MUSC 121
Creating Music with Technology

Prof. Michael Nord

Course description:
Creating music offers both insight to the composer's art form and a means of personal expression. Current technology allows the opportunity to compose music even to those without traditional skills or training. Intended for the non-music major, this hands-on class will directly involve students in the creation and recording of original music and sound resources. Final project recordings will be presented in a virtual concert. Prerequisite: Students should have basic computing and computer file management skills. Satifies a Creating in the Arts requirement.

This class has two overarching concerns. The first is that you gain insight into processes and materials used by composers. The second is that you develop insight and technique with regard to the use of technology as a compositional medium. Ideas will be explored through classroom presentations, reading, and the primary mode of the class, hands-on creative work. The degree to which your insights and technique develop will be directly related to the thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and willingness to experiment that you bring to your work. A high degree of each is expected.

Mail Group: A Mail Group (musc-121) has been established for the class. This forum will provide an opportunity to extend discussions, pose questions, and exchange ideas outside of the time and thinking constraints of the classroom. All class members should be automatically subscribed. Please contact WITS and let me know if you are not receiving messages.

Evaluation:
Regular and punctual class attendance is expected since a major part of this course depends on collaborative work and classroom activity. Individuals missing a class should consult the class newsgroup as expeditiously as possible. Your evaluation and resulting grade will be based on the following criteria:

• Attendance (an excess of 2 unexcused absences will result in lowering of your grade by .5 point per occurrence
• Class and mail group participation
• Major Projects Primary projects will be creative works. Posted due dates will include the option for advanced submission and supervised revision. You are strongly urged to use this opportunity for feedback.
• Quality of assignments and class preparation. Assignments may not always be collected. When they are they will be assessed. Always prepare to the best of your ability.