COURSE OBJECTIVES: This is an overview class that will introduce through lecture, assigned readings, demonstrations and hands-on experience the basic principles of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and the basic operation of electronic synthesizers and other MIDI instruments.
This is a music technology class and not a keyboard class. We will not cover piano playing skills.
Students will learn to:

• set up and operate simple MIDI systems involving two or more MIDI instruments,
  
• create original multi-timbral synthesizer patches,
  
• edit preset synthesizer patches to create new, original timbres,
  
• set up and operate software-based MIDI sequencers,
  
• evaluate MIDI equipment and software needs for specific musical projects,
  
• compose, sequence, and perform simple, original electro-acoustic musical works,
  
• and choose appropriate timbres and combinations of timbres in differing musical contexts
  
  

• The Mid-term and Final Exam will be written tests based on material from assigned readings and from class lectures and demonstrations.
  
  
• The Sequencing Project will be an original electronic music composition (or an electronic arrangement of an existing piece of music) recorded using the Digital Performer MIDI sequencing program. Detailed instructions will be given during the last few weeks of the semester. Work on the project will be done in MU 135 or MU 141 outside of class time.
  
  
• The four "Hands-on” Quizzes will be given throughout the semester and will consist of students individually demonstrating proficiency with the equipment being studied. Specific tasks will be assigned in advance so students may practice in advance of the quiz.
  
  
• Concert/Book/Periodical reports will be worth 50 points each and students are required to complete two. Students will attend pre-approved electro-acoustic music concerts or read articles from a list of approved sources and respond to questions on a one-page report form. (Available from instructor.)
  
  
• Consistent, prompt attendance is mandatory!
  
  
• Music 161 students are required to complete 10 lab projects, outside of class time

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This is an intermediate to advanced class that will examine through lecture, assigned readings, demonstrations and hands-on experience advanced electronic msuci techniques and the principles of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface.)
The student will learn the skills required to:

• Set up and operate studio equipment including MIDI instruments, audio recording equipment and computers,
  
• Create original multi-timbral patches using a variety of hardware and software synthesizers, samplers, and other MIDI devices,
  
• Edit preset patches on a variety of hardware devices and software “virtual instrument” applications to create new, original timbres,
  
• Set up and operate digital audio workstation software,
  
• Evaluate MIDI equipment and software needed to set up a MIDI project studio,
  
• Compose and record original electro-acoustic musical works for concert performance, film, video, and multi-media.
  
• Assemble a demo disk and/or arrange to perform a recital featuring several original compositions.
  

• Projects/Assignments may include a variety of projects: sequencing, synthesizer sound editing, sampling, and software synthesizer operation and editing. Short internet and periodical based research assignments may be required. Sequencing and Synthesizer projects will be completed outside of regularly scheduled class time in MU135, MU141, or Practice Room 9.
  
  
• The four “Hands-on” Quizzes will be given throughout the semester and will consist of students individually demonstrating proficiency with the equipment and software being studied. Specific tasks will be assigned in advance so students may practice in advance of the quiz.
  
  
• Concert/Book/Periodical reports will be worth 50 points each and students are required to complete two. Students will attend pre-approved electro-acoustic music concerts or read articles from a list of approved sources and respond to questions on a one-page report form. (Available from instructor.)
  
• Consistent, prompt attendance is mandatory!
  
  
• Music 261 students are required to complete additional lab projects outside of class time.