BMAMP305 – Electroacoustic Music

Module code

BMAMP305

Module title

Electroacoustic Music

Prescription

This course examines the functional operation of midi and digital equipment used in the studio. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge in various fields, including digital audio workstations, virtual samplers, digital signal processors, and real time manipulation. Creative production projects utilise midi controlled synthesis methods studio recordings in a professional digital studio context. These techniques apply to projects based on composition, recording and performance. Students apply this knowledge in concurrent and successive year three production projects.

Programmes

BM9601

NZQA Level

Level 7

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Supported

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: 2LEARNING OUTCOMES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
2.1 Understand the values, methodologies and strategies that inform current professional practice in contemporary commercial music.
- compare analyse, and evaluate selected texts identifying issues relevant to a specific contemporary practice
- Analyse a selection of current works and identify the specific methods used in their production.
- Compare significant changes in methods of practice and strategies for production relevant to a specific contemporary practice.
- Evaluate self-practice using normative criteria derived from a current domain
- plan and implement a conventional presentation of own works
- develop critical synergies between representative texts, examples of work and self-practice

2.2 Develop technical understanding and skill in the use of digital audio workstations
- demonstrate an understanding of processes used in sequencing audio and midi recordings
- discuss the various types of sequencing devices and their application in both studio and live music
- research and, where feasible, explore a variety of digital audio work stations
- understand the theory and application of midi in studio contexts
- identify control functions and operate a variety of DAW's
- develop proficiency in the manipulation and editing of midi and audio information
- experiment with techniques and processes for mixing of audio and midi tracks

2.3 Understand production processes using digital audio workstations
- exhibit and demonstrate an understanding of music production using computer software in the recording studio
- demonstrate common synthesis methods
- conduct practical exercises in class routing of internal and external midi devices
- explore and conduct practices to show skills in digital sound manipulation
- research and explore a variety of software options for recording music using computers
- research and explore audio facets of the internet

2.4 Understand the technical aspects of sample based composition
- understand the functional operation of virtual and hardware samplers
- develop skills in digital synthesis and sample editing
- successfully integrate samples with recorded music
- integrate a knowledge of DAW's and samplers to produce electronic music
- control the process of mixing using computer software and automation processes.

2.5 Understand the value of self-evaluation within the context of professional practice
- demonstrate the ability to extend a design brief with individual, negotiated criteria
- consider and reflect upon the relationship between adopted process and final product
- continuously self-evaluate performances independent of institutional assessment
- participate in self/peer critiques for ongoing formative assessment
- critically consider, discuss and document self and peer performances for regular graded assessment actively participate in and facilitate group and class critiques
Content: 3CONTENT AND PROCESS
3.1 Recording Contexts
Live and recorded music
Electronic and computer generated
Generate synthesis in electronic instruments

3.2 Digital Synthesis
Types of synthesis
Core compnents of synthesis
Real-time control

3.3 Midi Systems and Applications
Controller information
Manipulating and editing midi data
Computers and midi interfaces
Midi trigger devices
Real-time control systems

3.4 Digital Sampling
Sampling techniques for live performance
Virtual Samplers

3.5Contextual Research
Contextual research into contemporary domain values and constructs with reference to historical precedents.
Case studies and selected readings
Research strategies and reports
Teaching and Learning Strategy: 4LEARNING PROCESS
Students adopt industry or professional focus prescribed by lecturer in project brief.
Students contribute to research of course content.
Students research briefs to extend and individualise projects and criteria.
Students identify problems with their process and adopt strategies to address those problems.
Students identify specific issues in relation to issues prescribed by lecturer.
Students participate in informal assessed presentations of their work.
Students obtain feedback from formative assessment performed by self, peers and lecturer.
Students obtain feedback from graded assessment performed by lecturer.
Assessment Criteria: The purpose of assessment is to evaluate the students technical understanding, creative process and concept development. Students will be assessed on their ability to apply this understanding within a collaborative environment.

To pass this course, students must complete all assignments and accumulate
an overall course mark of no less than 50

Note
1)If you wish to be assessed in te reo Mori, please inform staff at the beginning of the module so that processess can be put in place to manage this in a timely fashion