Introduction to Music Technology

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Explain the organization and applications of MIDI.
• Make connections between changes in technology and changes in music composition/production
• Describe major developments in Music Technology

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The purpose and functions of a range of electronic audio and music devices
• The practical applications of professional composition software using basic functions.
• History and development of electronic Music Technology

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use computing and IT resources as relevant to the domain
• Work independently and demonstrate critical self-awareness

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Deploy a range of editing techniques to manipulate musical data on computer
• Use a range of techniques to enter musical data into software
• Produce a basic mix of musical material combining a number of sources.

The module introduces music technology fundamentals – analogue and digital audio, MIDI, system components (sequencers, digital audio workstations, synthesisers, samplers, processors, etc); important examples of specific electronic music and audio technology and their impact; practical MIDI sequencing.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Group tutorials.

Learning activities include:

• Independent study/research
• Practical work using Music software

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Sound on Sound. Music technolgy magazine

Textbooks

Francis Rumsey. Sound and recording : an introduction.

Kevin Anker. Logic Pro X Power! – electronic book.

Pinch & Trocco. Analog days: the invention and impact of the Moog synthesizer. Harvard University Press..

Music, sound, and technology. Music, sound, and technology.

Andrea Pejrolo. Creative Sequencing Techniques for Music Production.. Focal Press.

Sound synthesis and sampling.

Thom, Holmes. Electronic and experimental music: pioneers in technology and composition.

Assessment strategy

• Formative assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback.
• In-class assessments to test technical and contextual knowledge.
• Practical sequencing assignment.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External