Conservatory 236 is designed to give students a grasp of studio hardware and software used in composing music with MIDI. Studio configuration, sampling, mixing, effects processing, multi-tracking, MIDI, and basic digital audio work station software will be taught along with electroacoustic literature and ear training. The course focuses on creating a short composition using MIDI technology. Focus will also be on fostering independent creativity and problem solving in a music studio. In addition to three 50-minute lecture/demo sessions per week, 3-5 hours minimum of in-studio time is expected. Open to anyone regardless of musical training.

Course Description:

1. a.Composition using audio in Digital Performer (Audio only)  Record a sample or samples of a sound that is homemade,
   

household, or natural. Organize and manipulate these samples into a composition in Digital Performer.  You can also pair this

sample with other free samples from freesound.iua.upf.edu (You will have to create an account to download samples from this

website.) Export the final mix to your folder and submit this in class by dragging it into my class folder for this assignment.

Three short compositions (app. 1-3 minutes)

2. b.Composition using K2500 or synthesis presets in Digital performer (MIDI only) Create a composition in Digital Performer
   

that uses at least 4 tracks of MIDI  This composition should make use of sounds found in the K2500 or one of the software

synthesizers in Digital Performer. Use the Novation controller to input MIDI information.  Automate multiple continuous

controllers.  Turn the sound from the K2500 or digital performer “instruments” into audio.  Bounce the audio to one track.

Export the final mix to your folder and submit this in class by dragging it into my class folder for this assignment.

100. c.Create a composition in Digital Performer that uses at least 4 tracks, at least 2 should be MIDI tracks that make use of sounds
     

found in the K2500 or Software Synthesizers.  It should include at least one modified synthesis patch and 1 sampler track

containing either your own samples or samples from freesound.iua.upf.edu/ (these can be the 2 midi tracks) Finally, also must

make use of Digital Performer aux track with an effect in some way.  The purpose of this assignment is to use midi sounds/midi

controlled samples that have been “tweaked”  to fit your needs and then further processed or mixed to improve those sounds.

Export the final mix to your folder and submit this in class by dragging it into my class folder for this assignment.

Final Project Guidelines

This project should represent a culmination of what you have learned this semester. A paragraph explaining your technical and artistic choices must be submitted along with an audio file of your piece at the last class. Export the final mix to your folder and submit this in class by dragging it into my class folder for this assignment.

Grading Break Down:

Paragraph explaining your choices 5%

Presentation on Progress 50%:

You must present on your progress twice a week until the end of the semester. If you miss a class you will get a zero for that day

Technical Guidelines: 25%

-You must use 1 synth track

-You must use 1 sampler track that makes use of your own sample in a creative way

-You must use a minimum of 4 tracks.

-You must use a minimum of 2 aux tracks

-This must be well balanced and use effects to modify the sounds

-You cannot work together.

-If you use a loop it must change over time.

-You CANNOT use a sample longer than 4 seconds that is from another song.  If you do use a sample from another song it must be used “tweaked,” processed, and dynamic.

Creative Guidelines:  20%

This must be interesting, original, and polished. The details of this element of the work will largely be addressed during the 2 presentations per week, so as long as you come to class and present as expected, you will be fine.