Course Title: Perform music using digital media

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: PERF5098C

Course Title: Perform music using digital media

School: 345H Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5378 - Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

Course Contact: Tok Norris

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254815

Course Contact Email: tok.norris@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

timothy.johnston@rmit.edu.au

 

paul.thomas@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use electronic media to develop musical pieces using industry standard digital audio editing systems. The unit will introduce you to digital audio and MIDI production.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAMPF409 Perform music using digital media

Element:

1. Explore digital media for performance ideas

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Listen to or view recordings of performances that use digital media as the performance instrument 1.2 Experiment with a range of improvised and composed musical works, and plan scope of use in performance 1.3 Discuss and evaluate the musical effectiveness of work in progress with appropriate people 1.4 Incorporate feedback into preparation of digital media performance

Element:

2. Develop facility with digital media

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Investigate and apply a range of digital techniques in musical ways 2.2 Experiment with a range of sounds for incorporation into improvisations and compositions 2.3 Consult with appropriate people to identify factors that may affect use of digital media in performance 2.4 Extend control over the technology to create new ways to use digital media as the performance instrument and to perform planned sound consistently 2.5 Use practice sessions to develop technical facility for using digital media in performance

Element:

3. Develop appropriate notation

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Investigate ways in which music is notated for performance using digital media 3.2 Notate digital media performance pieces

Element:

4 Perform a range of pieces

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Set up and test instruments and equipment following safe work practices 4.2 Play pieces and/or accompaniments with appropriate attention to rhythmic detail, dynamic range and variations in technique as required 4.3 Use technical facility to achieve variations in sound and/or tone as appropriate 4.4 Perform all work following notated instructions where relevant 4.5 Use feedback from relevant others and own observations of performance to identify areas for future improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit you will have skills and knowledge required to use electronic media to develop musical pieces. This will include standard industry DAW systems, and electronic music formats such as MIDI production.


Details of Learning Activities

In class activities may include:
• lectures
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• online research
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
Out of class activities may include:
• online research
• independent project based work


Teaching Schedule

 

Week

Class Content

Elements

SEMESTER A

 

 

Week 1

Macintosh Protocols

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 2

Introduction to ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 3

Practical exercise ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 4

Practical test ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 5

Introduction to Logic

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 6

Practical exercise Logic

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 7

Practical test Logic

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Week 8

Macintosh Protocols test

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2

SEMESTER B
 

 

 

 Week 1
 

Course overview
Introduction to MIDI & MIDI protocol.
Discussion of Student set-ups
Overview of installed applications – Logic, Pro Tools, Reason
Practical - Logic

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5,

 Week 2
 

Practical demonstration – Roland D70,Akai sampler, USB keyboard
MIDI: the language
Practical - Logic

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

 Week 3
 

MIDI: the language
Structure - binary, decimal, hexadecimal
Reading and writing MIDI commands
Practical - Logic

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

 Week 4
 

MIDI: the language 
MIDI controllers & triggering devices
Channel messages, System messages
Practical Assessment - Logic

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3 
3.1, 3.2

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

 Week 5
 

THEORY TEST 
Practical Assignment
 - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

 Week 6
 

Practical Assignment
 - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

 Week 7
 

Practical Assignment
 - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5,

 Week 8
 

Practical Assignment
Practical Assessment - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5

Element 3 
3.1, 3.2

Element 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

External firewire/USB hard drive
One pair of high quality closed headphones


Overview of Assessment

Course assessment tasks will include class based practical exercises and project work undertaken in the computer lab for submission, covering music production and editing projects in more than one industry level DAW system.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Tasks (ungraded)

1. Midi theory test – Written test on theory aspects of Midi – Week 5, Semester B

Assessment Task (Graded)

1. Computer Skills Test - Complete online test. Week 8, Semester A. (Weighting 10%)

2. Practical Assessment - Assignment 1 Logic. Due: Week 4, Semester B (Weighting 45%)

3. Practical Assessment - Assignment 2 ProTools. Due: Week 8, Semester B (Weighting 45%) 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

 

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • develop a plan to use digital media in performance
  • develop technical skills in using digital media in performance, including notating digital media in performance pieces
  • perform pieces using digital media including:
  • following safe work practices
  • considering rhythmic detail and dynamic range
  • applying variations in sound and/or tone
  • identify areas for future skill development in using digital media.

 

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

 

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

  • explain ways in which digital media can be used to perform music
  • describe features of digital media equipment and related software relevant to music performance
  • explain how music is notated for performing with digital media
  • outline work health and safety practices, procedures and standards as they apply to using music technology in performance.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview