Course

Sequencing and Synthesis I

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1171
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
26
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
Through lecture/demonstrations and hands-on studio work, students will learn to produce music using sequencers and synthesizers. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the underlying concepts and theory of digital sequencing and synthesis. Using current music software and virtual instruments, students will produce several original works.
Course content
  1. MIDI protocol, including hexadecimal numbers, MIDI bytes and MIDI messages.
  2. Sequencers: paradigms and design, including analog, digital and hybrid designs.
  3. Sequencing: input, editing, representation.
  4. Introduction to synthesis theory and practice, including additive, subtractive, FM and wavetable models.
  5. Sampling techniques, including recording, editing and layering samples.
  6. Multitracking and mixing, using hardware and software sequencers.
  7. Alternative controllers, including breath, hand and motion-based designs.
  8. Hardware instruments: analog and digital sample players and synthesizers.
  9. Virtual instruments: computer based hybrids combining sampling and synthesis.
Learning activities

The instructor will devote four hours per week to lecture/demonstration. Students will work alongside the instructor in the Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These can be done in the lab or at home.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 

The following is an example evaluation scheme:

Tests/Quizzes (3)  25%
Midterm Projects (2)  30%
Final Project  35%
Professionalism 10%
Total 100%

Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work. 

 

 

 

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to work unassisted with sequencing software, and will understand and be able to apply the following:

  1. MIDI protocol;
  2. Sequencers;
  3. Sequencing techniques;
  4. Introduction to synthesis theory and practice;
  5. Sampling;
  6. Multitracking and mixing;
  7. Alternative controllers;
  8. Hardware instruments;
  9. Virtual instruments.
Textbook materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the lab. Students who wish to work outside the lab may want to purchase their own copies of the software used in class. A complete list of recommended software will be available at the first class session.

Requisites

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

MUSC 3181

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for MUSC 1171
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025