vcc.ca
MUSC 2304: Electronic Music 1
Effective date
January 2020
Department
Music
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
Electronic Music 1 is the first of a two-course sequence for students wishing to concentrate on electronic music.
This course is intended for composers and other musicians interested in exploring further digital and other electronic media for the creation of music and multimedia works. There is a particular focus on sound synthesis, introducing synthesis techniques such as sampling, and advanced sample processing, FM, additive, subtractive, and physical modeling synthesis, primarily using computer synthesis software. A certain amount of the necessary background in psychoacoustics, and basic principles of acoustics as applied to sound synthesis will be covered in the first term. Students will also be introduced to the history, aesthetic issues, and current and future directions of electronic music in all current styles via listening and discussion classes. Students will compose, realize, and produce a work in the digital medium.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
MUSC 1419 or permission of instructor.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Use the computer as a compositional environment for the creation of their own music
- Use current platforms, software and hardware to create music and multi-media works
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Practical and/or written examinations that demonstrate ability at or above the final exam and learning outcomes of this course.
2. A successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
2. A successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lecture and lecture-demonstrations, assigned reading and listening quizzes, introduction to research
Instructional strategies include lecture, demonstration, group discussion and activities, independent study, and hands-on practice with computer software.
Instructional strategies include lecture, demonstration, group discussion and activities, independent study, and hands-on practice with computer software.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C-
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
15 |
Preparatory Project 1 |
|
Project |
15 |
Preparatory Project 2 |
|
Project |
15 |
Preparatory Project 3 |
|
Project |
30 |
Final Composition Project |
|
Midterm Exam |
10 |
|
|
Final Exam |
15 |
|
Course topics
- Digital and analog synthesis
- Recording
- Live, interactive electronics
- Multi-media
- Introduction to acoustics and psychoacoustics
- Basic audio recording into the computer using both mic and line
- Sample management and processing
- Introduction to sound synthesis using software synths/samplers
- Introduction to the repertoire of electronic music
- Introduction to electronic music composition
- Introduction to the computer as compositional environment
- Introduction to sequencing
- Basics of sound mixing and mastering
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.