Overview
This unit is a detailed introduction to music sequencing and sampling using industry recognised software. Students will gain experience with Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), software synthesizers, audio loops and region-based multi-take recording leading to mixing and mastering audio. Students undertaking this unit via flexible delivery may be required to own a computer with an approved Digital Audio Workstation. Students interested in enrolling in the unit should contact the unit coordinator before enrolling
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation data
Incorporate other digital audio workstations such as Ableton in the learning resources and assessment tasks.
Consider other digital audio workstations such as Ableton when planning the new music technology units, post CQU Renew.
- Create complex sequences of both MIDI, digital audio loops and recorded digital audio;
- Sample live audio into the digital domain and manipulate the audio artefact;
- Synchronise MIDI and audio samples to time-based video media;
- Mix and Master completed audio files to broadcast standard.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
An introduction to music technology
Second edition (2015)
Authors: Daniel W. Hosken (Daniel William)
Routledge
New York New York , NY , United States
ISBN: 9781135966829
Binding: eBook
Additional Textbook Information
This textbook can be accessed as an eBook through the CQUniversity Library.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- A recent computer running IOS or Windows
- Sibelius First or Sibelius Music Notation Software (See Term-Specific Information)
- A Digital Audio Workstation - Pro Tools First recommended (See Term-Specific Information)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
d.reaston@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Unit Introduction
Module 1: Digital Sound
Chapter
Hosken, D. (2014). What is sound?. In An introduction to music technology (pp.7-17). New York, NY: Routledge.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 1: Digital Sound
Chapter
Hosken, D. (2014). Sound properties and the waveform view. In An introduction to music technology (pp.18-33). New York, NY: Routledge.
Hosken, D. (2014). The overtone series and the spectrum view. In An introduction to music technology (pp.36-47). New York, NY: Routledge.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 2: Digital Audio
Chapter
Hosken, D. (2014). Digital audio software: the digital audio workstation. In An introduction to music technology (pp.53-76). New York, NY: Routledge.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 2: Digital Audio
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 2: Digital Audio
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3: MIDI and Software Instruments
Chapter
Hosken, D. (2014). Software instruments and sequencing. In An introduction to music technology (pp.136-163). New York, NY: Routledge.
Hosken, D. (2014). MIDI messages. In An introduction to music technology (pp.183-198). New York, NY: Routledge.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3: MIDI and Software Instruments
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3: MIDI and Software Instruments
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 3: MIDI and Software Instruments
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 4: Computer Notation
Chapter
Hosken, D. (2014). Computer notation. In An introduction to music technology (pp.273-294). New York, NY: Routledge.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 4: Computer Notation
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Module 4: Computer Notation
Chapter
As per last week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit serves as an introduction to music technology and because of this you will need to have access to a digital audio workstation (D.A.W.) and music notation software. It is recommended that you use the following:
-
Pro Tools First/Pro Tools software
- Sibelius First/Sibelius software
Pro Tools and Sibelius are both released by AVID: https://www.avid.com/
You will need to use Pro Tools (or another approved D.A.W.) in order to complete the first two assessment tasks. If you would like to use another D.A.W. please consult with the Unit Coordinator prior to term, but be aware that all the learning materials for this unit have been created with Pro Tools. Avid has released a free version of the software called Pro Tools First. This version of the software is acceptable to use for this unit. Please refer to the unit's Moodle website for download links.
Sibelius is the world's largest selling music notation program. You will need access to a copy of Sibelius in order to complete the third assessment task. Avid has released a free version of the software called Sibelius First. This version allows you to compose simple scores with up to 4 instrument parts. This version of the software is acceptable to use. Please refer to the unit's Moodle website for download links.
1 Written Assessment
Re-groove Drums (Hosken, 2014, p. 78)
You will be required to create approximately 30-40 seconds of audio using editing techniques in a digital audio workstation. The audio will be derived from a short sample provided on the Moodle website. You are also required to write an accompanying 750-1,000 word essay explaining the process.
Steps:
- Import an audio file of a short drum groove into Pro Tools/D.A.W. from a list provided on the Moodle site
- Use your Pro Tools/D.A.W. editing techniques to rearrange the elements of the groove to form two contrasting new grooves—these two new grooves may be ordered and repeated in any fashion over a period of 30-40 seconds
- The Main Counter should measure time in bars and beats rather than real time, so you can match up elements to beats or parts of a beat
- Even if the groove was originally on one track, use a separate track for each element (kick drum, snare drum, cymbals, toms)
- You may use plug-ins (effects) to expand timbral possibilities.
A 750-1,000 word* essay should accompany your submission explaining your individual process used to create the new groove. Your essay should include:
- The name of which clean drum break you used and a reason why you choose it
- Screenshots from your Pro Tools/D.A.W. session to clarify points and show stages of the process
- The structure of your final project/audio track (including where your two grooves are located) referenced in regard to seconds (Example: Groove 1: 00:00-00:12; Groove 2: 00:13-00:24; Groove 1: 00:25-00:36.)
Assessment submission and presentation
You must submit:
- An mp3 or wav audio file of your final project
- An mp3 or wav audio file of each isolated track
-
750-1,000 word essay as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) which must use 12 point Times New Roman font, 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment, include your name and student number, and adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 6 Tuesday (20 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (10 May 2021)
D.A.W./Audio Component
- Application and effective use of track separation for each element (10%)
- Application and effective use of editing tools (cut/paste/effects) (40%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (overall presentation, appropriate duration) (10%)
Essay
- Discussion is considered, reflective, and complete (28%)
- Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (8%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count, style guide) (4%)
- Create complex sequences of both MIDI, digital audio loops and recorded digital audio;
- Sample live audio into the digital domain and manipulate the audio artefact;
- Synchronise MIDI and audio samples to time-based video media;
- Mix and Master completed audio files to broadcast standard.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
You will be required to create an audio recording with virtual instruments in a digital audio workstation by inputting information from a music score as MIDI via real-time, step, or manual entry. The score will be provided on the Moodle website. You will also be required to write an accompanying 700-1,000 word essay explaining the process.
Steps:
- Add a ‘software instrument’ track in Pro Tools/D.A.W. for each voice in the piece + a master stereo track
- Select the desired timbres for each track
- Set up time signature and tempo in Pro Tools/D.A.W.
- Record/enter each part of the score into their assigned track. This maybe done via real-time, step, or manual entry. You may use MIDI controller. Remember the recording tempo can be different from the playback tempo, and to activate the metronome and count-off. Quantisation may be use to even out parts
- Use editing tools (cut/copy/paste/loop) to complete the arrangement as per the score
- Import a drum sample (audio file) from Moodle and place on a new track to the arrangement. Extend the drum track for the entire song
- Mix the session and add a fade out at the end of the master track as per score
- Export session as both an audio file (mp3 or wav) and as MIDI file.
A 700-1,000 word essay should accompany your submission explaining your individual process used to the create audio recording including any challenges you faced along the way. Screenshots from your Pro Tools/D.A.W. session must be included to show stages of the process.
Assessment submission and presentation
You must submit:
- An mp3 or wav audio file of your final project
- A MIDI file of your final project
- 700-1,000 word* essay as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) which must use 12 point Times New Roman font, 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment, include your name and student number, and adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 10 Tuesday (18 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Thursday (3 June 2021)
Audio/MIDI
- Appropriate number and timbre of ‘software instrument’ tracks (5%)
- Correct entry of MIDI (35%)
- Application and effective use of editing tools (cut/copy/paste/loop) (5%)
- Application and effective use of fades and cross-fades (5%)
- Drum-track completed and correct (5%)
- Overall presentation and appropriate duration (5%)
Essay
- Discussion is considered, reflective, and complete (28%)
- Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (8%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count, style guide) (4%)
- Create complex sequences of both MIDI, digital audio loops and recorded digital audio;
- Mix and Master completed audio files to broadcast standard.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
3 Written Assessment
Task
You will be required to re-create a score using Sibelius notation software. The score will be provided on the Moodle website. You should try and make your score look identical to the original—copying the correct amount of staves, the key signature and all markings (articulation, dynamics etc.). You will also need to focus on how the parts are presented. This may involve editing the layout of each part.
Assessment submission and presentation
You must submit:
- Sibelius file (.sib)
- Include your name and student number in the 'composer' section of the score.
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (9 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Will be returned at the end of term.
- Accuracy of text information (4%)
- Accuracy of key-signature, time-signature and tempo (4%)
- Accuracy of pitch (30%)
- Accuracy of rhythm (30%)
- Accuracy of all markings (articulation, dynamics etc.) (12%)
- Score layout (8%)
- Parts layout (8%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (4%)
- Create complex sequences of both MIDI, digital audio loops and recorded digital audio;
- Sample live audio into the digital domain and manipulate the audio artefact;
- Synchronise MIDI and audio samples to time-based video media;
- Mix and Master completed audio files to broadcast standard.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
