The course is divided into 4 projects which are organized as follows:
- Preliminary assignments (i.e. 2A and 2B) that get you started and keep you on pace.
I won't respond to these assignments — it's up to you to assure that they're posted on time,
that the links work, etc.
But I will consider them when making the final project grade.
- The final form of the project (i.e. 2C). Get them in early enough to account for computer
glitches, limited studio time, and inevitable delays.
- A quiz on the theory associated with each project.
Projects 1-3 require that you use Ableton Live and the other indicated tools. Do not use your own software
because I need to see your sequence files when I grade them.
Important note: all assignments are handed in by posting the audio to soundcloud. Use comments
to identify what you are doing with the tracks. For 1D, 2C, 3C and 4C (the final
composition for each project), in addition to posting the audio you need to copy your Live Project Bundle
to the class dropbox. The title of the
file needs to include your name so I know it's yours!
Project 1 — Recording/Acoustics/Mixing/Processing
The end goal of this project is to create an original sound-collage composition based upon
sounds you recorded in the studio. Use natural sounds (say, crumpling paper, water in a cup, and so on) but
not traditional musical sounds like musical instruments or singing. Don't think of traditional qualities
like harmony, melody, or metrical rhythm but rather explore the tone color of your sound to create
musical interest. Give some attention to form so that the piece
holds together musically.
- 9/14 — 1A. Create a soundcloud account and e-mail me the url.
This is where you will post audio of your projects. Also be sure you can access the class folders.
- 9/24 — 1B. Make 10 different short sound recordings. Try for a wide variety. Grade will be on interest,
variety, and recording quality. Make a single soundfile that presents all 10 sounds with 2-3 second
pauses to keep them separate.
- 10/1 — 1C. Choose 3 or so of your 1B sounds and apply various effects.
Shoot for musical interest and get familiar with a wide variety of techniques. You should
have a total of 10 different short sounds.
- 10/8 — 1D. Create a composition using only sounds you have recorded yourself.
(You can base this on 1b and 1c if you want, or make new recordings.) Try to make the piece musically
interesting without using metrical rhythm or traditional harmonies and melodies –
I’d like to hear more of a sound-collage sort of piece. The piece should be long enough to seem complete (which usually means it explores two contrasting ideas and has some sense of presentation, development and
conclusion). That said, they don't need to be terribly long and 45 seconds to about 2 minutes is a good range
to shoot for. I'd rather have good production detail and careful recording/production technique than length.
- 10/10 — Quiz 1: acoustics, hearing, basic studio techniques
Project 2 — MIDI/Digital Theory/Percussion and Beats/Soft Synths
This project will focus on rhythm and the use of soft synths. Using Ableton Live, Absynth and Battery,
(and, optionally, Reaktor), create an original composition. The piece should be in at least three
distinct sections.
Some thoughts about rhythm: you need enough repetition to create a groove, but exact repetition
can become stale very quickly. Don't get lazy with looping techniques. Discover the power of subtle variations
that keep the beats fresh and exciting.
- 10/17 — 2A. Create two short rhythmic passages using Ableton Live and Battery.
- 10/31 — 2B. Adding Absynth to your Battery tracks, create three very different short passages
(8-16 measures each) that combine drums with the Absynth soft synth. Start learning how to edit
Absynth voices. Explore Reaktor if you wish.
- 11/12 — 2C. Create a piece in at least 3 distinct sections using Absynth and Battery (and,
optionally, Reaktor).
Try to make a strong personal statement, create moods and emotions, use the sections to create an
interesting overall composition. Use effects and automation. Please do not use the keyboard as a sound
source, just as a controller.
- 11/14 — Quiz 2: digital theory, midi
Project 3 — Remix
Using the provided tracks, each student will create an original remix. Try to establish your own
personality in the remix. Use the original tune as a starting point, but try to comment on it and
say something of your own.
- 11/26 — Post remix project to soundcloud, upload Live Bundle to class drop folder.