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Course # / Title: |
CRN 16450, AET 2370.01; CRN 16451, AET 2370.02 – Studio Production I |
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Course Credit Hours: |
3 Credit Hours |
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Semester: |
Fall 2008 |
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Instructor: |
Timmy Tappan: Ed.D., M.Ed., B.S. David Tough: M.B.A., B.A. |
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Instructor Contacts: |
460-6290; tappant@mail.belmont.edu; 554-6693; toughd@mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
By appointment |
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Class Location: |
34MSE/Rm 218 + Studio |
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Meeting Time(s): |
AET 2370.01: 11:00am-12:15pm TR; AET 2370.02: 12:30pm-1:45pm TR 8/28/08 – 12/09/08 |
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Final Exam: |
AET 2370.01 – 11am, Mon, 12/15/08; AET 2370.02 – 11am, Fri, 12/12/08 |
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Dr. Tappan’s Webpage: Mr. Tough’s Webpage: |
Course Description:
This course is an introductory study of the role of the producer and the use of music production techniques required to create a successful song demo. Lab hours are required.
Course Outcomes: At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
ú describe musical aspects of existing sound recordings and categorize into different musical genres.
ú recognize and appraise differences in audio examples using critical listening skills.
ú apply a working knowledge of audio terminology and production concepts.
ú describe how structure, instrumentation, and format of a demo conveys ideas in various musical styles.
ú demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skill manipulating entry-level professional recording equipment.
ú describe and implement basic procedures used in the recording process.
ú recall and apply the basic structure of the Nashville Number System.
Performance Tasks: During this course, the student will:
ú identify basic functions and roles of an audio producer.
ú listen, identify, and articulate musical and technical elements found in recordings.
ú journal a list of comments and observations based on in-class listening exercises.
ú plan, organize, and produce (2) multi-track demo recordings within a team context of producer, engineer, and musician.
ú write and provide documentation of musical elements, pre-production, session procedures, and reflection for the two projects.
ú explain and apply foundational elements of the Nashville Number System.
ú write a biographical paper on a famous producer.
ú identify a famous producer and relate his/her life’s career path.
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
ú Reflection Papers and Homework Assignments on In-Class Topic Discussions
ú (4) Terminology/Concept Tests
ú (2) Production Projects
ú A Final Written Exam
Testing & Assignments:
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Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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1. Production Projects (2)
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Project 1 (100 pts)
Project 2 (300 pts)
40% |
#1. Guitar/Vocal or Keyboard/Vocal Song Demo #2.Computer-recorded & Sequenced Song Demo Two collaborative group recording projects demonstrate the student’s ability to demo a song using classroom studio equipment. Projects will consist of a submitted CD containing the recording, a three-page report containing preproduction activities, anecdotal descriptions of the recording process, improvement considerations, and conclusions and oral presentations in class. Recordings and papers are graded using a project rubric. Project 1 will contain a minimum of 1 vocal track and 1 accompaniment track. Project 2 will contain a minimum of 3 sequenced tracks and 3 audio tracks. |
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2. Homework/Journal/Reflection Assignments |
(200 pts) 20% |
Reports and written summaries of in-class topics as assigned in class schedule including one-page reflection papers, biography research report, and journal entries of basic critical listening exercises. Demonstrates the application of knowledge gained from in-class lectures and listening. |
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3. Terminology/Concept Tests (4) |
(200 pts or 50 pts each) 20% |
Based on reading assignments, lectures and listening. Comprehensive tests will assess the depth of the student’s knowledge of the topic. Each test is a series of multiple choice and short essay questions. |
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4. Final Exam |
200 pts 20% |
A comprehensive test of multiple choice and short essay questions comprised of foundational principles necessary to create a satisfactory demo recording. |
Course & Classroom Policies:
Attendance & Participation:
Class attendance follows university policy as stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin. Class participation is expected; attendance and absence will be noted.
http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2008jun/apolicy/index.html
Points (%) will be deducted from the final grade for unexcused absences. 1 absence, 1.5%; 2 absences, 3%; 3 absences, 4.5%; 4 absences, 6%; 5 absences, 7.5%; 6 absences, 9%; 7 absences, 10.5%; 8 absences, 12%; 9 absences, 13.5%; 10 absences, the student will be dropped from the class with a failing grade (WF).
Materials:
1. Course handouts distributed in class. Students are responsible for all information contained in the workbook and other readings assigned. Keeping a class notebook/binder and owning a three-hole puncher is highly recommended.
2. 3 ring notebook for journal
3. Web access for cyberlinks on instructors’ websites. Students will be required to access various informational sources on the internet. Blackboard access (via BIC) is also necessary
4. CD-Rs as needed (for turning in projects).
Optional (but recommended)
5. Digidesign Pro Tools 7.2 Reference Guide – free download from http://www.digidesign.com.
6. An external USB 2.0/firewire drive, or a USB flash drive for backups of your recording projects. Studio drives are periodically checked, cleaned, and ERASED. STUDENTS are ultimately responsible for any lost files. Backup material frequently. FAT 32 format preferred for moving between MAC and PC.
Grade Evaluation: As per CEMB policy, the grade assignment scale for this course is:
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Grade |
Percent (GPA) |
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A |
94 (4.0) |
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A- |
90 (3.7) |
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B+ |
87 (3.3) |
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B |
84 (3.0) |
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B- |
80 (2.7) |
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C+ |
77 (2.3) |
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C |
74 (2.0) |
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C- |
70 (1.7) |
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Final grades below 70 % will not apply to the major. |
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D+ |
67 |
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D |
64 |
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D- |
60 |
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F |
< 60 |
All test dates are noted in the class schedule. Quizzes may be unannounced. No makeup tests or quizzes will be given. The final test is a comprehensive exam. Test dates may be subject to change with exception of the final exam. No electronic devices of any kind maybe used during exams.
Honor Code: It is the responsibility of each student to abide by the Belmont University Honor Code. “In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to sees to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”
Accommodation of Disabilities: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability during this course, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students located in Beaman Student Life Center (460-6407) as soon as possible.
Class Schedule:
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AET 2370 / Fall 2008 |
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Date |
Topics |
Assignments/Activities |
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August |
28 |
R |
FIRST DAY OF CLASS; ORIENTATION |
Syllabus review Various handouts |
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September |
2 |
T |
Role of the Producer |
Read “The Session” @ http://coba.belmont.edu/fac/tappant/3370THESESSION.htm |
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4 |
R |
Principles-Purpose/Simplicity Differences between Demo & Master Production |
1 Page Reflection on Role of Producer due |
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9 |
T |
Basic Studio Operations |
Studio recording procedures – basic TOFT console and use of the Alesis HD24 Hard Disk Recorder |
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11 |
R |
Recording Using the Toft & Alesis Recorder |
Review of recording procedures including vocal booth setup, using a mic, setting levels, monitoring, cue sends, recording tracks. |
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16 |
T |
Mixing the Demo |
Using a compressor, adding EQ, EFX, mixdown, burning a CD, Documentation. |
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18 |
R |
Terminology/Concept Review & Test 1 |
Test #1 |
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23 |
T |
DAW Recording |
ProTools 101 – The basics; computer, I/O audio interface, storage, opening creating & storing a session, monitoring and playback. |
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25 |
R |
DAW Recording Continued |
Basic Pro-Tools recording procedures; using a mic, setting levels, monitoring, cue sends, & recording tracks. |
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30 |
T |
Project 1 Presentations |
Project #1 due. (Recording & Mix to use TOFT & Alesis) Presentation of projects and submission of recordings and reports |
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October |
2 |
R |
Project 1 Presentations |
Presentation of projects and submission of recordings and reports |
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7 |
T |
FALL BREAK |
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9 |
R |
Principles-Clarity/Precision |
Discussion of production principles and implementation techniques |
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14 |
T |
Nashville Number System |
Discussion of terminology and construction of Nashville Number System |
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16 |
R |
Principles-Content/Contemporary Fit |
Discussion of production principles and implementation techniques 1 Page Reflection on Nashville Number System and Example of Simple Chart due |
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21 |
T |
Terminology/Concept Review & Test 2 |
Test #2 |
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23 |
R |
DAW Sequencing |
MIDI/sequencing/loops in Protools |
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28 |
T |
DAW Sequencing |
MIDI/sequencing/loops in Protools |
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30 |
R |
Critical Listening |
Listen to recording examples and discuss production elements |
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November |
4 |
T |
Field trip to demo studio and/or guest speaker |
Critical Listening Journal Entry #2 due |
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6 |
R |
Terminology/Concept Review & Test 3 |
Test #3 |
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11 |
T |
DAW Recording |
ProTools Mix procedures; How to move from recorded tracks to mixing. Using a compressor, adding EQ & EFX, mixdown, burning a CD, Documentation. |
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13 |
R |
Signal Processing |
Discuss uses of signal processing in commercial demos
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18 |
T |
Judging Sound Quality |
1-page reflection on Signal Processing due Identify and discuss sound quality |
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20 |
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DAW Recording |
1-page reflection on Sound Quality due ProTools 102– Remembering to Keep it Simple, Capturing the Best Performance |
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25 |
T |
Terminology/Concept Review & Test 4 |
Test #4 |
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27 |
R |
THANKSGIVING BREAK |
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December |
2 |
T |
Project 2 Presentations |
Project #2 due. (Recording & Mix of sequenced band track using ProTools). Presentation of projects and submission of recordings and reports |
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4 |
R |
Project 2 Presentations |
Presentation of projects and submission of recordings and reports |
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9 |
T |
Class Wrap |
Tie up loose ends Review for Final Exam |
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12 |
F |
FINAL EXAM - AET 2370.02 – 11am |
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15 |
M |
FINAL EXAM - AET 2370.01 – 11am |
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