MUSONIC 1000 - Music Technology Foundations

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

The field of music technology involves the artistic and technical application of technology in the creation and performance of music. This course will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of music technology fundamentals including sound, audio, and MIDI. This will be achieved by theoretically and practically exploring the field of music technology through lectures, tutorials and workshops. In particular, students will: examine a range of areas such as basic sound recording, audio and MIDI editing, sequencing, processing and production, synthesis and sampling, effects and mixing, and graphical programming; complete readings and listening; and perform practical exercises that promote investigative learning and research. The course has the following learning objectives: develop practical skills using a range of core music and sound software and hardware; provide a comprehensive understanding of the theory behind a range of music technologies; develop and expand creative and technical practice in music and sound via technology with a view to develop life long learning.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSONIC 1000
    Course Music Technology Foundations
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with basic computer functionality including word processing, email and web usage
    Assessment Assignments, Exam, Project
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sebastian Tomczak

    Staff:

    Course Coordinator (before 18th December 2020)

    Christian Haines
    christian.haines@adelaide.edu.au
    Schulz 9.11

    Course Coordinator / Tutor / Workshop Instructor (after 6th January 2021)
    Sebastian Tomczak
    sebastian.tomczak@adelaide.edu.au


    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Students will be able to identify, describe and explain music technology fundamentals associated with audio and MIDI.
    2 Students will be able employ and apply musical technologies in a manner that displays technical and creative understanding and fluency.
    3 Students will be able to demonstrate independent, imaginative and creative approaches to problem solving using musical technologies.
    4 Students will develop research skills and a critical understanding of music technology and its associated areas.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    .

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3,4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Book / eBook

    Hosken, Dan. Introduction to Music Technology. 1st Edition. 2014.Web <http://tinyurl.com/IntroMusicTech>.

    Many of the weekly tutorial readings use this book. An electronic version of the book is available via the link above to the University's library. You will need to login with your university ID and password. PDF copies of pages can be downloaded or printed. Physical copies (hard and soft cover) versions of this book are available at various retail outlets.

    Hardware
    • USB Stick or portable hard drive with enough capacity to store files associated with the course and formatted as "exFAT" to provide suitable compatability between MacOS and Windows.
    • Stereo headphones with a 6.5mm male adaptor. Recommended Type: Closed-Back, Over-the-Ear  Headphones.
    • Note – students must bring both their USB storage and Headphones (with adaptor) to university, as they are required for various classes, completing exercises and for using laboratories and studios.
    Sound Levels & Hearing Protection
    This course may require using spaces where a dB meter has been installed. If you exceed the set dB limit for the space, the lights will flash.  Students found exceeding these levels will have their booking privileges revoked for two weeks, and repeat offenders may have their booking privileges revoked for the remainder of the academic year.

    In order to minimise risk in noise-prone situations, the Conservatorium makes both reusable gel ear-plugs and disposable foam ear-plugs available to students and staff free of charge at all times. Students and staff are also urged to consider purchase of customised personal hearing protection.

    For more information regarding sound levels, hearing and hearing loss please refer both to the full content of the O'Brien Report and to the excellent publication by Canadian audiologist/academic Marshall Chasin, entitled Hear the Music: Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians both available here: https://arts.adelaide.edu.au/music/health-safety-and-wellbeing

    Recommended Resources
    Below are a number of recommended resources. Please note that in terms of the included books and links, these are meant purely as additional points of reference to the ideas explored in the course.

    Books
    • Brown, Andrew R. Computers in Music Education : Amplifying Musicality. New York: Routledge, 2007.
    • Cary, Tristram. Illustrated Compendium of Musical Technology. London: Faber, 1992.
    • Guérin, Robert. MIDI Power! 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Thomson Course Technology.
    • Gurevitz, Steven, and Paul Middleton. Music Technology Key Concepts and Practical Projects. Workbook ed. San Diego: Focal Press [Imprint] Elsevier Science & Technology Books.
    • Holmes, Thom. The Routledge Guide to Music Technology. Routledge Guides. New York: Routledge, 2006.
    • Huber, David Miles. The Midi Manual a Practical Guide to Midi in the Project Studio. 3rd ed. Burlington, MA: Focal Press/Elsevier.
    • Kirk, Ross, and Andy Hunt. Digital Sound Processing for Music and Multimedia. Oxford: Focal, 1999.
    • Manning, Peter. Electronic and Computer Music. Rev. and expanded ed. Oxford ; New York: Oxford University Press.
    • Middleton, Chris, and Allen Zuk. The Complete Guide to Digital Audio : A Comprehensive Introduction to Digital Sound and Music-Making. Lewes, [England]: Ilex, 2004.
    • Mike, Collins. Pro Tools 9: Music Production, Recording, Editing, and Mixing Music Production, Recording, Editing, and Mixing. NL: Focal Press, 2011.
    • Miranda, Eduardo Reck. Computer Sound Design : Synthesis Techniques and Programming. Music Technology Series. 2nd ed. Oxford ; Boston, Mass.: Focal Press, 2002.
    • Pohlmann, Ken C. Principles of Digital Audio. 5th ed. New York ; London: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
    • Roads, Curtis. The Computer Music Tutorial. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1996.
    • Russ, Martin. Sound Synthesis and Sampling. Music Technology Series. 2nd ed. Boston: Elsevier/Focal Press, 2004.
    • Ward, Kevin. Pro Tools 9: The Mixer's Toolkit: The Mixer's Toolkit. NL: Focal Press, 2011.
    • Williams, David Brian, and Peter Richard Webster. Experiencing Music Technology : Software, Data, and Hardware. New York London: Schirmer Books; Prentice Hall International, 1996.
    • Wishart, Trevor, and Simon Emmerson. On Sonic Art. Contemporary Music Studies ; V. 12. New and rev. / ed. New York, N.Y.; Amsterdam: Routledge ; Harwood Academic Publishers, 1996.
    Websites
    • Kirn, Peter. "Create Digital Music".  2012. 16 January 2012. <http://createdigitalmusic.com/>.
    • "MIDI Manufacturer's Association".  2003. <http://midi.org/>.
    • "Sound on Sound Magazine".  1985. 17 January 2012. <http://www.soundonsound.com/>.
    Listening
    Students can listen to musical works through the library's Naxos subscription (see library catalogue, search using Naxos as the title and limit search to ‘electronic resources’. You will be prompted to enter your uni ID number and password to access the Naxos catalogue). There is a wealth of material available for listening (but not downloading). The link to the Naxos catalogue is as follows:
    http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url=http://uoa.naxosmusiclibrary.com/

    Library
    The Music Collection is located in the Barr Smith Library (Level 1 South) and is an excellent source for music, literature and recordings: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/collections/music-collection

    Referencing Guide
    Bibliography and references are to be cited according to the Music Referencing Guide: http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/music_referencing
    Online Learning

    MyUni is a crucial part of this course and will provide students with access to assessment and learning materials, such as quizzes, discussion boards, slide presentations, readings, links, sound and video. Materials will be provided on a topic-by-topic basis over the semester: http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    The course structure and content is delivered through a range of classes and materials. The classes in this course consist of online lectures, tutorials and workshops.

    Online Lecture
    • Online lectures will deliver a specific topic each week. The topic will consist of ideas and concepts; technologies; and  practitioners in the field. Students must view the online lecture prior to the attending the tutorial.
    Tutorial
    • Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the weekly lecture and topic for the course; reinforce concepts and ideas from the lecture and explore new territory.
    • Students are required to complete the weekly reading before their tutorial; come to the tutorial with questions and thoughts on the reading; and be prepared to actively engage in discussion on the weekly topic and reading.
    Workshop
    • Workshops will explore a wide range of practical aspects of the course and its associated topics and concepts.
    • Students will be set regular practical tasks as part of their portfolio assessment and be required to present their work during the workshop.
    • Although workshops will from time to time contain presentations from the instructor, the workshop will largely be an opportunity for students to obtain assistance with their practical and creative development and practice. Students need to actively and on a week-by-week basis maintain their practical and creative development, using the workshop to raise issues and solve problems.
    • Finally, the workshops provide a forum by which students can begin to explore their own ideas and practice using lecture and tutorial materials as inspiration and points of departure.
    Further, students will be presented with additional theoretical and/or practical materials. The materials expand on the topic and compliment, reinforce and extend the concepts presented.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    This course consists of up to 48 hours of online or direct contact or structured non-contact - 4 hours per week over 12 weeks for the lectures, tutorials and workshops, where students will play an active role in the practice, refinement, consolidation and extension of their knowledge and understanding. In addition students will spend a minimum of 108 non-contact hours over the duration of the course on self-initiated learning and research, reading, writing, practice and assessment in order to pass the course, making the minimum workload 156 hours.

    Learning Activities Summary

    The structure of the course is broken down into topics. Each topics consists of a number of weeks dedicated to the section topic and more specific sub-topics that vary according to changes in the field. Each of the topic is supported by theory and practice through online lectures, tutorials and workshops. More information about the format of the classes can be found in the section  “LEARNING AND TEACHING MODES”. The list of topics includes:

    • Sound Theory
    • Analogue and Digital Audio
    • Time and Frequency Representations of Sound
    • Synthesis and Sampling
    • Effects and Processing
    • MIDI Hardware, Language and Format
    • MIDI Systems and Connectivity
    • Open Sound Control
    • Audio Recording and Editing
    • Audio Sequencing, Processing and Production
    • MIDI Editing and Sequencing
    • MIDI Processing and Production
    Specific Course Requirements
    EMU Facilities Access Provisions

    This course will involve using the resources of the Electronic Music Unit (EMU). This includes facilities such as studios, recording spaces and digital audio workstations.

    In order for students to complete the course they must gain ongoing and permanent access to EMU. Access and use of EMU is based upon  completing the EMU Access Test.

    More information can be found here:
    https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/courses/25086

    Other Expectations

    Except where otherwise indicated by the lecturer, tutor or workshop instructor – mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, recording devices and other similar technology must be switched off before lessons or classes begin, and kept off for the duration.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Name Description  Due %

    Learning
    Outcomes

    Type
    Online Tests Over the course of the semester students will assessed on their theoretical knowledge and be given the opportunity to self-review via short weekly online tests. The tests will examine theoretical and practical knowledge explored in the course. Note - No Late Submissions. Ongoing 20 1, 2, 3, 4 Summative
    Portfolio - Samples Students will create a library of samples from field recordings.  Concepts will include recording, editing, manipulating and sequencing samples.  Week 4 5 1, 2, 3, 4 Summative
    Portfolio - Audio Sequence Students will produce a short creative music or sound work incorporating audio concepts explored in the practical workshops. Concepts will include recording, editing, manipulating and sequencing samples. 
    Week 6 5 1, 2, 3, 4 Summative
    Portfolio - MIDI Sequence Students will produce a short creative music or sound work incorporating MIDI concepts explored in the practical workshops. Concepts will include recording, editing, manipulating and sequencing MIDI data and instruments.  Week 12 10 1, 2, 3, 4 Summative
    Name Description  Due %

    Learning
    Outcomes

    Type
    Exam Students will complete an exam that will assess and evaluate their ability to identify, understand and explain key theoretical and practical concepts in the course.  Note - No Late Submissions.
    (refer to the section “SUBMISSION – Late Submission” for information on penalties)
    Week 14 30 1, 2 Summative
    Name Description  Due %

    Learning
    Outcomes

    Type
    Project Students will complete a major project that represents a synthesis of creative, technical and theoretical concepts presented during the course. Note - Late submissions permitted.  Week 15 30 2, 3, 4 Summative

    Due Dates:
    Specific information regarding due dates is provided on myUni.

    Formative Assessment:
    Classes will contain embedded formative assessment tasks that may include student presentations, discussions, practical exercises, demonstrations and out-of-class work that will enable students to engage with the practical and theoretical concepts presented in order to complete their summative assessments.

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Hurdle Assessment

    All students must complete the requirements under “SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS ‘EMU Facilities Access Provisions’”. Students who fail to complete these items may be deemed to have failed the course.

    Attendance Expectation & Penalty

    Students are expected to attend all classes. If a student fails to attend at least 70% of tutorials or workshops in a course the student may be deemed to have failed that course, irrespective of assessments completed. Students who arrive 10 minutes or later after the start of a class will be marked as absent.

    Leave of Absence – Sickness, Compassionate and Professional Development

    Extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance. In such cases a student should email their course coordinator regarding the circumstances within 7 days and include the following information:

    • Type of Leave: Sick Leave, Compassionate Leave or Professional Development Leave
    • Student Name
    • Student ID
    • Dates of Leave
    • Total Number of Days
    • Reason for Absence
    • Supporting Documentation (e.g. medical certicificate, counsellor note etc)
    Assessment Detail

    Refer to “ASSESSMENT SUMMARY”

    Submission
    Assessments and Exams

    Students must be available during the identified University teaching, academic and examination periods. Students are not entitled to sit an examination or submit an assessment at another time, nor are they entitled to any other concessions if an examination or assessment conflicts with a planned vacation or special event. Results from assessments and examinations are usually sent to students via email and/or myUni.

    Late Submission

    Assignments where late submissions are permitted and that are submitted after the due date and time will incur a 2% penalty (from the assignment total of 100%) per day (24 hour period) for a maximum of 7 days (including weekends and public holidays )

    Example:
    • an assignment that is 3 days late: raw score of 80% - 6 marks lateness deduction = 74% final mark.
    Note:
    • typically this does not apply to assessments where the assessment is conducted at a fixed time and location, such as an exam, workshop, practical test, performance or presentation – please refer to the individual assessments for further information.
    • for work with a formal extension, these penalties will apply from the extended due date.
    Cut-off date

    There will be a cut-off date for each assignment 7 days (including weekends and public holidays) after the original due date unless otherwise stipulated on MyUni. Work will not be accepted after the cut-off date, and a mark of zero will automatically be awarded for the assignment.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.