Course Syllabus

MUSC 3350 Audio Fundamentals I

Course Description

This course introduces audio/sound technology, and their connection to music, with emphasis on how computers support music creation, education, and production. Students build skills in music notation, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and educational software while gaining foundational knowledge of computer tools for multimedia and instruction. The course also covers material from AVID Pro Tools 101 and Sibelius 101, with optional exams toward User Certifications and Badges.

Justification

As with other fields of endeavor, the personal computer has revolutionized the study, production and distribution of music. An understanding of this technology is critical for musicians at every level. The Horne School of Music at Snow College is an accredited member of The National Association of Schools of Music, and NASM requires that its member schools prepare students by teaching them the purpose and use of music technology in various forms as part of undergraduate music training. This course, in conjunction with MUSC 3352 (Audio Fundamentals II) and related labs, fulfill that requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be conversant in the basics of software and hardware components pertaining to audio and music production, and navigational skills on Mac OS
2. Students will be able to use music notation software to transcribe written music, create music notation from original compositions/arrangements, and manipulate imported MIDI data to create a professional looking score.
3. Students will be able to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to compose, arrange, and edit MIDI and loop-based productions, create backing tracks, and manipulate digital audio including the manipulation of tempo and pitch.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of software programs involved with music instruction.
5. Students will be conversant in the history of audio recording, behavior of sound, psychoacoustics and aspects of audio mixing.

Course Content

This course provides students with opportunities to develop music notation, composition and audio and music production skills through various projects. Specific topics covered may be drawn from the following:Computers-Brief HistoryComputers-Software and HardwareComputers-Mac OS NavigationMusic Notation-TranscriptionMusic Notation-Original CreationMusic Notation-MIDI ManipulationMusic Notation-Sibelius 101Music Production-MIDI SequencingMusic Production-Loop ProductionMusic Production-Virtual InstrumentsMusic Production-Virtual ProcessorsMusic Production-Virtual MixingMusic Production-Digital Audio EditingMusic Production-Time Compression/ExpansionMusic Production-RemixingMusic Production-Backing Track ProductionMusic Production-Pro Tools 101Music Composition-Basic ImprovisationMusic Composition-Chord-Based CompositionMusic Composition-Adding Chords to Existing MelodyMusic Education-Musical Instruction Software