Introduction to Computer Programming (in BASIC)
The objective of the course is to teach students how to write computer programs. The class presents the principles of structured programming using the BASIC language, perhaps the most common language for personal computers. Because of its ease of use it is ideal as a first programming language and runs on both the PC and Macintosh platforms.
Java
Introduction to Computing Technology - Computer Literacy
This class provides an introduction to word processing, database management, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, multimedia software, computer communications (the World Wide Web, Internet, E-mail), library searches, homepage creation, hardware and software troubleshooting, scanning and digital images. Students use a hands-on approach to explore a variety of hardware and software tools applied to a number of cross-curriculum projects.
Course Outcomes
Students learn to:
Use word processing to produce documents such as term papers, resumes, and business letters.
Use a database to store, sort, and report categorical information such as address books, bibliographic references, and a small business customer database.
Use a spreadsheet to store, sort, compute, and report numerical information such as budgets, inventory predictions, and grade books.
Integrate the use of word processing, database, spreadsheets, and images to produce publishable documents.
Use e-mail to send, receive, forward, and store messages and attachments.
Use a mailing list to correspond with a group of people interested in the same topic.
Use the world-wide web to search for information, to do library research, and to create a home page.
Do basic troubleshooting through in class instruction about various components of the computer. The components include but are not limited to storage (diskettes, hard disks, zip drives), memory, the display, power, peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.).
Use multimedia software to produce a report on a selected topic (e.g. a business presentation).
Computer Music
There are three components of the course: network and multimedia, history and the academic environment, and personal computing. Students will identify areas of interest for exploration and further work in the future, and will develop a vocabulary with which to interpret information available in books, magazines, and Internet web sites. During the last three weeks students will develop individual projects using information presented in the class pertaining to their special interests.
All lecture material will be presented through world wide web pages. Students will need access to a web browser such as Netscape and an Internet email account with which to communicate with the instructor and other students. It is also necessary to have access to a MIDI keyboard connected to a computer with sequencer/notation software. There will be weekly assignments and students will participate in online discussions. Students will complete sequencing and notation exercises. No prior musical background is required.
This class helps students develop a broad concept of a highly interdisciplinary field. Computer music involves a number of different subjects, and knowledge webs made from semantic networks will be built to help conceptualize the subjects, starting with the three main areas: technology, science, and art.
Topics
NETWORK AND MULTIMEDIA
- ftp - file transfer protocol
- news and online discussion groups
- world wide web
- image and sound file formats
- hypertext, HTML: how to make your own web pages
- What is computer music?
- Computer music history: institutions and literature
- Musique concrète, processing, sampling
- Effects
- Performance
- MIDI: Channel commands, General MIDI, Standard MIDI files
- Synthesis
- Sequencing
- Synchronization
- Notation
- Intelligent instruments
MIDI - The Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIDI provides a way to communicate between computers and synthesizers, opening up new possibilities for expressive and detailed music. Many people have access to digital music equipment but are limited as to what they can accomplish due to their lack of understanding of how electronic music systems work.
This practical, fun course takes the mystery out of the technology and shows how to connect instruments to enhance your musical activities. It will teach you what computer-based instruments are capable of, how they communicate, and what they can be used for. In addition to understanding how systems work, students will be introduced to a variety of common software applications such as sequencing and notation.
Students who already own or wish to purchase software will arrange existing works from the public domain and create their own original compositions, otherwise assignments will consist of research and design of a future system to meet individual needs and interests.
Arranging Music for the Network
The Internet has opened up a great communication channel, creating an opportunity for musicians to make their work available instantly around the world, reaching a wider and more diverse audience than was ever possible before. Students in this class will learn how to access music on the web and to publish their own works.
Three options will be shown for distributing music:
- audio recordings: how to convert tapes to digital files suitable for downloading
- MIDI files: how to arrange music for sound cards and synthesizers
- streaming: net broadcasting
TopicsSee the overview syllabus regarding the schedule and information that will be covered. Topics include:
- World wide web search: overview of web sites and functions
- Working with MIDI and audio files
- Constructing and linking web pages
- Copyright issues
- Hypertext, HTML, graphics
Synthesis and Signal Processing
Synthesizers have been a part of our culture for the past three decades and have revolutionized the way music is made, from rock bands to church music. They have created vast opportunities to create and process sound, but musicians may have difficulties unlocking the potential due to lack of knowledge as to how sound is produced, represented, and processed. Students will learn to put together a studio and to make more effective use of any instruments they already have.
See the overview syllabus regarding the schedule and information that will be covered.
- Acoustics
- Digital audio: conversion, sampling, sample rate
- Synthesis concepts: software and hardware
- Signal processing, analysis, and resynthesis
- What instrument manuals don't tell you
- How to put a studio together
Music FUNdamentals
Notes of treble clef Chord identification:
Music Theory Rudiments
This course covers the the fundamentals of music notation, elementary note reading, basic concepts of rhythm and pitch, and the early stages of ear training. It is intended for those with little formal study in music.
The goals of the class are:
- to learn to read and write music
- to understand and be able to work with key signatures
- to understand major and minor scales, both in the abstract as well as in practice
- to learn how to structure triad chords
Popular Music Theory I
The course begins with a review of rudiments, including terminology, notation, rhythm, meter, scales, and intervals. We continue with the study of harmony with triads and work towards more complex structures. Popular music theory is emphasized, and students learn to read, write, and interpret lead sheets. The goals of the class are to:
- Understand the notational system of music well
- Learn to read, write, and interpret lead sheets, including chord symbols, rhythm, key, and form.
- Be able to identify and construct any triad or seventh chord and identify aurally the most common ones.
Popular Music Theory II
This course is a continuation of Music 247, covering contemporary popular harmonic progressions, lead sheets, and improvisatory techniques. Elementary orchestration and arranging are included.
The goals of the class are to:
- Be able to analyze the harmony and form of popular music compositions
- Know what pitches can be used in melodies and improvisation to fit with common chords
- Be able to write for different instruments considering their ranges and transpositions
- Spell any triad, seventh, or ninth chord, and aurally identify the most common ones
- Play chords and progressions on the piano
Twentieth Century Music
This course serves as an introduction to techniques of twentieth century music composition and performance.
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