MUSI2705

Digital Music Production

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Creative Arts

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Newcastle City Precinct	Semester 1

Previously offered in 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Digital Music Production provides students with skills and knowledge of current technology trends in the music realm. Students will explore applications specific to the music digital domain and utilise relevant hardware and software. This may include digital audio recording, editing and mastering, surround sound applications, synchronisation, advanced utilisation of Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), and integration of these technologies into other digital mediums. Students will gain proficiency in areas of emerging technologies pertinent to the professional music industry, and obtain an understanding of practical applications within the context of real world scenarios.

Objectives

By the end of this course, student will be expected to:

1.0 Be familiar with current digital audio hardware
1.1 Be familiar with current digital audio software
1.2 Have attained an advanced comprehension of MIDI theory and sequencing techniques
1.3 Practically apply digital editing skills (which may include digital video, audio and MIDI material)
1.4 Have obtained a developed understanding of synchronisation and its applications to the music domain
1.5 Acquire a knowledge of surround sound and variety of its practical applications
1.6 Competently configure digital music technology hardware and software
1.7 Have developed a knowledge of further applications of digital music technology outside the immediate realm of study

Content

Material covered may include (but are not limited to) the following topics. (Topics may vary to retain relevancy with latest advances in technology.)

1.0 Digital Audio hardware (for example, audio interfaces, audio processing equipment, data storage/retrieval)
1.1 Installation (firewire, USB, ADAT interface, PCI devices)
1.2 Configuration (knowledge of hardware protocols and digital systems, hardware drivers)
1.3 Operation (competency of usage in practical scenarios)
1.4 Integration (usage with existing digital audio equipment)

2.0 Digital Audio Software (for example, Pro-Tools, Cubase, Logic, Sound Forge, Music Master)
2.1 Installation (system specifications, associated install issues, compatibilities)
2.2 Configuration (audio/MIDI routing and integration)
2.3 Operation (competency of usage, knowledge of Graphic User Interface)
2.4 Integration (file formats, data compatibility, data transfer)

3.0 Advanced Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) theory
3.1 Base level software communication protocols (eg. binary)
3.2 Advanced MIDI messages (Systems exclusive, patch and controller data)
3.3 Visual representations of MIDI data
3.4 MIDI hardware devices (eg. sound modules, controllers)

4.0 Sequencing Music in the Digital Domain
4.1 Digital music arrangement techniques
4.2 Using tracks and channels
4.3 Integration of audio and MIDI material
4.4 Hardware constraints

5.0 Editing Practices and Conventions
5.1 File management (data storage, transfer, backup)
5.2 Mastering procedures (pre/post procedures)
5.3 Automation
5.4 Plug-ins (eg. effects processing)
5.5 Destructive/non-destructive practices

6.0 Synchronisation
6.1 SMPTE
6.2 MIDI Time Code (MTC)
6.3 MMC/FSK
6.4 VITC/LTC
6.4 Synchronisation Hardware

7.0 Surround Sound
7.1 Psychoacoustics/placement
7.2 Encoding/Decoding
7.3 Surround hardware devices
7.4 Surround mixing
7.5 Surround audio data storage (eg. DVD)

8.0 Integration of Digital Music Into Other Technology
8.1 Video/film
8.2 Music Performance
8.3 Music Composition
8.4 Internet/multimedia
8.5 Contemporary Media

Replacing Course(s)

This is a new course. It does not replace any existing courses and has no impact upon course offerings by other Faculties/Departments.

Transition

No transitional arrangements are required for this elective.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have completed Introduction to Music Technology (MUSI1700) (or equivalent) before enrolling in this course.

A pass result in the written and aural music tests conducted for the audition process of the Bachelor of Music program (or equivalent) is assumed.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	Written Research Task - 25% Digital Music Technology Developments Students will be required to undertake research using contemporary mediums (eg. the internet) to investigate latest advances in specific digital music hardware and software devices. They will be required to formulate a written report and provide evidence of their research.
Other: (please specify)	Practical Task - 25% Digital Music Transcription Students will be provided with musical material (in either analog or digital form). They must apply specialised editing skills to creatively modify the data to meet outcome criteria. To do this they will need to demonstrate technical aptitude with digital editing software/hardware while maintaining a sympathetic understanding of the musical content and application.
Other: (please specify)	Practical Task - 25% Digital Music Sequencing Students will be required to practically apply acquired knowledge of topics discussed from lectures to engineer a digital music work. This will require a demonstrated knowledge of digital music software/hardware and apply creative editing techniques.
Other: (please specify)	Practical/Written - 25% Surround Sound Students will be required to undertake research into specified topic(s) associated with surround sound. They will need to produce documentation to evidence their research and understanding of the subject matter. In addition, a practical task involved specific aspects of surround sound must also be undertaken and material presented to demonstrate proficiency at utilised the technology.

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables