Syllabus: MU 1104—Introduction to Music Technology
Fall 2009
Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 – 9:50 am
Butler Music Center room 208 (Music Technology Lab)
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. David B. Wetzel
Email: dwetzel@mansfield.edu
Phone: (570) 662-4728
Office: Butler G7
Office hours: TBA
Course Web Site: http://blackboard.mansfield.edu
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: none
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to music technology for recording, music production, and sound
reinforcement. The main focus will be on recording, editing, and mixing with digital audio workstation
(DAW) software. Students will gain hands-on experience with microphones, audio & MIDI interfaces,
digital audio editing, and software-based synthesis.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
Record concerts using basic recording equipment
Edit & mix music using a Pro Tools Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Create musical projects using sequencing and synthesis software
Work with imported media (MIDI and Audio)
Export projects to standard media formats
Assist with sound reinforcement setup and engineering for live concerts in small venues
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Textbook and materials
Required: Digidesign and Frank D. Cook. Pro Tools 101: Version 8 Official Courseware.
Boston: Course Technology, 2009. ISBN 1-59863-424-0 (paper)
Required: Middleton, Paul & Steven Gurevitz. Music Technology Workbook: Key Concepts and
Practical Projects. Oxford, UK: Focal Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-240-51970-8 (paper)
Recommended: Davis, Gary & Ralph Jones. Sound Reinforcement Handbook. Buena Park, CA:
Yamaha Corporation of America, 1989. ISBN 0-88188-900-8 (paper)
Reading assignments will be drawn from many sources, including the required textbook,
technical manuals, and Internet resources. Supplemental reading assignments will be available through
online reserve and in printed form (either as a class handout or as found in the studio user manuals).
Students are responsible for backing up and maintaining copies of their work. There is no
guarantee that project files will be stored on the lab computers. Therefore, it is recommended that
students purchase backup media (CD-RW or USB drives) to save their work. Each student is enrolled in
the course web site on Blackboard (blackboard.mansfield.edu) and will be required to log in regularly to
access assignment instructions and reading materials, submit homework, and complete exams. Reliable
Internet access outside of regular class meeting times is therefore required.
Facilities
The Music Production Lab currently houses seventeen computer music workstations each
consisting of an Apple iMac computer (Intel Core Duo processors), Digidesign MBox 2 audio/MIDI
Syllabus: MU 1104 – Introduction to Music Technology
interfaces, and a Korg X5D MIDI keyboard synthesizer. The available software for music synthesis,
production, and programming includes Pro Tools LE, Digital Performer, Peak Pro, Reason,
Max/MSP/Jitter, Sibelius, and Finale. All have been updated to the latest versions as of summer 2009.
Windows XP software is available (Microsoft Office, printing, etc) via Windows emulator software.
Time Commitment
Students will be expected to spend time each week preparing for class and completing
assignments. Studio time will be available for project work. Reading assignments must be completed
before class. Students are expected to complete lab exercises, including individual and group tasks,
during scheduled class periods if at all possible. Hands-on projects may require significant time in the
lab outside of class.
Attendance
It is imperative that all students come to class. Absences will be considered in the grading
process. To be excused from class, a student must satisfy the requirements for an excused absence as
outlined in current university policy, or must obtain special approval from the instructor. Students who
miss class for any reason will be responsible for obtaining information covered in missed lectures and for
completing any make-up work on their own time.
Exceptionalities
Any students with documented psychological or learning disorders or other significant medical
conditions that may affect their learning should work through Mr. William Chabala in our Counseling
Center (662-4798; wchabala@mnsfld.edu) to provide me with the appropriate letter so that I may serve
their particular needs more effectively. If you have an exceptionality that requires class or testing
accommodations, Mr. Chabala will work with us to identify and implement appropriate interventions.
Evaluation and Grading
Grades will be based on participation in lab exercises, the completion of four hands-on projects,
and a final portfolio presentation.
Professionalism counts—conduct towards others and apparent studio/academic ethics will be a
factor in determining grades. Lack of attendance will negatively affect final grades, regardless of the
quality of the work turned in. Acts of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will likewise have
severe consequences for final grades and may incur additional sanctions under university policies.
Grading is always somewhat subjective. Clear assignment instructions and grading rubrics will
be posted on Blackboard so that you have a clear understanding of the expectations. However, simply
following the instructions will not always guarantee top marks. Projects and exam essays will be
evaluated according to the following general guidelines:
Letter
%
A
95 – 100%
A90 – 95%
B+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
87 – 90%
84 – 87%
80 – 84%
77 – 80%
74 – 77%
70 – 74%
67 – 70%
64 – 67%
60 – 64%
< 60%
GP
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7
0.0
Criteria
Exceptional. Goes beyond merely fulfilling the assignment to stand on
its own as quality work. Good use of sources and available materials
(properly cited when appropriate).
Good. Fulfills the assignment instructions. Demonstrates competence and
a basic understanding of the material. Work that is fundamentally on the
right track but needs more polish or editing in order to be exceptional.
Fair. Demonstrates a less-than-firm grasp of the material or minimal
effort. Some missing elements or multiple technical, grammatical, or
spelling errors. Minimal use of sources or inappropriate citations.
Poor. Demonstrates a serious lack of effort or understanding of the
materials. Multiple errors, missing elements, or failure to follow
assignment instructions.
Failing. Missing, incomplete, plagiarized, clueless or incoherent.
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Syllabus: MU 1104 – Introduction to Music Technology
The starting point for determining final grades is based on scores given for all course
assignments. Assignments are weighted accordingly:
Assignment
Lab Exercises/Participation
Studio Project 1 (Pro Tools)
Studio Project 2 (Digital Performer)
Studio Project 3 (Reason)
Studio Project 4 (Student’s Choice)
Final Presentation
Weight
10%
20%
20%
20%
20%
10%
Once a base grade is determined, considering all completed work, the final grade may be
adjusted at the instructor’s discretion in consideration of certain factors listed below.
Circumstances
Outstanding/Poor class participation:
Attendance:
Acts of academic dishonesty or
grossly unprofessional conduct:
Consequences
+/- 1-half letter grade
Reduction in letter grade for unexcused absences:
2 unexcused absences
- 1 letter
3 unexcused absences
- 2 letters
4+ unexcused absences
Fail the course
Determined according to the instructor’s discretion
and/or university policies regarding student conduct
TOPICAL OUTLINE
The only constant is change. The lab has been completely overhauled in the last two years to
keep up with recent changes in the field. This course is still new; as are the tools we will use this
semester. The following is an initial best estimate of how things will go. This schedule is subject to
change at the instructor’s discretion as necessary. Additional reading assignments may be required.
Week 1, September 1 & 3 - Getting started
Week 7, October 13 & 15 - PT 101: Finishing
Course overview, tour of facilities
Finishing Your Work
Recording in Steadman
Turn in completed Project 1
Week 2, September 8 & 10 - Sound
Week 8, October 22 (Thu after MT break) Reinforcement, pt 1/Lab Software Overview
Notation software
Basic sound reinforcement in Steadman
Getting Started in Finale
Week 9, October 27 & 29 - MIDI & MIDI
Overview of Lab software: Finale, Reason,
sequencing
DP, Pro Tools
Getting Started in Digital Performer
Week 3, September 15 & 17 - PT 101: Getting
Started
Week 10, November 3 & 5 - MIDI sequencing
Basic Audio theory
MIDI orchestration & General MIDI
Week 12, November 17 – (11/19 Thanksgiving
Pro Tools Session basics
Break) - Mixing project 2
Week 4, September 22 & 24 - PT 101: Working
Week 13, November 24 & 26 - Reason
with MIDI
Getting Started with Reason
Import & edit MIDI files
Week 14, December 1 & 3 - Reason, Continued
Add Virtual Instruments
Complete project 3 (Reason)
Week 5, September 29 & October 1 - PT 101:
Week 15, December 8-10 – Live Sound, pt 2
Working with Audio
Live Sound Presentation
Audio file types
Turn in Project 4: Student’s Choice
Import/edit Audio files
Final Exam, December 15
Week 6, October 6 & 8 - PT 101: Mixing in PT
Student portfolio presentations
EQ, Reverb, and other effects
Mixing in PT
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