Course # / Title:

CRN 34208, AET 2370 – Studio Production I

Course Credit Hours:

3 Credit Hours

Semester:

Summer 2009, full term

Instructor:

Michael Janas; B.M.E.

Instructor Contacts:

(615) 460-6548; michael.janas@belmont.edu

Instructor Office Hours:

By appointment

Class Location:

34MSE Building, #201

Meeting Time(s):

Mon & Wed, 12pm – 1:45pm, 06/08/2009 – 08/10/2009

Final Exam:

Monday, August 10, 2009, 12pm – 1:45pm

AET2370 Webpage:

http://campus.belmont.edu/toughd/AET2370index.htm

 

Course Description:

AET 3370 Studio Production (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:

Activity

Credit

Purpose/Description

1.       Production Projects (2)

38%

#1. Guitar/Vocal or Keyboard/Vocal Song Demo             

 

Project 1 (80 pts)

#2.Computer-recorded & Sequenced Song Demo

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.   When the number of absences for any reason exceeds four times the number of scheduled class meetings per week (25% of class meetings during Summer term), the student is involuntarily dropped from the course with a grade of “WF.” Appeal is to the Provost.

http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2009jun/apolicy/index.html

 

Points (%) will be deducted from the final grade for unexcused absences. 


1 absence, 3%

2 absences, 5%

3 absences,  10%

4 absences,  15%

5 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 AET2370 website.  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)

1.                   Digidesign Pro Tools 8 Reference Guide – free download from http://www.digidesign.com.

2.                   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.   FAT32 format preferred for moving between MAC and PC.

 

Grade Evaluation:  As per CEMB policy, the grade assignment scale for this course is:

 

Letter Grade

Percent (GPA)

Letter Grade

Percent (GPA)

A

94 (4.0)

C-

70 (1.7)

A-

90 (3.7)

Final grades below 70 % will not apply to the major.

B+

87 (3.3)

B

84 (3.0)

D+

67

B-

80 (2.7)

D

64

C+

77 (2.3)

D-

60

C

74 (2.0)

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:

DAY

DATE

CLASS TOPIC

ACTIVITY

ASSIGNED

DUE

M

6/8/09

1)       Orientation: Syllabus, Class Info

2)       Role of Producer

1)       Watch & discuss Metallica video segments. Observe & define Bob Rock’s role for Reflection Paper #1.

Readings:

1)       BTG 1-3

2)       The Session (web)

Assignment:

Producer Research Paper

 

W

6/10/09

Role of Producer

1)       Watch & discuss Herbie Hancock video segments.

2)       Compare & Contrast production differences between Bob Rock, Herbie Hancock, and BTG 1-3.

Readings:

BTG 4-6

Assignment:

Reflection Paper 1 – 2pp on Role of Producer

Readings:

1)       BTG 1-3

2)       The Session (web)

M

6/15/09

Demo & Master Recordings

1)       Discuss BTG 4-6

2)       Present Reflection Paper 1

3)       Listen to examples of demo & master recordings

4)       Identify and discuss differences between demos & masters

5)       Types of Demos

6)       Discuss demo qualities using Project 1 rubric

 

Readings:

1)       BTG 7-9

2)       Terms #1 (web)

3)       Studio Operations (web)

 

Readings:

BTG 4-6

Assignment:

Reflection Paper 1 – 2pp on Role of Producer

W

6/17/09

Studio Operations

1)       Discuss BTG 7-9

2)       Discuss Terms #1

3)       Review #201 Operations

Readings:

Studio Operations

Assignment:

Bring inst & song to record at next class

Readings:

1)       BTG 7-9

2)       Terms #1 (web)

3)       Studio Operations (web

M

6/22/09

Written Test #1

Studio Operations: Recording

1)       Written Test #1

2)       Review of recording procedures including vocal booth setup, using a mic, outboard mic pre, compression, setting levels, monitoring, cue sends, recording tracks.

3)       Instructor gives students hands on instruction on how to record using student song.

Readings:

Studio Operations

 

Assignment:

Inst. & song

W

6/24/09

Studio Operations: Mixing

1)       Return Test #1

2)       Use compression, EQ, and EFX during mixdown, burning a CD, NARAS documentation.

3)       Instructor gives students hands on instruction on how to mix using student song.

Readings:

BTG 10-12

Assignment:

Begin Project 1

 

M

6/29/09

1)       Nashville Number System

2)       Pro Tools Basics

1)       Discuss BTG 10-12

2)       ProTools 101 – The basics; computer, I/O audio interface, storage, opening creating & storing a session, monitoring and playback.

3)       Discussion of NNS symbols

Readings:

BTG 13-15

 

Readings:

BTG 10-12

 

W

7/01/09

1)       Nashville Number System

2)       Pro Tools Recording

1)       Discuss BTG 13-15

2)       Go through MLK Protools exercise. Students work through exercise.

3)       Basic Pro-Tools recording procedures; using a mic, setting levels, monitoring, cue sends, & recording tracks.

 

Readings:

BTG 16-19

Terms #2 (web)

Assignment:

Each student to bring 1 song to next class for Listening Exercise.

 

Readings:

BTG 13-15

 

M

7/06/09

Listening Journal Exercise 1

1)       Discuss BTG 16-19

2)       Discuss Terms #2

3)       Listen to submitted songs

4)       Discussion of musical & technical elements.

Assignment:

Listening Journal 1

Readings:

BTG 16-19

 

W

7/08/09

1)       Written Test #2

2)       Project 1 Presentations

1)       Written Test #2

2)       Presentation of project 1 and submission of recordings and reports by students.

3)       Peers & instructor to grade projects.

Readings:

BTG 20-22

 

Assignment:

Project 1

M

7/13/09

MIDI

1)       Discuss BTG 20-22

2)       MIDI Pre-Test

3)       MIDI Lecture

Readings:

BTG 23-26

 

Readings:

BTG 20-22

Assignment:

Listening Journal 1

 

W

7/15/09

MIDI

Sequencing

1)       Discuss BTG 23-26

2)       MIDI Lecture

3)       MIDI/sequencing/virtual instruments/loops in Pro Tools

Readings:

1)       BTG 27-29

2)       Signal Processors (web)

3)       Judging Sound Quality (web)

Assignments:

1)       Begin Project 2

2)       Reflection Paper 2 – 2pp on Signal Processing & Judging Sound Quality

 

Readings:

BTG 23-26

M

7/20/09

1)       Demo Mixing in DAW

2)       Use of Signal Processing

1)       Discuss BTG 27-29

2)       Discuss web readings

3)       Discuss uses of signal processing in demo mixing

4)       Pro Tools Mix procedures; How to move from recorded tracks to mixing. Using a compressor, adding EQ & EFX, mixdown, burning a CD, documentation.

 

Readings:

BTG 30-32

Readings:

1)       BTG 27-29

2)       Signal Processors (web)

3)       Judging Sound Quality (web)

 

W

7/22/09

Demo Mixing in DAW

1)       Discuss BTG 30-32

2)       Present Reflection Paper 2

3)       Continue Pro Tools mix procedures

Readings:

1)       BTG 33-26

2)       Terms #3 (web)

 

Readings:

BTG 30-32

Assignments:

Reflection Paper 2

M

7/27/09

Producer Paper Presentations

1)       Discuss BTG 33-36

2)       Discuss Terms #3

3)       Present Producer Research Papers

Assignment:

Each student to bring 1 song to next class for Listening Exercise.

 

Readings:

BTG 33-26

Assignment:

Producer Research Paper

W

7/29/09

1)       Written Test #3

2)       Listening Journal Exercise 2

1)       Written Test #3

2)       Listen to submitted songs

3)       Discussion of musical & technical elements.

Assignment:

Listening Journal 2

 

M

8/3/05

Project 2 Presentations

Project 2 Presentations

 

Assignment:

Listening Journal 2

W

8/5/05

Review

1)       Course Review

2)       Hand back assignments

 

 

M

8/10/09

 

Final Exam