Electronic Music (Music 212)
Middlebury College – Professor Hamlin
Spring, 2019
Hello
Class lecture (MAC 221): 9:30-10:45 a.m., MAC 221
Labs (Electronic Music Studio, MAC 210): Tuesday, 11 (212w); Tuesday at 1:30 (212x); Thursday at 1:55, (212y)
Calendar
Projects and Quizzes
PowerPoints used in class will contain the information for the quizzes.
3/5 – Quiz 1
3/5 – Project 1 due
3/21 – Quiz 2
3/22 – Project 2 due
(Spring Break)
4/18 – Quiz 3
4/22 – Project 3 due
5/2 – Quiz 4
Project 4 due no later than Monday, May 20, 9 am.
A small sub-project will be due every Tuesday before class.
Lecture Topics/Guests
Unit I – Sound/Timbre/Effects/Basic Mixing
2/12-2/28 – Acoustics, frequency/pitch, timbre/spectrum/harmonics, human hearing, microphone/recording techniques, using Live, effects
2/14 – Composer Carlos Simon
2/28 – Multi-media artist/composer Ben Houge
Unit II – MIDI/Synthesis/Rhythm/Melody
3/5-3/21 – Synthesis techniques, Rhythm, Melody
3/14 – Rapper/Producer Dwayne Scott
Unit III – Production/Harmony/Form
4/2-4/18 – Advanced Effects, Harmony, Musical Form
Unit IV – Mastering
4/23-5/9 –Mastering, Collaboration, Interactivity, Multimedia
Expectations
- Honor Code– The honor code applies to all your work in this class. Keep in mind that this means not using samples of other works, premade loops from loop libraries, and so on. I'm expecting that all the music you hand in was created by you.
- Attendance –
Grades will be reduced for unexcused absences
- Planned Excused Absence – If you have a known conflict with class (religious holiday or sports, for example) see me as soon ahead as you can so we can plan your work around them.
- Unplanned Excused Absence – If you are sick or have some other unforseen serious reason to miss class, contact me before the missed class. You'll be responsible for making up the work and I can help you plan for that.
- Lateness – Projects are due at the given time and date. Talk to me ahead of time if you have a good reason for requesting an extension. Otherwise there will be a grade penalty for lateness.
- Please read each assignment carefully, including how to hand it in and what materials are required.
(All projects are due before 9:30 a.m. on the given date unless otherwise specified. Obviously this means you really should hand it in the night before, and you have until morning if you run into problems. In technology, it's very unwise to hand things in at the last minute!)
Projects
Project 1
Create a sound collage. Use sounds you recorded yourself, do not depend on metrical rhythm or traditional musical harmonies and melodies but focus on the pure sound of your recordings. Use effects, use animation, use panning and volume controls. Don't use looping techniques.
- Before your first lab – Have a backup method that you can use at all times for your work (external drive, memory stick, or cloud account.)
- 2/15 9 am – Create a SoundCloud account and e-mail me a link to your page.
- 2/19 before class – On SoundCloud, post 10 different sound recordings you have made in the studio
- 2/26 before class – On SoyndCloud, post 10 demonstrations of different kinds of effects and automation using sounds you recorded
- 3/5 before class – Project 1 due. Export the audio of your piece and post to SoundCloud. Copy your Ableton Live project folder to the class middfiles DROPBOX. Be sure to use COLLECT ALL AND SAVE before transferring the folder. Be sure to give your project folder a name that clearly identifies you and the project. Be sure to include the .aif file of the project that you exported.
Project 2
Create a short composition using only a drumkit made up of original sounds you recorded and melodies, pads and bass lines created with Serum. Focus on melodic and rhythmic interest. Craft your mix, and, as always, use automation.
- 3/12 – On SoundCloud, post 5 different beats demonstrating the drum kit(s) you have created.
- 3/19 – On SoundCloud, post 5 different examples combining Serum with your beats.
- 3/22 – Project 2 due. Post your piece on SoundCloud. Copy your Ableton Live project folder to the class middfiles DROPBOX. Be sure to use COLLECT ALL AND SAVE before transferring the folder.
Project 3
Create a longer composition in at least 3 formal sections using key changes. You can use any synths/instruments/packs in Ableton. Please do not use premade loops or audio clips – all musical elements should be performed by you. As always, use automation, pay attention to the mix (volume, panning, effects, etc.) Pay special attention to the harmonic element and form of the piece.
- 4/9 – Post work in progress...
- 4/16 – Post work in progress...
- 4/22 – Project 3 due.
Project 4
Creat a multimedia and/or collaborative project.
- 4/23 before class – Hand in a description of your project. Name your collaborator(s), and let me know when/how you intend to present it (video, live performance in class, etc.
- 5/7-9 – Students can perform/present final projects to the class if ready.
- 5/20, 9 am – last chance to hand in final projects.
