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A mapping of assignments, lectures, and need-to-know material...
Basics: You know the basic classroom rules and expectations. In a nutshell, treat others as you would like to be treated and show respect for the gear. The one rule that we must adhere to at all times it NO FOOD. We will be using and brining in personal gear that can be easily damaged by food. If you have any type of fluid then it must be in a closed container...ALL SUGAR BASED BEVERAGES ARE BANNED.
When you write a paper you should use the following format, the only exception is that instead of using a Sans Serif font, use a Serif font such as Times New Roman. For your first assignment you do not need to use the writing format.
How to Write a Paper for this classImportant Information and papers:
How to Write a Paper for this class
Vocabulary
FYI: File Management
What is a Sound Spectrum?
What is a Decibel?
Sonic Mayhem
Mic SpecsLegal Downloads: You are only allowed to download music authoring software, recording tools, plug-in's, and interface tools. Simply put, you can download almost anything related to music once you get permission from the instructor, but music files and sheet music may not be downloaded/uploaded at any time. If you download/upload any mp3's, then chances are you are pirating the music. Accordingly, if you are caught pirating any music in this class then you will pay the consequences--you will be written-up, and kicked out of the class. The same holds for sheet music that has a copyright. Be smart.
Week of 5Jan09
Write a one page paper on each of the following pages:
What is a Sound Spectrum?
What is a Decibel?Classroom demonstration on sound. We listened to and compared a "good" recording versus one of "poor" quality. Defined the 'click,' burying the click,' square wave and normal sine wave. As we listened to the different sound frequencies and a pattern emerged: the old folks could not hear above 10KMHz, while the younger students could hear close to 17KHz-18KHz. At very low frequencies the younger folks complained of 'throbbing' pain, while the older two seemed to be able to hear lower frequencies without and adverse effects. 50KHz is the 'sound of the machine'...this is the ambient background noise that is found in technological societies. Personally, I really enjoyed the presentation and some excellent questions were asked. Thanks to Buzz for providing a great show.
Week of 12Jan09
The two papers on the following subjects are due on Monday:
What is a Sound Spectrum?
What is a Decibel?File Management Before anything can be done on the computers a very solid understanding of file management must be in place. We will be working with several different file types, and will be saving the files that we store in various locations. For this lesson students must:
Complete the questions on File Management Due at the end of Tuesday's class.
Know how to backup files on the server and be able to connect to the MS server via Mac OS X when requested to do such.
Each student will create a file structure on his/her workstation
Each student will create a back up folder on the server.Since we will be accessing clips, loops, etc., from the Web then all students must have a good understanding of using browsers. We have three to select from: Firefox, Opera, and Safari. Since Firefox has the greatest support for sound related plug-ins, then it is suggested that you use Firefox for downloading plug-ins. So, during this week you are to work through the Firefox Tutorial. Get to know it, and set it up. I would also recommend that you set-up one of the other browsers. By setting-up I mean that you should configure your browser so that it places music downloads into a folder named 'Music' that is contained within your 'Downloads' folder. You will have to create these folders, and define a path to them for downloading.
Week of 20Jan09
Summaries of the following two papers are due:
Sonic Mayhem
Mic SpecsRon Wesley lectured on sound, capturing sound, the properties of sound, etc.
Week of January 26, 2009
Every student will be required to install Audacity. Everyone will be required to complete the Audacity Tutorial PDF or Audacity Tutorial Power Point.
Audacity Tutorials
Links to external sites...will open new tab.
I. Basics
II. Editing for Beginners
III. Common Editing Tasks
IV. Effects for Beginners
V. Selecting and Aligning
How to Create Background Game Music Loops with Audacity In case you want to be daring.
January 27, 2009
Assignment:
Create a Song: Now is the time to start doing something that is creatively productive...the challenge is to record a song...any song...your song, or the Blues for Margaret theme. Regardless, every student will create a lick that consists of at least six tracks. You will not be graded on the 'quality' of the song, but on the 'quality' of the recording. This project is worth 200 points. You are encouraged to work together, but mixing of the piece must be done by you. If you really feel that you lack in musical talent, then you may want to get together with a group and each person within the group can use some instrument, you...the one who feels that he/she lacks talent...can use a drum pad. The point is that everybody is capable of doing something...you just don't know it. You may not move any musical material between computers...you must create the song on your own.
Guidelines:
1) Lay down a scratch/work track of the complete song from start to end with space for breaks. This work track is one track and will be removed from the final cut, but you must keep it for grading so be sure to back it up some where.
2) Add a lead voice or lead instrument track
3) Add a rhythm voice or rhythm instrument track
4) Add a percussion track
5) Add at least two more tracks of your choice
If you don't sing or play you then MUST find a partner who does...meaning two different songs by the both of you. But, you can use drum pads or MIDI to create your piece.
You must use Audacity. You may may import Garageband loops
This project is tentatively due at the end of class February 10, 2009It is worth 200 points: 100 for the work/scratch track, and 25 for each additional track.
This week you need to start working on your vocabulary. On Friday, we will have a demonstration on the physical properties/characteristics of sound. Some hi-tech software will be used as well as an oscilloscope. Must define the first 20 terms. Due next Monday.
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