Course Title: Develop simple musical pieces using electronic media

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: VART6076C

Course Title: Develop simple musical pieces using electronic media

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4276 - Certificate IV in Sound Production

Course Contact : program Administration

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Tim Johnston
Phone: 03 9925 4325
Email: timothy.johnston@rmit.edu.au

Teacher: Paul Thomas

Email: paul.thomas@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 35

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 simple musical pieces.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSMCP303A Develop simple musical pieces using electronic media

Element:

1Prepare to develop music using electronic media

Performance Criteria:

1 Prepare to develop music using electronic media
Performance Criteria: 1.1 Discuss with appropriate personnel the ways in which digital equipment can be used to develop music
1.2 Use practice sessions to explore the features of software applications and computer-based technology used to develop music
1.3 Confirm purpose of musical pieces to be developed with appropriate personnel
1.4 Identify appropriate musical styles, elements and forms/structures to suit the purpose of the musical pieces
1.5 Identify the range of instruments and playing techniques to suit the style/mood of the musical pieces
1.6 Identify standard melody conventions to be used in the musical pieces
 

Element:

3Evaluate own musical works

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Compare work against previous musical pieces to assess development of techniques and ideas
3.2 Discuss strengths and weaknesses of musical works with appropriate personnel and identify strategies for improving own skills in developing music using electronic media3.6 Specify user interfaces of web environments
 

Element:

2Develop simple musical pieces

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Use electronic media to organise musical elements into working versions of musical pieces
2.2 Ensure that musical input maintains style of music being created
2.3 Listen to work in progress with appropriate personnel and seek feedback on how well the musical pieces meet creative and technical requirements
2.4 Incorporate ideas and suggestions into final pieces
2.5 Use notation features of software to set down musical pieces as required
2.6 Apply copyright notice to the song/musical piece with the name of the songwriter and year of first publication
2.7 Present all musical pieces in required file format by agreed deadline
 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit you will have skills and knowledge required to use electronic media to develop simple musical pieces.


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

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.


 

Week Class Content Elements
SEMESTER 1    
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, 1.5,1.6
Week 3 Practical exercise ProTools Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6
Week 4 Practical test ProTools Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6
Week 5 Introduction to Logic Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6
Week 6 Practical exercise Logic Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6
Week 7 Practical test Logic Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6
Week 8 Macintosh Protocols test Element 1
1.1, 1.2
SEMESTER 2
 		    
 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, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7
 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, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7
 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, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7
 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, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

Element 3
3.1, 3.2
 Week 5
 		  THEORY TEST
Composition Assignment
Practical - ProTools		 Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7
 Week 6
 		 Composition Assignment
Practical - ProTools		 Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7
 Week 7
 		 Composition Assignment
Practical - ProTools		 Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7
 Week 8
 		 Composition Assignment
Practical Assessment - ProTools		 Element 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

Element 3
3.1, 3.2


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

resources and prescribed texts
"Modern Recording Techniques" (7th Edition), Huber and Runstein, Focal Press. 0240810694


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. Students are expected to make full use of the Library facilities.


Other Resources

External firewire/USB hard drive
1 pair of high quality headphones
(with 3.5mm to 6.5mm adapter)


Overview of Assessment

Course assessment tasks will include class based practical exercises and project work undertaken in the computer lab for submission.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.

Ungraded Assessments:

1. Practical test Pro Tools – Complete assigned software tasks. Week 4, Semester 1.
2. Practical test Logic – Complete assigned software tasks.
Week 7, Semester 1.
3. Practical test Macintosh - Complete assigned software tasks.
Week 8, Semester 1.
4. Midi theory test – Written test on theory aspects of Midi – Week 13, Semester 2

Graded Assessments:

5. Practical Assessment - Logic – Compose a short composition using Logic Pro 9. Due: Week 4, Semester 2
6. Practical Assessment - ProTools – Compose a short composition using ProTools 10. Due: Week 8, Semester 2

For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

CHD  Competent with High Distinction
CDI    Competent with Distinction
CC     Competent with Credit
CAG  Competency Achieved-Graded
NYC   Not Yet Competent
DNS   Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrated alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are
available through the course contact in 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: rmit.edu.au/students

Attendance

The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency. Non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in a course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.

Cover Sheet for Submissions

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.

Assessment and Feedback (web link)

You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, and written feedback from teachers on your work . Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress (web link)

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

Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)

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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview