Description
This course introduces the fundamentals of music technology geared to the needs of today's professional musician. One of the most significant challenges facing musicians today is mastering the skills required to continually adapt to a changing technology base. Musicians today must understand and be prepared for the fact that this technology base is moving more rapidly than it can be assimilated. The course topics will give an overview of all aspects of the current technology with the primary goal of enabling students to make intelligent decisions in evaluating future technological needs.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
Ableton Live is a powerful tool that allows musicians to develop musical ideas in a unique non-linear environment that presents a fundamentally different way of working from other software used in music production. In this course, students will learn to create new musical ideas, and produce electronic arrangements using the software instruments and effects that come with Live. Emphasis will be placed on the student developing an individual production style that can be used to write and produce new works as well as create remixes and prepare songs and compositions for electronic performance.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
Building upon basic concepts and skills learned in MTEC-111, Introduction to Music Technology, this course will give students an opportunity to further develop their music production skills using Apple’s Logic Pro X DAW software. By completing a number of hands-on assignments and projects, students will advance their knowledge of MIDI sequencing using software instruments, music synthesis, samplers, drum programming, and mixing using common types of effects processing. The course also provides an introduction to writing music for visual media. Emphasis will be placed on developing strategies to effectively produce any style of music. Logic is a powerful tool for music creation, and students are encouraged to develop their original musical ideas in this class.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Course Chair
Michele Darling
Description
This course focuses on developing core sound-synthesis skills that can be applied to various types of synthesizers used in modern music production. Students will start exploring synthesis using the modular systems in electronic production and design lab B51, and apply those skills to commonly used software instruments. A variety of synthesis techniques will be covered, including subtractive, FM, and sampling. Students will be able to create and modify sounds they can use in their own productions.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
Students in this course will develop techniques for effectively using sampled material in their productions and performance practice. They will explore the technical skills and aesthetic considerations needed to use and produce sample packs of original and preexisting source material while examining the cultural context that gave rise to these techniques and methods of working.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students except ELPD majors
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
This course provides students with the basic conceptual and practical skills needed to design and produce sound for film, animation and video games. Students will gain an understanding of the types of sound used in these productions and their role in storytelling. Resources used in the class will include synthesized and sampled sounds, commercial sound effect libraries, and original field recordings. Common editing and effect processing techniques will be used to adapt these sources to the specific needs of a project, as well as to create new and original sounds and effects. Projects will include video clips, animation, animated logos, and video game play.
Electable By
All except ELPD majors
Prerequisites
MTEC-213, MTEC-214, MP-113, SW-161, CW-191, FS-203, EP-225, or MP-225
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
In this lab, students will unlock the secrets behind Foley artistry, creating sounds in film, television, and video games that are synchronized to characters' movement such as footsteps, clothing, and props. Through a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on practice, participants will delve into microphone selection, innovative recording techniques, and the artistry of Foley sound creation using both unconventional props and everyday objects. Integral to the curriculum are sound editing and processing techniques, empowering students to refine and optimize their Foley creations for richer, more immersive auditory storytelling. Workshops will guide students through the intricate process of seamlessly synchronizing authentic sounds, meticulously crafted and curated, to breathe vibrancy and authenticity into visual media. By doing so, students will enhance the overall storytelling experience, making this course a must for those passionate about the intersection of sound and storytelling.
Electable By
ELPD, MPED, and GAIM majors
Prerequisites
EP-220 or GAIM-381
Course Chair
Michele Darling
Description
This course examines the technical attributes of loudspeakers that assist the recording engineer in creating the best possible product. Topics include basic components of loudspeaker design, driver parameters, sealed and vented enclosures, crossovers, studio monitors, and computer aided analysis systems. Through the process of designing, building, and testing a high performing pair of passive studio monitors, students learn both the technical and artistic considerations required to create loudspeaker designs for studio, consumer, and car audio applications. The course concludes with a critical listening evaluation of the finished speakers.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Prerequisites
LMSC-208 or LMSC-209
Description
This course explores the fundamental concepts of audio amplification. Topics include understanding basic circuit designs for class A, AB, and Class D amplifiers. Both vacuum tube and solid state variations are covered. Students will review basic design parameters and build a microphone preamplifier as their final project.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Prerequisites
MP-211 or LMSC-210
Description
This course provides musicians the opportunity to develop the skills needed to effectively use effects processors in a computer-based live performance. Students will build on the skills developed in MTEC-213, Producing Music in Ableton Live, and explore some of the effects in Live that are commonly used for electronic performance, such as looping, beat slicing, and other DJ-style effects. Emphasis will be placed on developing strategies to support the individual player’s style and the instrument they use to perform.
Prerequisites
MTEC-213 or EP-225
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
This course offers the student a comprehensive survey of sound synthesis, sampling and loop creation techniques available to the electronic performer. Students will develop foundational knowledge of sound synthesis as well as practical skills that can be immediately applied to their performance practice using the powerful instruments and effects available in Ableton Live. The course will also explore ways that realtime control gestures interact with electronic instruments and effects. Projects will emphasize developing a student’s unique sonic voice as a live performer.
Electable By
All B.M. and P.D. students
Prerequisites
MTEC-213, SW-281, or EP-225
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo
Description
This course focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of game audio, covering sound production, engineering, and music within the Unreal Engine. It begins with an examination of the role of sound designer and composer, including the responsibilities associated with each. Students will learn practical skills necessary for entry-level positions in game development companies or as freelance game audio professionals. The curriculum includes hands-on experience with standard game audio workflows and tools, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry demands. In addition to technical skills, the course also offers a historical overview of the video game industry, helping students understand the evolution and context of game audio in broader terms. By the end of this course, the student will have completed full audio including sound design, dialogue, and music for cut scenes and a short game or portion of a game via readily available audio production and interactive tools.
Electable By
MPED and ELPD majors
Prerequisites
MP-318 or EP-320
Course Chair
Michael Bierylo