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Higher Education
Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development
School of Communication, Culture and Languages
Campus Sunbury
Prerequisite(s) Nil.
Content This unit of study explores a wide range of software and hardware tools used for creative and technical musical tasks. It introduces students to basic compositional skills and theories including songwriting and notation. A strong emphasis is placed on critical analysis of current trends in electronic music composition through listening and discussion. Topics include: advanced MIDI Sequencing and Sampling techniques; MIDI to Notation conversion; audio to MIDI conversion; basic harmony and voice leading in contemporary electronic music; exploring texture, dynamics and articulation with electronic techniques; form and structure in contemporary styles; composing with timbre; non-tonal composition; algorithmic and predictive composition techniques; critical analysis of compositional and production techniques in selected works.
Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to be able to:Use the studio environment to develop their creative potential;Critically assess techniques used by commercially successful artists;Demonstrate fluency in both traditional and contemporary songwriting and compositional techniques, particularly in relation to digital audio technology.
Required Reading Huber, DM & Runstein, RE 2001, Modern recording techniques, 5th edn, Focal Press, Boston, Massachusetts.
Toop, D 2004, Haunted weather: music, silence and memory, Serpent’s Tail, London. Current industry periodicals, internet sites and discographies as recommended by the lecturer.
Recommended Reading Brown, RJ & Griese, M 2000, Electronica dance music programming secrets, 2nd edn, Hemel Hempstead, Prentice Hall, UK. Citron, S 1990, Song writing: a complete guide to the craft, Limelight Editions, New York.
Class Contact Two hours per week for one semester comprising lectures and tutorials.
Assessment Musical Composition (up to 10 minutes in length) and Report (1000 words) 70%; Essay (2000 words) 30%.
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