Course Title: Compose music using electronic media
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2011
Course Code: VART6069C
Course Title: Compose music using electronic media
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5198 - Diploma of Creative Industries
Course Contact : Program Administration - Adam Lovell
Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4976
Course Contact Email:adam.lovell@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
Nominal Hours: 60
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
There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites for this unit
Course Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to compose a range of musical pieces using technology-based applications.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUSMCP501A Compose music using electronic media |
Element: |
1Keep up to date with technologies that can be used to compose music |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Undertake research to keep abreast of developments in computer software and hardware relevant to music composition |
Element: |
2Generate ideas for musical pieces |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1Clarify scope of composition brief with appropriate personnel |
Element: |
3Create musical pieces |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1Use electronic media to apply a range of compositional techniques to organise musical elements into working versions of musical pieces |
Element: |
4Evaluate own musical compositions |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1Identify criteria to provide an effective measure of the success of own compositions |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to compose a range of musical pieces, establishing a high level of proficiency with electronic music equipment and software.
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 |
Week 1 | Course Outline/Structure - Outline of Assignments and Assessment. Hardware/Software to be utilised Basics of synthesis. Overview of synthesis types and building blocks. Prac: Virtual Instruments ES1, ES2, Vacuum - Building Sounds |
1.1,1.3 |
Week 2 | Inter application technologies. Rewire - Reason, Analog Factory Comparison of Logic and Pro Tools - audio/ midi plugins. Audio Units/RTAS Prac: Sculpture tutorial - Building Sounds |
1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.3 4.1 |
Week 3 | Tour of Soft Synth technologies. Computer requirements and demands for optimising performance. Typical Apps. Vintage equipment, Synths, guitar emulators, vocoders. Prac: EXS Samplers - Building Sounds |
1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.3 4.1 |
Week 4 | OSX Core Audio/MIDI config. Midi in studio applications. Multiple device setups – MIDI I/O – Demonstration Studio 3 Prac: Guitar amp pro/ Eleven/ Sans amp Prac: Assignment 1 - Composition |
1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.3 4.1 |
Week 5 | Prac: Assignment 1 - Composition | 1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.3 4.1,4.3 |
Week 6 | Assessment Assignment 1. Prac: Assignment 2 - Composition |
1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.5 4.1,4.3 |
Week 7 | Prac: Assignment 2 - Composition | 1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.3 4.1 |
Week 8 | Prac: Assignment 2 - Composition | 1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.3 4.1 |
Week 9 | Presentation/Assessment Assignment 2. Review |
1.1,1.3 2.1-2.6 3.1-3.5 4.1,4.2,4.3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
A set of web based resource links are provided below for this course. |
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
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 the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
CLASS EXERCISES
1. Building sounds with ES2 – design your own custom sound using Logic virtual synth ES2. Due Week 1
2. Building sounds with Sculpture – design your own custom sound using Logic virtual synth Sculpture. Due Week 2
3. Mapping Samples with EXS – map your own performance preset using a variety of samples within Logic EXS. Due Week 3
4. Programming with Ultrabeat – design your own custom loop using Logics Ultrabeat. Due Week 4
5. Programming with Boom – design your own custom loop using ProTools virtual instrument Boom. Due Week 4
6. Building Sounds with Vacuum – design your own custom sound using Logic virtual synth ES2. Due Week 5
GRADED ASSESSMENT
TWO completed compositions, each worth 50% of final grade.
7. Practical Assignment 1- Logic Composition – Use previously designed custom instruments in a three minute composition. Due Week 6
8. Practical Assignment 2 - Pro Tools Composition /Remix – Use provided samples/loops as a building block to create a three minute compostion/remix. Due Week 8
The details on these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration
Other Information
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
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.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;
Course Overview: Access Course Overview