Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music: Policies
The assignments and exercises must be completed in M373, though you can often accomplish a lot using the Macs on the same floor of the Music Library as M373. You can work in M373 any time there is not a class in session (see the schedule). Assignments are creative projects oriented around a particular set of technical concerns. You make music while fulfilling requirements that help you learn the software. Assignments are graded. Exercises are more limited and less time-consuming than assignments; they are graded pass/fail.
Quizzes test your comprehension of the course web pages, the things I say in class, and optional reading assignments. Topics include the MIDI system, acoustics, digital audio theory, and various functions of the software we use. You take the quizzes online during class.
The final project will be a musical work that employs the skills learned in class. There are fewer technical requirements and constraints for this project than for the assignments, so this is your chance to branch out. Most people will want to use the equipment available in M373, but I permit those with access to other equipment to do some or all of their work on the project using it. The project is due at the beginning of the last week of classes. All projects will be played over the speakers during the remaining classes, accompanied by groovy video images.
There will be some time set aside during class for individual work, with help from the instructor. But do not assume that working only during class time will be sufficient. You must work outside of class in order to do well.
The exercises are graded pass/fail. Each failing exercise will lower your final course grade by 2 points.
Assignment 1 14% Assignment 2 14% Assignment 3 14% Assignment 4 14% Final Project 16% Quiz 1 14% Quiz 2 14%
Note for N561 students: You have additional requirements.
Absences will be considered excused only in the following cases:
The same goes for being consistently late to class. Five late arrivals equals one unexcused absence. If you arrive after I've taken roll, you're late. In that case, it's your responsibility to see that I've taken note of your attendance by asking me right after the class is over.
Leaving class early without having a very good reason and notifying me is equivalent to a late arrival.
Checking email, Facebook, or other web material during class will result in an unexcused absence. If you're doing those things, it's as if you aren't in class.
Please make a habit of directing your attention away from the computer and toward me when I'm offering instruction or discussing class business.
Each unexcused absence after the second reduces your final grade by 1 point. For example, if you have 4 unexcused absences, and your final grade would otherwise be 91 (A-), then factoring in your unexcused absences would give you 89 (B+). If you have more than 6 unexcused absences, then each absence over 6 costs you 2 points.
There is no way to "make up" for unexcused absences. I do not offer extra credit assignments, nor do I let people take quizzes over.
Pellman, Samuel. An Introduction to the Creation of Electroacoustic Music. Wadsworth, 1994.There is one copy of this book on Open Reserve on the first floor of the Music Library (call number: ML1380.P39 I5, listed under Permanent Reserves for Prof. Hass). Consult this if you don't understand my PowerPoint slides.
I also assign readings from various web sites, and I expect you to absorb all the terms and concepts presented in the assignment instructions on the course web site.
Manuals for the Korg keyboards and some of the software we use are available on Open Reserve.
I strongly recommend that you dedicate a flash drive to your work on the Mac and format the drive for Mac OS X. If you have no way to do that, let me know, and I'll do it for you.
We will also be using a file server to store your work, but do not rely on this as your only backup media!
Headphones are required for the course. They may be checked out with your student ID at the Music Library Circulation Desk (on the first floor) before class, or you may bring your own (with a 1/4" adapter if necessary).
If you want to buy your own headphones, go to Best Buy or a similar store, and try them on and listen to them before buying. You want something comfortable. For the best isolation from noises in the room, get a closed-ear design, not an open-ear.
Make sure you leave enough time BEFORE class to check out headphones!
For technical questions, or to set up individual help, please email the instructor. It is your repsonsibility to ask for this help in a timely fashion (i.e., before assignments are due).