MUSONIC 1000 - Music Technology Foundations

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

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 listenings; 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
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with basic computer functionality including word processing, email and web usage
    Course Description 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 listenings; 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.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Christian Haines

    Staff: 
    Christian Haines
    christian.haines@adelaide.edu.au

    831 33799
    Schulz 9.11

    Sebastian Tomczak
    sebastian.tomczak@adelaide.edu.au
    Schulz 5.13

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3,4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1,2,3,4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 3,4
  • Learning Resources
    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 general starting points to provide points of departure to other library and online sources and research.

    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.
    • Hosken, Daniel W. An Introduction to Music Technology. 1st ed. New York: Routledge, 2011.
    • 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/>.
    • "Harmony Central".  1995. 17 January 2012. <http://www.harmonycentral.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 Library located in the Hartley building is an excellent source for music, literature and recordings: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/branch/eml/

    Referencing Guide Bibliography and references are to be cited according to the Music Referencing Guide: http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/musicreferencing
    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 lectures, tutorials and workshops.

    Lecture

    • Lectures will deliver a specific topic each week. The topic will consist of ideas and concepts; technologies; and creative practitioners in the field.

    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 48 contact hours - 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 two sections. Each section 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 lectures, tutorials and workshops. More information about the format of the classes can be found in the section  “LEARNING AND TEACHING MODES”.

    Audio Technologies (6 weeks)

    This section will explore sound and audio including: audio recording, editing, sequencing, processing and production; sound theory; analogue versus digital audio; time and frequency representations of sound; synthesis and sampling; graphical programming; effects and mixing.

    MIDI Technologies (6 weeks)

    This section will explore MIDI including: MIDI editing, sequencing, processing and production; notation and scoring; MIDI hardware, language and format; systems and connectivity.

    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. For more information about these facilities and how to make bookings go to the EMU website: http://www.emu.adelaide.edu.au/

    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 the following:

    1. Users must complete and pass the EMU Guide Assessment (EGA).  In order to pass the EGA users must receive a 90% or above grade. Users will have a maximum of 3 attempts at passing the EGA before being prohibited from taking the EGA further. If a user fails to pass the EGA after 3 attempts, or doesn’t pass by the end of week 4 of the course (which ever comes first), they will not be permitted to continue the course, or any other courses requiring access to EMU, and won’t be provided access or permission to use any of the EMU facilities.
    2. Users agree to and sign the EMU User Agreement (EUA). Users found in breach of the EUA will automatically have access penalties imposed:
      • First breach: students will have all booking privileges removed and have after-hours access suspended for a period of 4-weeks.
      • Second breach: students will have all booking privileges removed and have after-hours access suspended for until start of the next academic semester.
      • Third breach: students will have all booking privileges removed and all access suspended until the start of the next academic year

    Information is available on the EMU website: https://www.emu.adelaide.edu.au/intranet/emu_guide/

    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
    Portfolio  Over the course of the semester students will complete assignments as part of a portfolio. Each assignment will examine the student’s creative, practical and theoretical understanding and will be assessed during the workshops and/or tutorials. Note - No Late Submissions. During Scheduled Classes 30 1, 2, 3, 4 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. 

    Plan: Week 11

    Final: Week 15
    35 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 13 35 1, 2 Summative

    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 complete these items have failed the course.

    Assessments

    All students must complete and submit all assessments. If a student fails to complete and submit all assessments by the due date and fails to produce the appropriate medical or compassionate certificates, the student may be deemed to have failed that course, irrespective of assignments previously completed. Further, the student will be deemed ineligible for supplementary assessments. Students should consult their respective lecturer, tutor or demonstrator for further information.

    Attendance Expectation & Penalty

    Students are expected to attend all classes. If a student fails to attend at least 75% of tutorials or workshops in a course and fails to produce the appropriate medical or compassionate certificates, the student is deemed to have failed that course, irrespective of assignments previously completed. Students who arrive 20 minutes or later after the start of a class will be marked as absent.

    Leave

    Extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance.  In such cases leave may, upon application using the leave form (available from the Music Office Hartley Building G05), be approved by the relevant staff member (this could be the Head of Studies, teacher, conductor, lecturer or course coordinator as appropriate). Types of leave include: sick leave; compassionate leave; and professional development leave.

    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 5% penalty (from the assignment total of 100%) per day (24 hour period) for a maximum of 4 days (weekend days included). After this time the assignment will not be marked for assessment or feedback. 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.

    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.

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