Course Title: Compose music using electronic media
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2022
Course Code: PERF5086C
Course Title: Compose music using electronic media
Important Information:
Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.
To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.
Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.
Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6150 - Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)
Course Contact: John Phillips
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4913
Course Contact Email: john.phillips@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Tim Johnston
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
None
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: |
CUAMCP501 Compose music using electronic media |
Element: |
1. Keep up to date with technologies that can be used to compose music |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Research developments in computer software and hardware relevant to music composition 1.2 Analyse recordings of music composed using electronic devices as a way of generating ideas in relation to own music practice 1.3 Identify factors that may impact on incorporation of electronic devices into the composition of planned pieces, in consultation with appropriate people |
Element: |
2. Generate ideas for musical pieces |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Clarify scope of composition brief with appropriate people 2.2 Prepare a plan for completing work in line with the requirements of the brief, and negotiate a contract as required 2.3 Brief other people involved in the composition project as required 2.4 Use features of relevant software and/or electronic devices to generate a range of musical ideas or starting points, and experiment with options for realising them 2.5 Investigate the potential of basic structural elements for achieving the desired effect 2.6 Refine ideas in discussion with appropriate people |
Element: |
3. Create musical pieces |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Use electronic media safely, and apply a range of compositional techniques to organise musical elements into working versions of musical pieces 3.2 Listen to work in progress with appropriate people, and seek feedback on creative and technical aspects of compositions 3.3 Incorporate ideas and suggestions into final compositions 3.4 Attend rehearsals or workshops where compositions are being played, and make adjustments to compositions as required 3.5 Attach copyright notices to compositions 3.6 Present all compositions in required file format by agreed deadline |
Element: |
4. Evaluate own musical compositions |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify criteria to provide an effective measure of the success of own compositions 4.2 Compare work against previous compositions to assess development of techniques and ideas 4.3 Discuss strengths and weaknesses of compositions with appropriate people to identify strategies for improving own skills in composing music using electronic media |
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 will include a range of teacher directed group activities, projects, class exercises, review discussions/lectures and independent project based work.
Out-of-class activities include completion of individual design and pre-production work, preparation for class presentations and production work. Online research and occasional outside of class time group discussions will be required to maintain project work.
Teaching Schedule
| 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 - Building Sounds |
| Week 2 | Tour of Soft Synth technologies. Computer requirements and demands for optimising performance. Typical Apps. Synths, samplers, emulators, Vintage equipment. |
Prac: ES2 - Building Sounds |
| Week 3 | Inter application technologies. Rewire - Reason, Analog Factory Comparison of Logic and Pro Tools - audio/ midi plugins. Audio Units/RTAS Physical Modelling |
Prac: Sculpture tutorial - Building Sounds |
| Week 4 | Guitar emulators, Guitar amp pro/Eleven/Sans amp | Prac: Virtual Instruments Vacuum - Building Sounds |
| Week 5 | Sampling – Logic EXS, Pro Tools Structure. Vocoders |
Prac: EXS Samplers - Building Sounds |
| Week 6 | Ultrabeat/Drum Kit Designer/Boom |
Prac: Drum programming Assessment Task 1 Due |
| Week 7 | Assignment 2 - Composition | |
| Week 8 | Assignment 2 - Composition | |
| Week 9 | Assignment 2 - Composition | |
| Week 10 | Assignment 2 - Assessment | Assessment Task 2 Due |
| Week 11 | Assignment 3 - Composition/Remix | |
| Week 12 | Assignment 3 - Composition/Remix | |
| Week 13 | Assignment 3 - Composition/Remix | |
| Week 14 | Assignment 3 – Presentation & Review | |
| Week 15 | Assignment 3 - Assessment | Assessment Task 3 Due |
| Week 16 | OSX Core Audio/MIDI config. Midi in studio applications. Multiple device setups – MIDI I/O – Demonstration Studio |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
You are advised to look at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.
It is recommended that you bring materials to classes to make notes, for example;
a pen and notepaper or a laptop computer. You will need to have either a USB thumb drive or a USB/Thunderbolt Harddrive (or both) to store and manage your media. Your teacher will advise you what to get when classes commence.
The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. Lynda.com is available via your Library login.
The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.
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 assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency you will also receive a result after your final assessment task.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Knowledge questions. This assessment task is designed to allow you to show evidence of the knowledge required to compose music using electronic media. Many of the questions relate to the fundamentals of working in the music industry and refers to areas such as equipment, legislation, and media formats for composing music. Due by Week 6, Semester 1.
Assessment Task 2: Logic Composition. The goal of this assessment task is the production of a three-minute programmed composition/soundscape using Logic Pro. Due by Week 11, Semester 1.
Assessment Task 3: Pro Tools Remix Composition. The goal of this assessment task is the production of a three-minute programmed composition/remix using audio and virtual instruments within Pro Tools. Due by Week 15, Semester 1.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available on myRMIT for full assessment criteria. Results that apply to Ungraded courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
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: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions:
You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
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.
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview