Course Title: Incorporate interactive technology into performance

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: VART6080C

Course Title: Incorporate interactive technology into performance

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6104 - Advanced Diploma of Sound Production

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: 9925 4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Nick Wilson
Phone: 9925 4976 / 9925 4815
Email: nicholas.wilson@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

No pre-requisites or co requisites are required

Course Description

In this course you will learn the theory utilised in the fusion of music technology and music performance.  You will learn specific skills and requirements to develop and present technology-based interactive music performances using Ableton Live.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUSMPF502A Incorporate interactive technology into performance

Element:

Element 1      Generate ideas for enhancing performances through the use of interactive technology

Performance Criteria:

1 .1 Undertake research to identify the range of creative ways in which interactive technologies can be applied to music performances
1.2 Listen to or view recordings of performances where interactive technologies have been used, as a way of generating ideas in relation to own music practice
1.3 Collaborate as required with appropriate personnel to ensure that a range of creative ideas are generated for incorporating interactive technology into planned performances
1.4 Identify factors that may affect how interactive technology can be incorporated into planned performances and adjust ideas accordingly

Element:

Element 2      Prepare interactive elements

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Use features of relevant software and/or electronic devices to generate a sample of interactive elements required for performances
2.2 Discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of work in progress with appropriate personnel
2.3 Incorporate feedback and new ideas into the preparation of interactive elements as required
2.4 Review and test interactive elements and make necessary adjustments to ensure that performances proceed as planned

Element:

Element 3      Integrate interactive elements into performances

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Incorporate interactive technology elements into own performance in line with agreed plan
3.2 Respond flexibly and effectively to contingencies to maintain the integrity of the performance
3.3 Interact considerately and constructively with stage management and other artistic, venue, studio and organisational staff as required
3.4 Respond promptly and effectively to musical, stage or studio direction
3.5 Contribute to a cohesive performance by taking and giving cues reliably, promptly, accurately and sensitively

Element:

Element 4      Review performances

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Assess own contribution to interactive technology aspects of performances in terms of success in achieving the required effect
4.2 Discuss strengths and weaknesses of performances with appropriate personnel and identify strategies for improving interactive technology aspects of future performances


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to work with the Ableton Live software and appropriate midi hardware to control Live’s parameters in the context of technology-based interactive music performances.
You will also gain understanding of how Live can work alongside other platforms such as Avid’s ProTools, Cockos Reaper or Propellerheads Reason.
 


Details of Learning Activities

 

In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
Class delivery (face-to-face lectures):
•Software and equipment operation skills
•Peer-teaching & class presentations
•Class exercises to review discussions/lectures
•Guest lectures
•Group discussions
•Teacher-directed group activities/projects

 

Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
•Online research
•Independent project-based work
•Teacher-directed activities


Teaching Schedule

Week Class content          Elements
Week 1

 

Course Overview.

Summary of Assessment actvities.

Software overview: Ableton Live.
 

 

1.1

1.2
 

1.4

Week 2  
Using Midi Controllers iand mapping MIDI
 
  1.4
2.1
2.3
2.4

 
Week 3  Audio effects and automation   1.4
2.1
2.3
2.4
 
Week 4

Formative assessments:
•Practical Exercise Pt. 1: Using MIDI controllers

  1.1
1.4
2.1
2.4
3.1
4.1
4.2
 
Week 5 Creating drum beats, basslines and other musical elements   1.2
1.3
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.4
 
Week 6 Recording and warping audio
 
  1.2

 
Week 7 Editing, mixing, arranging and rendering in Ableton Live   1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

 
Week 8 Formative assessment:
•Practical Exercise Pt. 2: Live performance arrangement

 
  1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2

 
Week 9 Collaborative techniques
Cloud music platforms
Managing files and software versions
  1.3
1.4
2.4
3.1
3.2
3.3

 
Week 10

DJing & remixing with Ableton Live
 

  1.1
1.4
2.1
2.3
2.4
4.1

 
Week 11 Using Ableton Live in performance contexts   1.1
1.2
1.4
2.1
2.4
3.1
3.2
3.4
3.5
Week 12 Formative assessment:
•Practical Exercise Pt. 3: DJ set
  1.1
1.2
1.4
2.1
2.4
3.1
3.2
3.4
3.5
4.1
4.2
Week 13 Overview of other interactive software.
Rewire protocol
  1.1
1.4
2.1
3.1

 
Week 14 Utilising tablet computers in live performance

 

  1.1
1.4
2.1
4.2

 
Week 15 Final summative assessment:
•In-class performance
  1.1
1.2
1.4
2.1
2.4
3.1
3.2
Week 16 Final summative assessment:
•In-class performance
  1.1
1.2
1.4
2.1
2.4
3.1
3.2

 
Week 17 Assessment and review    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Blackboard, Media Annotation Tool. Class handouts.
Additional texts will be referred to throughout the unit delivery, all of which will be available in RMIT Carlton library.


References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

You are expected to supply:
Note paper & pen.
Personal closed headphones.
Data storage: USB thumb drive or a portable USB or Firewire hard drive.


Overview of Assessment

Assessments include a series of practical tasks and a written task.

 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this unit are either ungraded or graded. Ungraded tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered as essential building blocks for more substantial (graded) 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.

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

Formative:
1)Practical Exercise Pt. 1 (Week 4):
•Set up a MIDI controller
•Assign MIDI parameters in Ableton Live
•Manipulate Live’s parameters with the controller, including recording of MIDI messages.

2)Practical Exercise Pt. 2 (Week 8):
•Working in small groups, construct a live performance arrangement in Ableton Live’s Session View using samples and MIDI devices.

3)Practical Exercise Pt. 3 (Week 12):
•Prepare a DJ set in the session view of Ableton Live with 3 songs and additional samples mixed in key and/or beat mixed.

Summative:
4)Practical Test (Week 15-16):
•Students demonstrate their ability to utilise various elements of Ableton Live and MIDI controllers to achieve a satisfactory interactive performance - against a set of requirements set out by teacher.
 

Grades used in this unit are as follows:

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CP Competent with Pass
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


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

 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.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for each piece of submitted work.

Plagiarism - RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Copyright
All students have access to the myRMIT copyright shell. The myRMIT copyright shell contains information on copyright, plus also examples on how to use copyright works as part of your projects and assignments.

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:
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

Student Progress Committee
This committee promotes the early identification of students who are not achieving acceptable academic performance. The committee provides identified students with assistance and seeks to ensure such students are aware of the range of support services available to them at the University. Student Progress Committee (SPC)

Student Feedback
Students are offered opportunities to provide feedback through a variety of mechanisms including online surveys conducted at the end of each course or semester, student complaints and Student Staff Consultative Committees
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview