Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MSP3001

 
TITLE Music Technology in Composition

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Music Studies

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit seeks to provide students with an intermediate to advanced level of technological fluency and skill so that music studies becomes an effective medium of producing compositions. The study-unit is particularly concerned with the relationship between equipment and associated compositional techniques and styles of music such as film, media and commercial as well as production of all music in general. The approach adopted will be to instill in students a thorough understanding of the theoretical principles on which music technology is based so that the student can apply that understanding in professional project and recording studies.

The study-unit will comprehensively deal with the fundamental techniques and methods of music technology progressing rapidly to explore advanced theory and practical applications. All major aspects of the discipline will be covered at an advanced level, including studio configuration, information flow, programming acoustics and sound engineering theory. The practical elements of the unit will also provide in-depth coverage of sequencing software, plug-ins, virtual instruments and HD recording.

Study-unit Aims:

- To develop skills in the use of technology in musical composition which are necessary for much employment as a composer and in related fields, for example: music composition, production, sound design, music and media industries in general;
- To develop skills in areas of composition that are not primarily notation based, for example: film scoring, composing commercial music and sound design;
- To assist students in acquiring advanced level of practical skills (in addition to those in composition) in production, editing, publishing and recording;
- To assist students in acquiring skills and understanding of techniques in areas as acoustics.

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

a) appraise music composition for film, TV, video games and radio;
b) recognise the theoretical principles that underpin music equipment;
c) recognise the importance of music technology in todays’ world;
d) explore music technology techniques in composition and production.

Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

a) use audio computers;
b) use studio hardware;
c) use production software;
d) utilise effectively music equipment in a variety of contexts, for example for production and editing;
e) apply music equipment in an appropriate and creative way at a professional level;
f) compose for the media.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts

- Brown, Roger. 2000. Electronic Dance Music Programming (London: Pearson Education Limited).
- Huber, David M and Runstein, Robert E. 2014. Modern Recording Techniques (Waltham, Massachusetts: Focal Press).
- PA, Penfold. 1994. Electronic music and Midi project (New York: Cimino Publishing Group).

Supplementary Readings:

- Buick, Peter and Lennard, Vic. 1995. Music Technology Reference (New York: Cimino Publishing Group).

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-requisite Study-unit: MSP1186

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM2 Yes 25%
Assignment SEM2 Yes 25%
Assignment SEM2 Yes 25%
Assignment SEM2 Yes 25%

 
LECTURER/S Mariella Cassar

 

 
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Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit