Note: this syllabus is provided for information only, and is subject to change through the first class meeting.

Course Meeting Times and Format

Mondays 3:20-4:10pm, Wednesdays 3:20-4:10 & 4:25-5:15pm
Location: Music Computer Lab (056 Estes Music Hall)

Instructor: Dr. Christopher Hopkins hopkinsc@iastate.edu
Office hours (in the music computer lab): M/W 2:10-3pm

Prerequisites

Music 246 (Introduction to Creative Digital Music) or permission of instructor. Note: Music 346 is not required prior to Music 446.

Course Description and Learning Outcomes

The course provides an introduction to digital sound synthesis for creative musical applications, including modular synthesis techniques, sampling synthesis, software synthesizer design, and projects in electronic music composition.

The course format includes reading assignments, quizzes, practical lab exercises, written technical exams, and creative projects.

By the end of term students will understand

the fundamental theories and practices of software-based sound synthesis design using a visual programming environment
how to construct basic software-based synthesizers
how to knowledgeably use available synthesizers and samplers in a digital audio workstation
how to recognize opportunities for sound development in creating electronic musical compositions.

The course is designed to complement Music 346, which emphasizes algorithmic musical events programming. Music 346 may be completed either prior to or after Music 446.

Course Delivery and Computing Environment

All assignments are provided online via Canvas with the expectation to use the equipment in the music computer lab. There is no textbook for this course outside of the online readings provided as pages in Canvas. Most assignments are self-paced with assistance of the course instructor provided during the regularly-scheduled class meeting periods. Some course meetings will require individual student presentations of their own creative projects.

Any change of course modality will be made at the discretion of the instructor in coordination with university policies, and will apply to the class as a whole.

The course requires specific software, MIDI keyboards, and computers. All necessary technology is provided:

Computers: M1 iMac using macOS for in-class lab work and projects presentations
Software: Kontakt, Reaktor, Pro Tools Studio

Note: course assignments must be completed using these software.

Course Policies

First Week Class Attendance

Attendance for the first week of classes is required except by prior arrangement. Classes during this first week include an essential orientation to the operation of lab equipment. Students will complete assignments that confirm their ability to use the required course materials (see above) and computer systems, and thus confirm that they will be able to continue in the course.

Use of Required Software

Because in-class discussions, lab work, and presentations need to be based on a common vocabulary and consistency in practical techniques, students may not substitute alternate software for assignments, including creative projects. All submitted projects must be software-specific project files that are open to review of every aspect of editing, processing, and mixture using the course software. So for example, students may not complete creative projects using other software and merely turn in a rendered audio file.

In the case of using the course-defined software under their own licenses, students are cautioned to take particular care not to update their own systems to a version in advance of that currently supported by ISU. Note that this may not be the latest update. In general, lab software updates are not made mid-semester.

Completion of Assignments

Assignments will be considered complete after they are submitted to Canvas and confirmed to open on the instructor's system. Files required for presentation of the project must actually open and run for the project to be considered completed and assigned a passing grade. Significantly for Pro Tools, audio files must be included and properly linked to project files.

Unexcused late work will not be accepted.

Prep Week, Final Exam, and Grade of Incomplete

Two graded quizzes will be given during Prep Week. These are merely work in progress reports for the final project and do not required study time.

Final Projects will be due at the beginning of the regularly scheduled final exam period for the course. If a valid excuse exists for the failure to submit the final project as scheduled, the instructor will determine the method of compensation in calculating the grade for the course.

A grades of incomplete (I) will be granted only in accordance with university policy. In general, grades of incomplete may be granted in cases of medical or family emergency and must be supported by a valid written excuse. Students may not be failing the course at the time of requesting a contract for an I grade.

University Syllabus Statements

See the link to Syllabus Statements for the standard required and recommended statements. Nothing has been added specifically for this course.