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Course # / Title: |
CRN 26114, AET 2370.01; CRN 26115, AET 2370.02 – Studio Production I |
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Course Credit Hours: |
3 Credit Hours |
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Semester: |
Spring 2009 |
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Instructor: |
David Tough: EdD. candidate, M.B.A., B.A. |
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Instructor Contacts: |
(615) 554-6693; toughd@mail.belmont.edu |
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Instructor Office Hours: |
By appointment |
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Class Location: |
MCREMSB25 , Massey Basement |
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Meeting Time(s): |
AET 2370.01: 2:00-3:15pm TR; AET 2370.02: 3:30pm-4:45pm TR 01/14/09 – 05/05/09 |
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Final Exam: |
AET 2370.01 – 2pm, Thurs, 05/07/09; AET 2370.02 – 2pm, Tues, 05/12/09 |
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Mr. Tough’s Webpage: |
http://campus.belmont.edu/toughd/AET2370index.htm
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Course Description:
AET 2370 Studio Production I (3). Prerequisite: AET 1380 and permission of instructor. 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 recognize and appraise musical and technical 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 basic ability to create a song demo by manipulating professional recording equipment in analog and digital formats.
ú describe and implement basic procedures used in the recording process.
ú recall and apply the basic structure of the Nashville Number System.
ú describe unique production techniques and signature sounds of notable producers
ú identify career paths of producers
Performance Tasks: During this course, the student will:
ú complete journals of observations on production techniques based on in-class listening exercises.
ú listen, identify, and articulate musical and technical elements found in recordings.
ú plan, organize, and produce multi-track demo recordings within a team context of producer, engineer, and musician.
ú write and provide documentation of pre-production, session procedures, and reflection for recording projects.
ú evaluate the musical and technical elements of peers’ recording projects.
ú identify and apply foundational elements of the Nashville Number System by writing two number charts.
ú write a biographical paper on a notable producer or conduct a personal interview with a notable producer.
ú identify basic functions, unique production techniques, career paths and roles of audio producers
ú complete written personal reflections on production techniques
ú recall important production terms on a multiple choice tests
Assessment Tools: During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:
Testing and Assignments:
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Activity |
Credit |
Purpose/Description |
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1. Production Projects (2) |
38% |
#1. Guitar/Vocal or Keyboard/Vocal Song Demo |
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Project 1 (80 pts) |
#2.Computer-recorded & Sequenced Song Demo |
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Project 2 (300 pts) |
Two collaborative group recording projects demonstrate the student’s ability to demo a song using classroom studio(s). Project 1 will contain 1 vocal track and 1 accompaniment track. Project 2 will contain a minimum of 3 sequenced tracks and 3 audio tracks. Projects will consist of a submitted CD containing the recording, a three-page report. Report will include 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. |
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2. Reflection Assignments (2) |
(120 pts) 12% |
Two, 2 page homework reflection papers discussing in-class topics and/or assigned reading. Graded using reflection paper rubric. |
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3. Terminology/Concept Tests (3) |
(150 pts) 15% |
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 style questions. |
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4. Research Paper (1) |
(150 pts) 15% |
A biographical research paper on a chosen producer. Demonstrates the application of knowledge gained from in-class lectures and reading. Research papers are graded using a paper rubric. |
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5. Listening Journals (2) |
(120 pts) 12% |
A critical listening journal. Demonstrates the application of in-class and reading concepts and terminology. Journals are graded using a rubric. |
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6. Final Exam |
(80 pts) 8% |
A comprehensive final exam based on reading assignments, lectures and listening. Final exam will assess the depth of the student’s knowledge of the topic. Multiple choice questions. |
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. Behind the Glass: Top Record Producers Tell How They Craft the Hits (Paperback)
1st edition, Howard Massey; Miller Freeman Books (October 30, 2000)
2. 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 punch is highly recommended.
3. 3 ring notebook for listening journal notes
4. 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
5. CD-Rs as needed (for turning in projects).
Optional Materials (but recommended)
6. Digidesign Pro Tools 8 Reference Guide – free download from http://www.digidesign.com.
7. 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 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 / Spring 2009 |
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Date |
Topics |
Assignments/Activities |
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January |
15 |
R |
FIRST DAY OF CLASS; ORIENTATION |
Syllabus review Various handouts Read “The Session” @ http://coba.belmont.edu/fac/tappant/3370THESESSION.htm |
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20 |
T |
Role of the Producer Principles-Purpose/Simplicity Differences between Demo & Master Production Watch Metallica Video |
Assign lab groups |
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22 |
R |
Watch Metallica Video |
Hand out terms for Test #1 |
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27 | |||||