COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to the fundamental technologies involved in professional music production, performance, and analysis. Primary areas of focus include the terminology of technology, signal flow, history of audio technology, the digital audio workstation, and digital music notation.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will attain the following skills:

• Employing proper terminology for the professional live audio and recording studio environment

• Best practices regarding cable management, microphone technique, and stage plotting.

• Utilization of Recording, Editing, and Mixing tools within a Digital Audio Workstation.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND RECOMMENDED STUDY RESOURCES

-       Access to MuseScore 4

-       Access to Logic Pro X

-       Access to Prime

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Grades will be based on the following:

A | A  93-100 | A- 90-92 |

B | B+ 87-89 | B  83-86 | B- 80-82 |

C | C+ 77-79 | C  73-76 | C- 70-72 |

D | D+ 67-69 | D  63-66 | D- 60-62 |

F | Less than 59 |

Quizzes: (12 @ 5 pts.) 60 points.

Throughout the semester, students must complete 12 timed quizzes. The quizzes will contain multiple-choice, matching, true-false, and listening identification questions based on the week’s lecture materials and reading. Quizzes will be completed on Canvas. Any technological issues with the quizzes must be resolved promptly, as they will not excuse late or missed quizzes. Quizzes will be available from Sunday of the assigned week and are due by midnight on the Sunday following the corresponding lessons.

Stage Plots: (2 @ 40pts)  80 points
Students will create two stage plots: an initial plot (Week 4) and a final plot for the performance project (Week 15). Grading reflects accuracy, clarity, proper instrument placement, monitor setup, and adherence to live audio best practices.

Track Assignments: (2 @ 40pts)  80 points
Students will complete two track-related assignments: a basic track setup for rehearsal (Week 6) and a final backing track submission (Week 12). Grading evaluates organization, functionality, and integration with live instruments.

Lead Sheets: (2 @ 40pts)  80 points
Students will produce a lead sheet (Week 13) and individual parts (Week 14) for the ensemble. Grading reflects clarity, accuracy, completeness, and usability for rehearsal and performance.

Midterm – Applied Lab: Stage Setup: 100 points
Students will perform a hands-on stage setup, including instruments, microphones, monitors, in-ears, and basic tracks. Grading evaluates technical accuracy, signal flow, problem-solving, and ability to follow stage plot instructions.

Final Project Performance: 100 points
Students will execute a full live ensemble performance, integrating all course skills: stage setup, monitor and in-ear setup, track playback, and live mixing. Grading reflects overall execution, technical accuracy, musicianship, and teamwork.

INCOMPLETES AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments are to be submitted/turned in by the beginning of the class session when they are due—including assignments posted in Canvas. Incompletes will only be assigned in extremely unusual circumstances.

Late assignments completed after the due date will be penalized ten points per day. Assignments will close a week after the due date at which point no credit will be awarded.

*Please note: all due dates/times are PST (Pacific Standard Time)

AI STATEMENT

You are allowed to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini Pro 1.5, GrammarlyGo, Perplexity, etc) to generate ideas, but you are not allowed to use AI tools to generate content (text, video, audio, images) that will end up in any work submitted to be graded for this course. If you have any doubts about using AI, please gain permission from the instructor.

COURSE OVERVIEW

First Half: Intro to Technology & Live Performance

Week 1 – Course Orientation & Practice Room / Computer Use

•       Introduction to the course, expectations, grading, and  procedures

•       Overview of University computers, practice rooms, and basic software navigation

•       Quiz #1

Week 2 – Sound Basics,  Cables, & Signal Flow

•       Fundamentals of sound, signal flow from instrument to output

•       Types of cables (XLR, TRS, instrument cables) and their uses

•       DI boxes, active vs. passive electronics

•       Quiz #2

Week 3 – Microphones, Speakers & Electronics

•       Phantom power

•       Understanding speakers, preamps, channels, and mixers

•       Microphone types and placement basics

•       Quiz #3

Week 4 – Stage Plot & Instrument Setup

•       How to create and interpret a stage plot

•       Setting up different instruments on stage (guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, etc.)

•       Quiz #4

•       Submit Stage Plot #1

Week 5 – Monitors & In-Ear Systems

•       Setting up wedges and floor monitors

•       Wired and wireless in-ear monitor systems

•       Troubleshooting monitor mixes

•       Quiz #5

Week 6 – Talkback Mics & Track Playback Basics

•       Setting up a talkback microphone

•       Running click tracks and basic backing tracks

•       Quiz #6

Week 7 – Applied Lab Midterm

•       Midterm practical: full stage setup with instruments, monitors, in-ears, and tracks

•       Hands-on application of all learned live audio skills

Second Half: Studio Technology & Final Project Prep

Week 8 – Introduction to DAWs

•       Overview of different DAWs and their primary functions

•       Quiz #8

Week 9 – DAW Organization & Workflow

•       Creating templates, organizing sessions, using busses and subgroups

•       Quiz #9

Week 10 – MIDI Fundamentals

•       MIDI setup, controllers, virtual instruments, and editing

•       Quiz #10

Week 11 – Effects & Signal Processing

•       Using EQ, compression, reverb, delay, modulation, and creative effects in DAWs

•       Effects on instruments and guitar pedalboards

•       Quiz #11

Week 12 – Track Creation & Click Tracks

•       Creating backing tracks, loops, and click tracks for ensemble performance

•       Quiz #12

•       Submit Backing Tracks #1

Week 13 – Notation Software

•       MuseScore

•       Creating scores and lead sheets

•       Quiz #13

•       Lead Sheet Submission

Week 14 – Writing Parts & Lead Sheets

•       Writing individual parts and lead sheets

•       Planning final performance setup

•       Turn in Lead Sheets

Week 15 – Stage Plot, Instrumentation & Final Project Planning

•       Stage plot, instrument setup, monitor plan, and track integration

•       Begin final project rehearsal preparation

•       Turn in Stage Plot #2 and Final Tracks

Week 16 – Final Project Performance

•       Students set up stage, instruments, monitors, in-ears, and tracks

•       Perform final ensemble project using all live and studio tech skills