This course covers computer literacy as relevant to the contemporary musician. In addition to computer basics like file management, word processing, and spreadsheets, students will be introduced to music notation software and digital recording techniques. A focus of the class is navigating though the complex menus of music software, understanding methods of collaboration, exploring current software options, and the creation of professional looking sheet music and professional sounding recordings. This course fulfills general education and institutional outcomes for computer technology. Students are required to read music notation for this class.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Operating System Orientation
Describe the basic functions and parts of a computer including inputs, outputs, processing and storage. Explain the difference between computer hardware and software. Demonstrate how to search for and locate files. Demonstrate how to launch and close programs and applications.
- Networks
Demonstrate how to log into and out of the HFC Network. Perform multiple searches using various search engines and search modifiers on the internet. Explain the uses and differences between Ethernet and WIFI for accessing the internet.
- Microsoft Office and Online Options
Perform basic word processing functions to prepare a document that incorporates a variety of formatting options. Prepare a spreadsheet that incorporates basic formulas and a variety of formatting options. Prepare and view a slide show using basic presentation software functions. Describe popular online alternatives to Microsoft Office.
- Music Notation Software
Demonstrate how to enter notes, rehearsal marks, double barlines and other markers using music notation software. Demonstrate how to add dynamics, expressions, and articulations to a piece of music in music notation software. Demonstrate how to transpose music, and how to format a page of music so it is ready for printing. Perform various functions such as export and save as in order to share music notation files with other programs and applications.
- Recording Basics
Describe the basic functions of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), including the use of an audio interface, audio input levels, and basic plug-ins. Demonstrate how to add and label markers, name tracks, and organize a music project in a DAW. Perform basic edits in a DAW including moving, deleting, copying, pasting, duplicating, and looping clips. Describe different types of microphones and their uses in audio recording.
- Basic Post-Production
Perform a basic Mixdown of an audio project in a DAW and employ various ways of sharing files and media from one DAW to another program or application. Demonstrate how to import and export various types of files using a DAW.
- MIDI
Define what MIDI is and how it is being used currently in music technology. Create and edit MIDI in both music notation software and in a DAW. Perform a transfer of MIDI files between music notation software and a DAW.
- Copyrights, Security, Privacy, and Ethics
Discuss basic copyright laws as they pertain to the use of music and music technology. Recognize common threats to computer security and privacy including viruses, phishing, and identity theft. Demonstrate proper ethical and legal behavior in an online environment. Examine the issues related to plagiarism, cracked software, and illegal downloads.
Assessment and Requirements
A basic understanding of music notation (i.e. the ability to read music) is required.
Texts to be determined by instructor
Outcomes
- Computer Technology
- Computer Technology