MUSM 433/533 - ELECTRONIC SOUND

Fall 2009, M 6:00 - 9:00

MC B31/PAC 158/PAC 159/KVAC 105

Professor: Dr. Scott L. Miller (PAC 222; 308-3291; slmiller@stcloudstate.edu)
Credit Hours: 3 cr
Attendance: Critical, but not monitored
Office hours

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This is one of two courses that provide a foundation in electroacoustic music. Electronic Sound is primarily concerned with electroacoustic music in fixed media formats, and the purpose is to introduce the student to a broad sampling of the rich history and literature of electroacoustic music, to introduce the principles of electronic music creation (analog and digital), and provide a hands on introduction to the use and applications of a desktop music studio in the creation of fixed media electroacoustic works. This course will prepare the serious student both intellectually and technically to proceed knowledgeably in the creation of electroacoustic music.

TEXT and MATERIALS

There is no required text. OHM Early Gurus of Electronic Music CD collection is required. Electric Sound: Past and Promise by Joel Chadabe is recommended. Required reading and listening material is on eReserve via LRTS and supplementary reading and listening will be assigned during the semester. A study guide is provided with topics, terms, a list of related listenings, and an electronic music time line. The student is responsible for all information addressed in class, in readings, and the listenings. The student must provide headphones to use the computers without monitors. The student must also provide appropriate material for backing up and archiving their work.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly assignments will involve readings, listening assignments, analyses of listening assignments and creative projects. Graduate students will have additional expectations in these areas. Listening assignments will be drawn from the OHM Early Gurus of Electronic Music CD collection. Reading materials are available via the MUSM 433/533 Course Folder. Assignments will either be handed in or put in the Assignment Drop Box in the MUSM 433/533 Course Folder.

Due Dates and Times for some projects are outside of class meeting times.

CREATIVE PROJECTS

There will be five small creative projects and a final creative project during the semester which address different aspects of creating electroacoustic music and sound art. The final creative project will be presented as part of the Student New Media show, date and time TBA. Creative projects will be completed using the facilities in the KVAC and PAC computer labs, although students with access to their own equipment or other facilities may do their work elsewhere. Students are responsible for knowing how to properly use the facilities and software demonstrated in class.

LISTENING EXAMS/AURAL ANALYSES

There will be listening exams administered the same dates as the written exams. These exams will involve the correct identification of assigned listenings and associated historical/stylistic/technical information. An aural analysis procedure is included in the study guide.

WRITTEN EXAMS

There will be three written and listening exams on the historical material covered, principles examined, and literature listened to.

IMPORTANT DATES subject to change

Sep 21 – Project 1 Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Sep 28 – Written exam 1/Listening exam 1

Oct 05 – Project 2 Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Oct 05 – First Mondays Headphone Concert (5 PM Ruth Gant Recital Hall)

Oct 19 – Project 3 Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Nov 02 – Written exam 2/Listening exam 2

Nov 09 – Project 4 Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Nov 23 – Project 5 Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Dec 07 – Final Project First Draft Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Dec 14 – Final Project Due (4 PM in Assignment Drop Box)

Dec 14 – Written exam 3/Listening exam 3

COURSE GRADE

Undergraduate student's grade will be calculated based on the listening exams/aural analyses (25%), five small creative projects (25%), written exams (25%) and the final creative project (25%). Graduate student's grade will be calculated based on the graduate student assignments (20%), listening exams/aural analyses (20%), four small creative projects (20%), written exams (20%) and the final creative project (20%).

[ SLMILLER HOMEPAGE | ELECTRONIC SOUND TIME LINE ]

slmiller@stcloudstate.edu

© 2009 Scott L. Miller