Description:

MIDI Music Composition I is designed to create a technical and conceptual foundation for further studies in electronic music. Students will learn and demonstrate basic compositional techniques, including form, melody, rhythm and harmony. Also, the student will demonstrate the ability to use computers and software to create and perform music. Emphasis will be on developing skills appropriate to the beginning student for the purpose of creative and technical expression. 2 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic proficiency of the elements of music composition, i.e., form, rhythm, melody and harmony.
2. Demonstrate basic proficiency of the basic operation of the hardware used to produce music, including a computer and piano keyboard.
3. Demonstrate basic proficiency of the use of sequencing software to produce music, including basic methods of sequencing note information and using quantization techniques to correct rhythmic errors.
4. Demonstrate basic proficiency of the use of a software synthesizer to provide musical instrument and other sounds.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Elements of Musical Composition
   A. Rhythm
      1. Identify, by ear, the beat or pulse in a piece of music.
      2. Identify duple, triple and compound meters.
      3. Identify subdivisions of the beat.
      4. Identify the rate of speed or tempo of a piece of music.
      5. Describe the concept of rhythmic density.
   B. Melody
      1. List and describe the general qualities associated with a
musically effective melody.
      2. Identify sequence and imitation in a given melody.
      3. Identify a counter melody in a piece of music.
   C. Harmony
      1. Demonstrate the use of different types of chords in the key of C
Major.
         a. Triads in the key of C: I, ii, iii, IV, V, and vi.
         b. Seventh chords in the key of C Major: IMaj, ii7, IVmaj7, V7,
vi7.
      2. Describe the concept of harmonic rhythm.
      3. Describe the concepts of consonance and dissonance.
      4. Explain the concept of tonality.
   D. Form
      1. Demonstrate the ability to use basic song forms:
         a. Demonstrate the ability to create a song with 2 sections,
i.e., verse and chorus.
         b. Demonstrate the ability to enhance basic song form through the
use of an introduction, coda and/or bridge.
  
II. Technical Aspects of Musical Composition with a Computer
   A. Basic operation of the Macintosh computer.
      1. Start up the computer from sleep or off mode.
      2. Identify desktop items.
         a. Hard drive icon
         b. Trash
         c. Menus
      3. Find and identify FILE menu items.
         a. NEW FOLDER
         b. OPEN
         c. QUIT
         d. CLOSE WINDOW 
      4. Find and identify EDIT menu items.
         a. CUT
         b. COPY
         c. PASTE
         d. SELECT ALL
      5. Find and identify Apple menu items.
         a. RESTART
         b. SHUT DOWN
         c. EMPTY TRASH
      6. Use the mouse to input information.
         a. Click
         b. Double click
         c. Click-hold-drag
         d. Shift-click
      7. Organize file material.
         a. Create, save and store files and folders.
         b. Make duplicate of files.
         c. Save files to the hard drive and to the flash drive (or
removeable media).
   B. Basic MIDI concepts.
      1. Explain briefly the development of MIDI.
      2. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a MIDI based system.
      3. Compare and contrast multi-timbral and polyphony.
   C. Use of a MIDI input device to generate note information.
      1. Identify features of the keyboard controller.
         a. Power on/off
         b. Volume slider
         c. Patch select button
         d. Octave select button
         e. MIDI in/out/thru jacks
         f. Sustain pedal and its jack
   D. The use of sequencing software to produce music.
      1. Demonstrate the basic types of recording note information.
         a. Replace record
         b. Step record
         c. Overdub record
         d. Insert record
         e. Punch record
      2. Demonstrate the basic types of quantization.
         a. Grid quantize
         b. Input quantize
         c. Cursor quantize
         d. Quantize durations
         e. Notation quantize
      3. Perform editing techniques.
         a. Demonstrate how to cut, copy and paste note information.
         b. Paste, insert and merge copied information.
         c. Delete and/or insert blank time.
      4. Create and edit continuous controller events.
         a. Graphically edit, create and save volume and panning
information.
         b. Edit key velocity, pitch bend and sustain pedal information.
   E. Recording finished works to compact disc.
      1. Set and adjust record levels.
      2. Create simple CD labels and jewel cases.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Attendance: Attendance at all lectures/discussions is required.
However, a student may have two unexcused absences without affecting
his/her final grade. Unexcused absences beyond these two will result in a
reduction of the final grade.

Written Exams: Two written exams, one focusing on technical aspects of
producing music with a computer, and one focusing on compositional
concepts, are required.

Skills quizzes: "Hands-on" quizzes designed to test the student's ability
to perform basic sequencing and computer related tasks.

Projects: Each student will be graded on three individual projects.

Points will be awarded for each requirement as follows:
 
Attendance:     10-20%
Skills quizzes: 10-20%
Written Exams:  20-30%
Projects:       50-60%

Grading Criteria:

90 - 100% = A
80 -  89% = B
70 -  79% = C
60 -  69% = D
Below 59% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.