MUSM
434 – DIGITAL SOUND, SYNTHESIS, AND COMPOSITION
Spring 2009 M 6:00 - 9:00
Professor:
Dr. Scott L. Miller (PAC 222; 308-3291; slmiller@stcloudstate.edu)
Credit
Hours: 3 cr.
Attendance:
Critical, but not monitored
MATERIALS
Students
must provide appropriate digital media (e.g. CD-Rs,
DVDs, portable storage devices) for sampling, archiving and presenting their
work. Readings will be available via SCSU Coursefolders
and Web links. Some listening assignments will be available via SCSU eReserves.
Students must purchase
the OHM Early Gurus of Electronic Music CD set. Listening and analysis
assignments will require regular use of these recordings.
A study guide is
provided. The use of this study guide is critical to success in the course. The
software and hardware we will be using during the semester is available in
several labs on campus, including MC B31, KVAC 105A, PAC 158, and PAC 159.
Students may purchase and use their own copies of software (Reaktor
and Pro Tools), but they will not be excused from any assignment or portion of
the course because of failure of software not supported by university
technicians nor the use of software not addressed during the course.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
The
student will:
·
become
familiar with the principles of acoustics
·
become
familiar with the history and literature of electroacoustic
music, particularly as it pertains to music employing synthesized sound
·
develop
skills digitally synthesizing sound, including classic AM, ring-modulated AM,
FM, additive, subtractive, granular, and physical modeling synthesis
·
develop
skills using a desktop studio/DAW
·
develop
hard disk recording and editing skills using Pro Tools and/or Peak
software
·
develop
sample creation and editing skills using the a software sampler
·
develop
skills using Pro Tools as a MIDI
recording, editing, and playback device, and as a compositional sketch pad and
tool.
·
develop
synthesis skills using Reaktor
synthesizer software
·
develop
skills using plug-in signal processing software
·
develop
skills using a CD burner to archive and master work
·
become
familiar with the uses of non-keyboard controllers (time permitting)
·
create
electroacoustic compositions in the following genres:
tape or tape and live performance, computer and live performance (live
performance may employ electronic manipulation of sound) which demonstrate
topics addressed in class and suitable for presentation at the end of semester
performance
ASSESSMENT
The
student will demonstrate mastery of the above objectives in the form of
periodic creative and aural analysis assignments, a primary creative assignment
which utilizes the hardware/software presented in class, and periodic written
and listening exams. Assessment materials will be weighted as follows in
determining the final grade:
50%
Periodic Assignments
25%
Primary Creative Assignment
25%
Exams
Grade
Scale (+/- will be used):
A
= clear mastery of all material in work
B
= above average work
C
= average work
D
= minimally acceptable work
F
= unacceptable work
IMPORTANT
DATES
19 January
2009 – No Class
02
February 2009 – Project 1 due
09
February 2009 – Exam 1
16
February 2009 – Project 2 due
17 – 22
February 2009 – Spark Festival of Electronic Music and Art at the University of
Minnesota
02 March
2009 – No Class
09 March
2009 – No Class (Spring Break)
16 March
2009 – Project 3 due
23 March
2009 – Project 4 due
30 March
2009 – Exam 2
06 April
2009 – Project 5 due
13 April
2009 – Project 6 due
27 April
2009 – Primary Creative Assignment due
04 May
2009 (6.30 PM, Final Exam time) – Project 7 due
04 May
2009 (6.30 PM, Final Exam time) – Exam 3
ABSENCE
If you
know ahead of time that you will be unable to attend a quiz or hand in a
homework assignment, let me know and the reason why as soon as possible, prior
to the class you will miss. If this is not possible and you miss either a quiz
or a homework due date, speak with me about the reason at the beginning of the
NEXT class meeting. If you do not speak to me about the absence by the
following class meeting, it will be unexcused,
and you will incur a grade of zero. If the absence is excused, the missed quiz or assignment will be represented by the
average of the prior grades.
INCOMPLETES
Incompletes
are awarded only when a calamity or major illness prevents you from completing
the term's work on time, and will be awarded only if you have a reasonable
prospect for passing the course (based on your record at the time you request
an Inc.). If you receive an Incomplete, you must prepare on your own any missed
assignments or quizzes, and MUST FULFILL THE INCOMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER.
If you do not fulfill the Incomplete within one quarter, you will automatically
receive an F grade for the course. None of the scores you earned prior to the
Incomplete will be erased, and will count towards your fulfillment of the Incomplete.
© 2008 Scott L. Miller