Course Syllabus

MUSC 51A Digital Audio: Fundamentals

Fall 2017

Day/Time  Thursday 9:00am – 12:50pm

Room   Maggini, room 2926

Instructor  Barry Blum

Office  Maggini, room 2926

Phone  415 302 6463

Office Hours  Th 8:00 am – 8:50 am

Email   Barry.blumn@comcast.net or bblum@santarosa.edu

Catalog Description

The course is designed for students who has passed MUSC51A. Students are introduced to basic digital audio concepts, terminology, and tool sets. Topics include sound design for video games and film, scoring music to picture, Foley, audio mastering, formatting audio for target consoles and general audio production work flows. Activities include Creating Sound Effects, Writing and recording musical cues using Pro tools and virtual instruments, MIDI transcription and scoring to picture. (Grade only) Transfer Credit: CSU.

Textbook and online resources

Required: www.groove3.com all access pass.

I highly recommend but do not require:
Principles of Digital Audio, 5th ed. Pohlmann, Ken C. McGraw Hill/TAB Electronics, 2005.
Audio in Media, 8th ed. Alten, Stanley R. Wadsworth, 2007.
Instructor prepared materials.

Materials       Headphones, memstick or equivalent.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. Utilize and apply a working vocabulary of digital audio terminology.
2. Demonstrate hands-on proficiency with a DAW at an advanced level utilizing virtual instruments and audio plugin's to manipulate audio files.
3. Create sound design and musical cues to full motion video.
4. Capture, create and organize their own Sound effect and Music libraries.
5. Prepare master mix-downs that can then before formatted properly for digital video.

Important Dates

Aug 22                    All SRJC CLASSES BEGIN  MUSC51A starts Aug 24
August 27, 2017    Last day to register/add without instructor’s signature or add code
September 3, 2017    Last day to drop semester length class and be eligible for a refund

September 4, 2017    Labor Day Holiday
September 5, 2017    Professional Development Flex Day (No classes or activities)
September 10, 2017    Last day to register/add with the instructor’s signature or add code
September 10, 2017    Last day to drop a class without “W” symbol
September 11, 2017    First Census Day
September 18, 2017    Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Classes will meet)
October 1, 2017    Last day to opt for P/NP
Oct 16- Nov 19, 2017    Midterm progress indicators posted in student portal
November 10, 2017    Veterans Day Holiday
November 19, 2017    Last day to drop a class with “W” symbol
November 23-26, 2017    Thanksgiving Day Holidays
November 24, 2017    Professional Development 1/2 Flex Day (No classes or activities)
December 16-22, 2017    Final Examinations

Attendance and Grading Policy

As this is an activity-based course that only meets once a week, attendance and participation are extremely important. Individual assignments and tests will be graded on a points system. Refer to

Note: All Assignments and Lectures available in Canvas. 

Overview of Course

There is a lot of work in the field of Digital Audio.  Ranging from Video games, Film to Smart Phones; each of these targets needs audio, (and there are thousands of companies, around the world, who are looking for the right people with the right skill sets who can deliver quality work in an organized manner. 

This class is an introduction to Sound design for the various mediums and consoles that use audio as "feedback" that something has happened.  We will be focusing on "sound design" as opposed to music creation.  Music tells the audience how to feel, Sound Effects tell the audience what as happened.   Emotion vs Information.  MUSC51A is about designing sound that provides information.  We will learn how design subtle effects and very large layered effects; for single events or for Full Motion Videos.  We will be able to design will the same quality we here in Film and in games. 

We will explore the various formats required by the wide range of target consoles  such as PlayStation.  We will explore the different work flows and tool sets required to get the job down right.  And finally, we will learn how to deliver our work in an organized fashion, so that another person, programmer, video editor or level designer, knows how to use your work.

Lab Work

This course includes digital audio exercises that will require the software on the Lab computers. Students are required to complete one hour per week of lab time in the in Maggini Hall(room 2926). Sign in and out in room 2926 during the regular lab time.  Refer to Groove3.com for help with the music software on the lab computers.

Guidelines for Assignment Submission for more information on written work.

1. Points will be deducted for each unexcused absence or tardy.
2. If you are tardy, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure you are not marked absent.
3. If you wish to drop this course, be aware that it is YOUR responsibility to do so officially at the Registration Office or online.
4. Tests must be taken at the time they are given. Missed tests can only be made up with an excused absence (doctor’s note, etc.) and must be made up immediately. Missed tests with an unexcused absence can only be taken for half credit.

The final course grade will fall approximately along these guidelines:

Audio project(s)                                                                      45%

Attendance & participation in in-class activities                   10%

Terminology quizzes Exams                                                  10%

Skill Demonstrations                                                              35%

 

Incomplete Grades

In some extreme circumstances, arrangements can be made for an incomplete (I) grade. Incomplete grades are appropriate when a student has been making satisfactory progress in a course, but is unable to finish for reasons beyond his or her control. Consult the District Grading Policy for more information: http://www.santarosa.edu/polman/3acadpro/3.10P.pdf

 

Guidelines for Assignment Submission

1. Turn in assignments on time. All homework is due the next class meeting after it is assigned. Late work will ONLY be accepted (for partial credit) if it is turned in before the next test.

2. Please make sure your name (first and last) is printed legibly on each page.

1. Please use pencil and write legibly. Confusing notation will be graded down.
2. Please turn in all pages of an assignment together. (For example, do not turn in only one page of a three-page assignment.)
3. Assignments can be left in my mailbox in the Music Office if you are unable to turn them in during class.

Classroom Decorum

Students are expected to show respect and courtesy for the instructor and fellow students at all times.

1. Please come to class on time – excessive tardiness is disruptive.
2. Please do not bring food to class.
3. Please turn off all cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices.

Emergency Evacuation Plan

In the event of an emergency during class that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the classroom immediately, but calmly. Our class will meet on the Forsyth North Lawn to ensure that everyone got out of the building safely and to receive further instructions. If you are a student with a disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me during my office hours as soon as possible so that we can discuss an evacuation plan.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

If you need disability-related accommodations for this course, such as a note taker, test-taking services, special furniture, use of service animal, etc., please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to me as soon as possible. You may also speak with me privately during office hours about your accommodations. If you have not received authorization from DRD, it is recommended that you contact them directly. (DRD is located in Analy Village on the Santa Rosa campus, and in Petaluma Village on the Petaluma Campus.)