Course Syllabus

MUSC 51A Digital Audio: Fundamentals

MUSC51A

Fall 2020  Section 4084

Day/Time  Thursday 9:00am – 12:50pm

remote

Instructor  Barry Blum

Phone  415 302 6463

Remote 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

		Important Dates Date Activity TBD Web site information available (www.santarosa.edu)* August 13, 2020 District-designated activities August 14, 2020 Mandatory Professional Development Activity Institutional Day (No classes) August 17, 2020 CLASSES BEGIN August 23, 2020 Last day to register/add semester length class without instructor’s signature or add code August 30, 2020 Last day to drop semester length class and be eligible for a refund September 6, 2020 Last day to register/add semester length class with the instructor’s signature or add code September 6, 2020 Last day to drop a semester length class without “W” symbol September 7, 2020 Labor Day Holiday (No classes) September 8, 2020 Professional Development Flex Day (No classes or activities) September 8, 2020 First Census Day September 17, 2020 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Classes will meet) September 27, 2020 Last day to opt for P/NP for a semester length class October 19, 2020 Last day to register to vote October 19 - November 15, 2020 Midterm progress indicators posted in student portal November 3, 2020 Election Day November 11, 2020 Veterans Day Holiday (No classes) November 15, 2020 Last day to drop a semester length class with “W” symbol November 26 - November 29, 2020 Thanksgiving Day Holidays (No classes) November 27, 2020 Professional Development 1/2 Flex Day (No classes or activities) December 12-18, 2020 Final Examinations Dec 19, 2020 - Jan 17, 2021 Semester Break (No classes) January 1, 2021 Final grade rosters due January 2, 2021 Fall semester processing finalized Dropping the Class

Attendance and Grading Policy

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.)