|
|
Please note: Course green sheets and other materials may not be updated fully until the first class meeting. Web site registration for students enrolled in these classes will be activated at that time.
Intro to Electronic Music Final Project
Description
The final project is a composition created with the sequencing software and other equipment in the electronic music lab. It must follow this format.
Format
- DURATION: The project must have a duration of between 2 and 4 minutes. (You may do several shorter projects which add up to this length. Projects that are shorter or longer than this will receive a lower grade, unless you request and receive approval at least 1 week before the due dates.)
- AUDIO TRACKS: The project must use at least two AUDIO tracks. At least one must contain an Apple Loop and one must contain an audio sample (via Import Audio) that fits with the music of your piece. (2 tracks) See the Important Note on Sampling below on this page.
- INST TRACKS: The project must use at least 4 INST parts with different plugin instruments (e.g. - "virtual synths"). (7 tracks as described below.)
 On each of first three INST parts there must be individual/different musical parts with each using one of the Logic plug-in synths. (e.g. - one INST part per track using INST 1, INST 2, INST 3) You should use a different plug-in synth on each of these three tracks. Optionally, you may use more than three such tracks if you want to - three tracks of this type will meet the minimum requirements for this project. 3 tracks)
 One of the 4 INST parts mentioned above must be spread across a minimum of four tracks in the Arrange window. In other words, you will assign the same INST part to four successive tracks such that they all use the same plug-in synth. Then record a minimum of four musical parts that can share the same sound type on each of these four tracks. (A good approach here is to use the multiple tracks for your percussion part, with one instrument per track on each of four tracks - perhaps assigned to INST 4 or similar.) (4 tracks)
- ORIGINAL INST SOUND: The project must included at least one INST track using a Logic software instrument that you design yourself. You must be able to offer a brief explanation of how you modified the sound. (1 track - which may be one of the above tracks)
- LOOPS, COPIES, ALIASES: In your piece there must be at least one instance of each of the following - and you must be prepared to point them out if asked:
- Use of an alias.
- Use of a looping region.
- Use of an edited copy of a region.
- VOLUME/PANNING: Mixer volume and panning must be set for each track and either set to non-default values and/or change during the playback of the track.
- EFFECTS: At least one mixer effect must be selected for each track in the piece.
- Logistical Details - You must do the following:
- Name your file (all versions) in the format: LastnameFirstnameFinal. For example, I would name my final project MitchellDanFinal
- Save your file on your local computer as a project in Logic. Under the FILE menu choose Save as Project... Use the same filename: LastnameFirstnameFinal.
- When your project is completely finished... bounce a copy to an mp3 file that you save in your folder. Use the same name for this file that you used for your main Logic file and Logic Project: LastnameFirstnameFinal.
- Finally, transfer a copy of your entire folder from your computer in the lab to the server - for backup and so that it is accessible at the final exam session, at which projects will be played back from the instructors' workstation computer.
- Failure to submit a final project may result in a failing grade for the course.
If you consider all of the parts of this assignment you will see that it must have at least 9 tracks.
There are no limitations on what type of music may be used for the project - you can create a project in any style you want. The piece may be an original composition, an arrangement , a recorded improvisation, a sound effects piece, etc.
Important note regarding sampling: While you may sample a variety of pre-recorded audio sources as part of your piece, the final composition must consist substantially and predominantly of music that you created - it must not consist predominantly or substantially of recordings of music created by others. If in doubt, check with the instructor ahead of time. Projects that "step over this line" in the view of the instructor may receive not credit. (Policy begin as of the winter 2008 quarter.)
Important note regarding audio recordings: While you may incorporate a few tracks of recorded audio (singing or instruments, for example) these must be of secondary importance in your overall piece since this assignment is primarily a demonstration of your ability to use electronic music technologies.
Assignment Goals
This project demonstrates your ability to create a musical project that uses all of the techniques you have learned in this class.
Grading
You will be graded on technical aspects of the assignment. The
assignment will not be graded on its musical merits. This includes the following:
- Correct length
- Required number of tracks and subsequences.
- Use of all the required types of tracks.
- Use of required types of regions.
- Inclusion of program changes and mixer settings.
- Accurate rhythm through careful playing, step entry and/or quantizing.
- No obvious wrong notes.
- Project plays correctly without manual adjustments at playback.
The musical quality of your piece does not determine your grade.
However, imagination can't hurt! The assignment description is
intentionally vague so that there is room for you to exercise your
imagination. Try to come up with an interesting piece within the
guidelines of this project.
Due Date
Completed projects are due at the final exam session for this class as listed in the greensheet. All projects will be performed for the class at this time. Attendance at the final exam session is required.
Let the instructor know immediately if you are
encountering problems with the studio equipment or the project
itself. Contact the instructor immediately in person, through this web site, by
email, or phone
(408-864-8511) as soon as you have problems or questions.
Plan on finishing your project before final exam week. Start your project as soon as possible to avoid the inevitable rush as the deadline approaches. Your project should be finished by your last class session during the week before final exams.
Assignments:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Final Project
|
|
