Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music: Syllabus
This syllabus shows topics, reading assignments, quiz dates and due dates for assignments, exercises and the final project. Click on links to get instructions for them.
It's not essential to do the Pellman reading assignments, as long as you understand the lecture PowerPoint slides. We don't assign readings from software manuals, but we do have manuals available in the Open Reserve section of the Music Library, on the first floor. We have the Korg manuals in PDF format.
The dates given in the Dates column are for the Monday class.
| Dates | Topics | Assignments | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Friday, 6/13 — 6/20) |
Getting acquainted with the Korg & Introduction to MIDI
MIDI sequencing with Digital Performer & Quantization & Making drum tracks & Looping |
DUE Wed (6/18):
Exercise 1
DUE Mon (6/30): Assignment 1 |
Pellman: Chapter 5 |
| Week 2 (6/23) |
MIDI hardware setups & Local control & Intro to mixing
Remixing a song & MIDI messages and transmission |
continue Assignment 1 | Pellman: Chapter 6 |
| Week 3 (6/30) No class Fri 7/4 |
Rearranging a song & Mix automation | DUE Fri (7/11):
Assignment 2 |
Pellman: Chapter 1, pp. 1-14 |
| Week 4 (7/7) |
Creating and editing MIDI controller messages & Real-time MIDI effects & Synthesizer polyphony, Tempo changes | Pellman, Ch. 3, pp. 61-80 | |
| Week 5 (7/14) |
Introduction to Reason & Basic acoustics: Synthesis with
Reason & Filters
LFOs & CV and pattern sequencing & Sampling & Sample preparation in DSP-Quattro |
DUE Wed (7/16):
Exercise 2
Mon (7/14):
Quiz 1 DUE Wed (7/23): Assignment 3 |
An Acoustics Primer Digital Audio Concepts Pellman, Ch. 9, pp. 267-289 |
| Week 6 (7/21) |
Introduction to audio in Digital Performer
Resonance & Formants and DP Spectral Effects & Soundbite tempo conformance & Fades Digital audio concepts & Mixing strategies |
DUE Wed (7/30):
Assignment 4
Begin Final Project |
Pellman, Ch. 4, pp. 81-92; Ch. 7, pp. 209-223 |
| Week 7 (7/28) |
Audio effects: EQ, Delay, Reverberation & Making MP3s and
audio CDs
Dynamics processing & Mastering |
DUE Mon (8/4):
Exercise 3
Fri (8/1):
Quiz 2 |
|
| Week 8 (8/4) |
Final project workshop | DUE Fri (8/8): Final Project |