__ Grade only______ P/NC only______ Grade and P/NC Option
Frequency of offering ___every semester__
A.
Course Description
1. Catalog description.
This course is taught in Rochester at Rochester Community and Technical College
(RCTC). This course is the first of a two part "hands-on" introduction to contemporary
music recording technology. The student will learn basic terminology, theory and
practice of modern recording techniques. Students will also be introduced to, and taught
how to operate, analog and digital recording equipment housed in Studios B, C, and
Studio 127 (at RCTC). They will be given individual studio lab time for production
practice. Prerequisites: None.
2. Course outline of the major topics and subtopics
Topics to be covered include hands-on demonstration of software and hardware
contained in studios at RCTC. Theoretical and general recording concepts are discussed
through readings in Huber and Runstein.
Software programs demonstrated and utilized in this course includes:
Digital Performer Sequencer (Mark of the Unicorn);
BIAS Peak Digital Audio Editor (BIAS);
IMovie (Apple)
IDVD (Apple)
Toast CD-ROM creation (Adaptec).
Hardware demonstrated and utilized in this course includes:
Computer-based audio editing systems
24x8 Mixers
Sub-mixer systems,
Digitally Automated Mixing
Digital-Analog converters
Digital processors, compressors
Dynamic and condenser microphones
Headphone distribution amplifiers
Monitor speaker systems
CD and DVD burners.
3. Basic instructional plan and methods.
The majority of class time is spent covering material to be mastered in private studio lab
time. Class notes provide information on operation of the equipment for the assignments.
Four class projects will account for the majority of the final grade. The instructor will
describe projects in class.
4. Course requirements (papers, lab work, projects, etc.) and means of
evaluation.
There are three main activities that constitute the final grade: 1) Class Projects; 2)
quizzes; 3) class participation. This class is primarily a concepts and projects- oriented
class. There will be four projects completed by the student over the semester. The grade
will be based on the student’s demonstrated understanding of the use of the equipment
and techniques covered in class as well as content and creativity. Each of the four
projects will comprise 15% of the grade (total of 60%). Written quizzes will occur as
announced in class and will comprise 30% or the final grade. Class participation and
attendance will comprise 10% of the final grade.
Four Primary Projects:
Project One- Multi-track Sound File Collage.
Project One will be a short multi-track sound collage using at least four simultaneous
tracks in Digital Performer and BIAS Peak. The subject of the collage is completely up to
the student to arrange and produce. The instrumentation can include existing music from
CDs, sound effects, but must include spoken dialogue. The main emphasis of the project
is the fusing of creativity and the demonstrated understanding of Digital Performer, and
Peak audio software programs. The project shall incorporate the use of the digital effects
processors contained in the Digital Performer software. The completed project is to be
mixed down to both R-DAT and as an AIFF file using BIAS Peak. The file must also be
saved as a Streaming-QuickTime audio file.
Project Two- CD creation and Streaming Audio.
This project involves the creation of an individual CD-E (Enhanced CD-ROM) and a
streaming audio file similar in content to project one. The CD-E should have BOTH data
(the folder and files of the project) and the audio on the CD. This CD should then work as
both an audio CD and a CD-ROM data CD capable of use on both a Macintosh and
Window's based system. Use project One as a model and create another multi-track file
saved in both of the two above mentioned formats.
Project Three- Movie Soundtrack Audio Mix.
This project will combine the skill used in projects one and two into a soundtrack for a
provided QuickTime movie (student may use personal movie of equal length if desired).
A multi-track sound bed and a vocal bed are to be included. A vocal dub, mixdown, and
edited audio tracks of the student’s choice are be incorporated into this "business video"
creation. The final format will be a QuickTime video with an embedded stereo audio
track. This project will be loaded to the web for streaming (on-demand) video.
Final Project- A multi-track live audio mix.
This project will feature the recording of two or more simultaneous audio input tracks of
the student’s choice (guitar/voice, piano/cello, etc.). The student is to act as producer and
audio engineer for this project. The final medium for the project will be both a CD-E and
streaming QuickTime audio. Mic selection and placement, mixdown, processor use,
compressor use, and overall creativity and musicality will all come into play on this
project.
5. Course materials
Text & Supplies:
Modern Recording Techniques.. Huber & Runstein, 5th ed.
Zip Disk(s) for storage of projects (100MB)
Recordable (blank) CD’s (at least 2)
R-DAT tape for use in DAT Recorder
Optional (as many as needed)
Cassette tape (90 minute, CrO2 High Bias tapes) (not Required)
6. List of references.
Reference material will consist of portions of manuals for software and hardware,
handouts on lab procedures and pertinent articles from internet sources.
Internet references will be collected from professional organizations such as: Audio
Engineering Society (AES), Mix Magazine, EQ Magazine, Keyboard Magazine,
Electronic Musician Magazine, Audio-Online, and others.
B.
Rationale
1. Statement of the major focus and objectives of the course.
The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with the tools available to
them in the modern recording studio. It is hoped that the student will then be able to
incorporate these tools into creative musical expression.
2. Specify how this new course contributes to the departmental curriculum.
This course is in response to a growing number of students - particularly in our Music
Business curriculum - who have requested experience in the recording studio and live
recording. A continuation of more in-depth study in Digital Audio (Audio Production II)
makes this an ideal opportunity for our students. With the addition of this course,
students in the Music Business curriculum will now be required to take two classes at the
Rochester (RCTC) campus - Electronic Music I (MUS 107) and Audio Production I
MUS 108). In addition, they will be offered Electronic Music II (MUS 207) and Audio
Production II (MUS 208) as electives.
3. Indicate any course(s) which may be dropped if this course is approved.
No courses will be dropped.
C. Impact of this Course on other Departments, Programs, Majors, or Minors
None.
Department Contact Person for this Proposal:
R. Richard MacDonald
Name (please print)
X5259
Phone
rmacdonald@winona.edu
e-mail address
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
FINANCIAL AND STAFFING DATA SHEET
Course or Program__ MUS 108 - Audio Production I__
1. Would this course or program be taught with existing staff or with new or additional
staff? If this course would be taught by adjunct faculty, include a rationale.
This course is already offered in Rochester as MUSC 1621, Sec. 91. It is taught by Dr.
Kevin Dobbe, who is employed full-time on the RCTC campus in their Digital Arts and
Music program. Dr. Dobbe offers space to WSU students each semester. Dr. Richard
MacDonald will be listed as instructor of record with the WSU Registrar.
2. What impact would approval of this course/program have on current course
offerings? Please discuss number of sections of current offerings, dropping of courses,
etc.
This course will have little impact on existing courses. Taught at RCTC, this course
offers expertise and facilities that we do not have. It allows us to supplement our
program with quality instruction and state-of-the-art facilities.
3. What effect would approval of this course/program have on the department supplies?
Include data to support expenditures for staffing, equipment, supplies, instructional
resources, etc.
None.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
APPROVAL FORM
Course or Program__________________________________
Department Recommendation
_________________________________
________________
____________________________________________
Department Chair
Date
Dean’s Recommendation
_____ Approved
_________________________________
Dean of College
e-mail address
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
A2C2 Recommendation
_____ Approved
_____ Disapproved
For:
_____ Major
_____ Minor
_________________________________
________________
Chair of A2C2
Date
Graduate Council Recommendation
(if applicable)
_____ Approved
_________________________________
Chair of Graduate Council
________________
Date
_________________________________
Director of Graduate Studies
Date
________________
Faculty Senate Recommendation _____ Approved
_________________________________
President of Faculty Senate
________________
Date
_____ Disapproved
_____ Disapproved
Academic Vice President Recommendation
________________________________
Academic Vice President
Decision of President_____ Approved
_________________________________
President
_____ Approved
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
Please forward to Registrar.
Registrar
_________________ Please notify department chair via e-mail that curricular change
has been recorded.
Date entered