BUCHAREST

MIDI and Electronic Music

Production
1st Year - Diploma in Audio Engineering
Semester III
Module 103 Applied Music Production
Unit 103.2 MIDI and Electronic Music Production
Prerequisites None
Co-requisites None
Mode of Study On Campus

Last revised Dec 16, 2013
Unit Outline
Synopsis
The theoretical and practical aspects of MIDI electronic music based productions are discussed
and examined. Students will be guided through the process of modern electronic music based
productions in various musical genres, as well as implementing MIDI concepts in non-music
related fields such as synchronization. Basic introduction to general synthesis and the various
methods of synthesis will also be introduced. Lastly, the various softwares used most commonly in
electronic music productions will be introduced and students will be guided on its usage.
Course Aims
This unit explores the art and craft of electronic music production (EMP) using a digital audio
workstation. The history of sound synthesis and its influence on the popular musical landscape is
analyzed and the contribution of synthesized instruments/sounds to different musical genres is
considered. It examines the MIDI communication protocol, as applied to hardware as well as
software. Typical studio set-ups are analyzed, and common sequencing applications and
techniques are instructed, as well as audio sampling techniques that are frequently used
production of a variety of electronic music styles.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
L1 Dene the concept and specications of the MIDI protocol, including General
MIDI
L2 Interpret MIDI messages channel, system and CC
L3 Connect MIDI devices, and transfer MIDI data using standard MIDI les
L4 Dene the main parameters in synthesis and sampling
L5 Dene the concepts of the different synthesis techniques
Generic Skill Outcomes
On completion of this course, students will have participated in learning activities and assessment
tasks designed to enhance their ability to:
G1 Connect MIDI devices, and transfer MIDI data using standard MIDI les
G2 Demonstrate professional use of a software sequencer
G3 Connect and control external MIDI devices from a software sequencer
G4 Implement synthesizers in any music sequencer to attain defined sounds
G5 Demonstrate professional use of Reason/Ableton Live/Logic and its
instruments
G6 Use synthesizers to attain dened sounds
G7 Implementing the Rewire protocol to synchronize any of the above MIDI
sequencers as a slave application to a DAW
Course Content
MIDI Theory
History of MIDI
MIDI Specifications
Data transmission
MIDI ports (in, out, through)
MIDI connection rules
MIDI channels
Monophony vs. Polyphony
Multi-timbral instruments
The 4 MIDI modes
MIDI protocol
The MIDI message: status byte, data byte 1, data byte 2
Channel messages voice, mode
MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages
System messages real time, common, exclusive
MIDI Implementation charts
Standard MIDI files
General MIDI standards
MIDI Time Code (MTC)
Reason
Reason overview
Re-wire
Using the mixer in Reason
Sequence window
Patterns and pattern sequencers
Rack window
Basic introduction to synthesis
Using soft synthesizers
Making multi-layered synth sounds
Refills
Patching and layering effects
Automation
Control surface mapping
Creating song arrangement in Reason
Programming patterns
Mixing in Reason
Bouncing an audio (as a song or loop)
Ableton Live
Ableton Live overview
Arrangement Mode View
Session Mode View
Recording tracks/clips in Arrangement Mode & Session Mode
Triggering of clips, scenes
Audio/MIDI clip parameters
Time warp
Global record/automation
Control surface mapping
External instruments
Rewire implemented
MIDI editing functions in Ableton Live
Overview of Ableton Live audio & MIDI plug-ins
Operator soft synth
Sampler
Creating song arrangement in Ableton Live
Mixing in Ableton Live
Exporting your mix
Logic
! Introduction to Logic Audio
! Working with windows and screen sets
! Cycle and catch mode settings
! Recording audio
! Sample editor
! Adjusting tempo to match regions
! Adjusting regions to match tempo
! Apple loops Utility
! Opening audio in the Apple loops Utility
! Bouncing audio to disc
! MIDI environment
! Overview of the virtual instruments
! Recording MIDI
! Hyper editor
! Piano Roll editor
! Score editor
! Event list editor
! Quantising notes
! Transposing notes
! Working with MIDI regions in the arrange window
! Assigning insert effects
! Assigning sends to effects
! Using plug-ins
! Grouping channels
! Assigning real time controllers
! Track automation
! Creating final mix
! Saving functions (save as project)
Core Resources
Studios and Lab Facilities
! Media Lab facility
Equipment
! Logic Pro
! Hardware MIDI devices
! MIDI controllers
! Reason
! Microphones & M-Box
Recommended Resources
Steve Howell: The lost art of sampling [ONLINE]. Available from: http://www.soundonsound.com/
sos/aug05/articles/lostscience.htm [Accessed: 4th March 2009]
MIDI Manufacturers Association: Tutorials [ONLINE]. Available from: http://www.midi.org/aboutmidi/
tutorials.php [Accessed: 4th March 20009]
Assessment Summary
The assessment items for this course are designed to allow students to apply and demonstrate
their knowledge and skills of MIDI and Electronic Music Production in the completion of a range of
practical and theoretical exercises and basic applications linked to the broad fields of
No. Assessment Item Due Worth
1. Theory Exam
Student is being assessed on the theoretical
knowledge.
(Outcomes L1, L2, L4, L5).
Week 5 20.00%
2. Project 01 (EMP)
Student demonstrates the practical application of the
theory into a project.
(Outcomes L3, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5).
Week 11 70.00%
3. Tutorial Participation
Assesses the students participation and class work
during the course.
(Outcomes L1, L2, L4, L5, G1, G3, G4).
Week 1-11 10.00%
The following points relating to assessment for this course should be noted:
Marking
Criteria and marking guidelines for each assessment item will be distributed during Week 1 of the
semester in which the course is offered. To obtain a pass for this course, you must complete each
assessment item and obtain a total mark of at least 16. The SAE Assessment Policy defines the
mode of grading for this course.
Submissions
A copy of all assessments must be submitted via the Assignment FTP Uploader on the day it is due
unless otherwise specified on the assessment criteria sheet. For example: a high resolution CD or
DVD may be submitted with an appropriate coversheet to administration by the due date and time.
In these circumstances you must ensure that you retain a time stamped copy of the coversheet
tear off section. It is your responsibility to keep a copy of all your assessments.
Non-submission of Assessment
Non-submission of an assessment item can lead to failure. To obtain a pass for this course, you
must complete each assessment item and obtain a total mark of at least 16.
Late Assessments
Any assessment submitted after the advised deadline will be penalised by 5% per day for each day
or part day that the item is late. Weekends count as one day in determining the penalty.
Assessment items submitted more than ten days after the assessment due date are awarded zero
marks as defined by SAE Assessment policy unless a completed Mitigating Circumstances Form
available from the Administration is approved and signed by your Head of Department.
Consultation
If you are experiencing difficulties of any kind in completing your assessment you should consult
your lecturer or tutor, as soon as you become aware of the problem.
Feedback
Feedback for all assessment items will normally be provided within 1 month of the due date.
Teaching and Learning Methods
This course will use lectures to provide insights into the principles of MIDI/EMP, with supporting
laboratory sessions for students to research and apply practical skills.
Student Workload
To achieve the Learning and Generic Skill outcomes detailed for this course, students are
expected to attend 3 hours of face-to-face classes and approximately 7 hours of independent study
and research per week.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment 1 (Theory Exam)
Purpose
To assess students based on their understanding of MIDI technology (terms/definitions),
interconnections between different devices and basic synthesis concepts.
Description
This theory exam paper consists of 5 pages, with 2 sections consisting of 11
questions for Section 1, and 10 questions for Section 2.
This is an INDIVIDUAL assessment.
You are required to sit in for this written assignment. Attendance will be taken.
Submission Requirements
Lesson 5
Bring pen and calculator
Structure
NA.
Naming and submission of Assessment
NA.
Submissions
Submission must be in electronic format to SAE Institute Student Portal, and must be placed in the
folder relevant to the course and assessment item. If you are unsure, ask your tutor. The file must
NOT be write-protected or password-protected.
Assessments not following these standards may have to be resubmitted, and may incur late
penalties. To assist with location of electronic submissions, we advise that you take a screenshot of
the ftp window after copying your work. The screenshot should include the full pathname in the
browser window.
Late submissions will either be disregarded or given a minimal grade of 16.
Marking Criteria
This assessment has a weighting of 20%. The marking criteria are:
Marking Criteria
Section 1
Section 2
TOTAL
Consultation
If you are experiencing difficulties of any kind in completing your assessment you should consult
your lecturer as soon as you become aware of the problem.
Assessment 2 (EMP Project)
Purpose
To enable students with the appropriate knowledge and techniques used in a MIDI-based
environment, utilising commonly used music sequencing programs (i.e. Reason, Ableton
Live, Logic).
Upon completion of the project, students should be able to fully understand & incorporate
MIDI sequencing, synthesis and sampling into the production methods of a commercially
produced piece of music.
Description
! Students are required to use Reason, Ableton Live or Logic as their main MIDI sequencing
program for this assignment. They are allowed to use the software either as a stand-alone
application or rewired (synchronized) to another Master or Slave application to further
expand on the available tools/plug-ins in the separate application (i.e. Ableton Live (master)
rewired to Reason (slave)).
! There must be clear evidence of MIDI editing in the session tracks (i.e. altering of Note
velocities, quantization of timing errors). Students should also exhibit proficiency in terms of
using the available features in the chosen applications.
Submission Requirements
Lesson 11
Write a logbook with the usual academic standard.
4 weeks from unit conclusion, 6pm
Bounced out audio mix into WAV
Bounced out audio mix into MP3
The session folder is to be zipped (.zip) and uploaded onto the FTP server
Separate CD/DVD-Data disc containing the session folder and relevant files.
Files that have been written onto a CD/DVD-Data disc must be checked for consistency
(i.e. no missing files, session is able to open on a separate workstation, etc).
The disc should be in the format as follows:
3 folders in the root directory:
! Folder 1: <Recording Session>The recording session
! Folder 2: <Final Mix> The final mix in WAV format and MP3 format (128kbps)
! Folder 3: <Documentation> Logbook in PDF format
Structure
Word count (excluding cover sheet, tables, appendix and referencing)
1000
A 10% deviation is acceptable.
The logbook is to include a cover sheet with your name and student number, course code,
assessment identifier, lecturer, document version number, date and word count if applicable. The
logbooks font must be Arial, size 12, left aligned with 1.5 paragraph line spacing. The document is
to be saved in a single PDF file, with all relevant images embedded. Page numbers, headers and
footer need to be included. The file must NOT be write-protected or password-protected.
Naming and submission of Assessment
Assessments MUST be named using the following standard:
UNITCODE_Ass<#>_SURNAME_Firstname>_v<n>.rsn (reason session file)
Where # is the Assessment number, and n is the version number of the submission. For example:
103.2_Ass1_JONES_Les_v1.rsn (reason session file)
Submissions
Submission must be in electronic format to SAE Institute Student Portal, and must be placed in the
folder relevant to the course and assessment item. An other copy must submitted in hard-copy
format in a CD/DVD-R to the designated lecturer for this module. Make sure that the required
session file/folder (dependant on software application used) must be burnt into the disc, including
the logbook in PDF format. Students should also ensure that all required files have been checked
for errors prior submission. Please consult your lecturer with regards to the various file/session-
exporting processes with relevance to the software application used.
If you are unsure, ask your tutor. The file must NOT be write-protected or password-protected.
Assessments are to include a cover sheet with your course code, assessment identifier, tutorial
group, tutor name, student name, student number, document version number, date and word
count. Where relevant, a reference list must be included, using APA standards. Submission must
be in electronic copy, uploaded to the Y drive at the time of presentation. Late submission of
supporting documentation is not permitted.
Marking Criteria
This assessment has a weighting of 70%. The marking criteria are:
Marking Criteria
Practical Assignment
Logbook
TOTAL
Consultation
If you are experiencing difficulties of any kind in completing your assessment you should consult
your lecturer as soon as you become aware of the problem.
Assessment 3 (Tutorials)
Purpose
Practical exercises designed to gauge student skills and experience and provide practical support
for students.
Description
Assessment marks will be based partly on in-tutorial participation and partly on exercises that will
be submitted. Students will be asked to submit various exercises as outlined during the weekly
tutorials.
Learning & Generic Outcomes
L1, L2, L4, L5, G1, G3, G4.
Submission Requirements
As instructed during the lessons.
Marking Criteria
This assessment has a weighting of 10%. The marking criteria is
Marking Criteria
Participation
! In class
! Outside class
! In studios
Submissions
! Tutorials
! Assignments
Consultation
If you are experiencing difficulties of any kind in completing your assessment you should consult
your lecturer as soon as you become aware of the problem.