Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Electronic Media 1 connects the student to limitless possibilities when composing with a computer workstation. Lecture topics include: tools of a digital sequencer, digital/analog signal routing, and history and future of electronic music. Opportunities related to music production and multi-media are explored in this sequence. Students get a chance to examine current technology and assess available options to construct and enhance recording studio environments.
 

The material in this course will be presented in lectures and demonstrations . Additional academic methods such as, interactive discussions, research papers and small group activities, will also be observed. Students are encouraged to share excerpts of original music created on the laboratory workstation, and prosper from the interaction and supportive critique that transpires after exposure to the classroom environment. Students schedule recurring lab time to learn the hands on" procedures of a computer workstation and finish weekly applications issued in a laboratory workbook.
 

• Discussion of related products on the market.
• Playback and critique of audio assignments.
• Presentations of lab applications and compositional instructions.
• Lectures on MIDI concepts, music production and the history of electronic music

Grades and competency will be determined according to student ability to display knowledge of specific computer software, complete work by assigned deadlines, creativity, participation in critiques, and an evaluation of each project according to specific objectives. Laboratory assignments must be presented in an audio format with a list of parameters. One research paper and oral presentation is expected from each student.
 

• Develop computer skills needed to utilize a Music Sequencing" program.
• Apply class demonstration tools to form beats that serve as accompaniments and backdrops.
• Obtain a basic knowledge of diatonic harmony as it applies to the music keyboard..
• Compose and arrange a complete musical composition using a digital workstation.
• Demonstrate mixing capabilities when recording audio assignments to tape or CD.
• Apply MIDI concepts to map out signal routing schemes. Connect all MIDI and audio cables in the correct order to make a laboratory workstation function properly. Demonstrate ability to set up various combinations of signal routing schemes.
• Comprehend basic parameters of hardware available to laboratory workstations.
• Compile a budget proposal to purchase gear needed to construct a home workstation and project studio.
• Decipher the meanings of terms and jargon commonly used in periodicals and operation manuals.