Music Tech I Assignments Music Tech II Assignments Music Tech Links Schools Using this Website
       

Music Technology I Assignments

Welcome to Music Technology I 
This class will explore how to create music using various software applications. 
In this class you will be creating your own songs, editing MP3, creating techno/dance mixes, Podcasts and more! You must be able to work independently and on your own. 


Final Project/Final Exam ACID and Art
Final Project is due on/or before your final exam period.

You will select a theme for this project (sports, artist, historical, etc You will search theInternet for pictures that support your theme.
that you will use as the basis for an ACID Pro file.
Software used for this assignment - ACID Pro and Windows Movie Maker
1. Search the Internet for pictures (no less than 10) that will support your theme..  Ex. Painting, sculpture, sports, etc.
Criteria for ACID File
1  Must be at least 2:30 (2 minutes and 30 seconds) in length.
2. Must have at least 15 loops
3. Must show volume and pan envelope changes
4. Final product must be rendered as a WAV.
 
Once your ACID File has been completed start the Windows Movie Maker File
Import your pictures into Windows Movie Maker
Use transitions to enhance your presentation
Insert the WAV file from ACID into Window Movie Maker
Adjust the "timeline" and space out your pictures so they match the length of your WAV file
Save final product as a Windows Movie file
Be creative and have fun - this is your last project and final exam for the class!
 
Friday May 8, 2009
ACID Pro Assignment # 1 - Sound Effects Story

1. Import Loops
2. Paint Loops
3. Envelope Changes
4. Change the Tempo of the File
5. Change the Grid Spacing
6. Change Pitch of File
7. Edit Loops in the Chopper
8. Import and Edit loops into Sound Forge. 

Once you have completed the above. Start ACID Assignment # 1

Sound Effects Story
Using parts of a short story or poem you will "tell" the story or poem using only sound effects and music. NO WORDS
1. Review your story or poem and make a list of all words/phrases you want to enhance using sound effects. 
2. Using the sound effects ACID folder and effects found online "tell" your story in ACID.
3. Create a musical bed for your story using ACID loops. 
4. Add your sound effects in as many different tracks as needed. 

Criteria 
Story must be at least 4-6 paragraphs in length
The musical bed must contain at least 10 loops. 
You must show volume and pan changes
You must edit one loop using the Chopper Function
You must use the Pitch Shift function on at least one loop
Render the final product as a MP3

You can search online for a story/poem OR write your own

*Horror and/or Sci-Fi stories will work the best* 

 
Wednesday May 6, 2009
Introduction to ACID Pro Looped Based Music Creation Software
What is a loop? Download a FREE Trial of ACID ACID Planet.com  

Groove Lab - Online Drum Machine
   
What we are going to cover today
1. Import Loops
2. Paint Loops
3. Envelope Changes
4. Change the Tempo of the File
5. Change the Grid Spacing
6. Change Pitch of File
7. Edit Loops in the Chopper
8. Import and Edit loops into Sound Forge.
 
Wednesday April 23, 2009
Speech Editing Assignment - Sound Forge
1. Go to the Music Tech network folder and/or Internet and listen to the various movie/TV or historical speeches.

2. Make a new speech by taking words or phrases from the various  speeches. 

3. Use at least three effects in the final product. Your choice which ones and where. 

4. File length - 3:00 minutes or longer

5. Save final product as an MP3 into your network folder. 

Be creative and have fun!!

 
Wav Central - Movie and TV Clips American Rhetoric.com
The Movie Wavs Movie Sound Clips.net
 
Wednesday April 8. 2009
Audio History Project
This assigment will be an Audio History Project for any musical group and/or artist you wish.
The project will include pictures and audio examples to present an historical prospective.
 
Criteria
Project will be completed using Windows Movie Maker
Length: between 3-5 minutes in length. No shorter than 3 minutes.
Pictures: At least 15 pictures - more if needed
Music: Do not use complete songs. Edit multiple songs to create the soundtrack. NO Full length songs can be used.
Optional: Narration using the USB Microphones
 
Helpful Hints!
Be organized and research your group and/or artist.
Use video transititions to enhance your project
Use Sound Forge to edit and complie your music.
Don't waste time!!
 
 
 
Due Date: End of Class Wednesday April 29, 2009 No Assignments will be accepted after Wednesday April 29, 2009
 
Week of March 30, 2009
Friday April 3, 2009
Select three songs from the Music Tech Lab network folder
Analyze each song and insert markers for the verse, chorus, bridge, solos, etc.
After analyzing - make a new arrangement of the song by moving sections around.
Save each song in YOUR network folder (My Documents)
*Remember to bring in 3 songs of your choice for next week. Bring them in on flash drive or CD
 
Sound Forge and Audacity - Audio Editing Software
Comparing Audio Editing to Word Processing- How?
 
Terms to Know
1. Sound Wave
2. Audio File Formats - wav, mp3, aac, ogg
3. Backmasking
 
Wednesday March 18, 2009
The IPOD! How has it changed our life!
Adding Music to Powerpoint
IPOD Assignment
This research assignment will be about Apple's IPOD and its impact on music and society.

Criteria for Assignment
This is going to be a mult-media based assignment. You can use one of the following programs - PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker or Front Page.

If you are using PowerPoint
1. 30 slides - if you want to make more that is fine.
2. Photos to support your topic and text
3. MP3 music throughout the project

If you are using WIndows Movie Maker
1. At least 2:00 minutes in length
2. Photos to support your topic and information
3. MP3 music throughout the project
4. Narration using USB microphone

If you are using Front Page
1. Main Page should explain project
2. Separate pages for each topic
3. Topic pages should include links, pictures, and information

This assignment is due Friday March 27, 2009. Nothing will be accepted after class on Friday March 27, 2009
 
Wednesday March 11, 2009 - Due Wednesday March 18, 2009
Master Tracks Assignment # 2 - Building a Rhythm Section
 
Criteria for Assignment
Length: 24 Measures long.
Tracks Included: Drum Set - Bass - Guitar/Keyboard and Melody
The above four tracks in minium requirements for this assignment. If you wish to add more feel free and have fun.
Volume and Pan envelope changes must be used. You decide the track and amount.
Final Product must be saved as a MIDI File .mid
 
Helpful Hints
File can be any style you wish. Techno, Rock, HipHop, etc
Practice your tracks BEFORE recording. This will save you time.
Record slow and at a tempo that is comfortable for you.
HAVE FUN! Be as creative as you want!
Use C Blues progression as in last assignment.
1. I - C
2. I - C
3. I - C
4. I - C
5. IV - F
6. IV - F
7. I - C
8. I - C
9. V - G
10. IV.
11. I - C
12. I - C
C Chord - C E G - F Chord - F A C - G Chord - G B D
Hold each chord for four beats - count 1, 2, 3, 4 then move to the next chord.
 
 
Monday March 9,2009
Adding a Keyboard Track to CBlues File!
Adding chords to your CBlues file will consist of 3 chords
C Chord - C E G - F Chord - F A C - G Chord - G B D
Hold each chord for four beats - count 1, 2, 3, 4 then move to the next chord.
Use the same Progression chart listed below. (Hint, same as Bass line)
Patch: - Use any patch or sound that you wish.
Keyboard track must be the entire length of file
 
Advanced Keyboard Track: If you feel comfortable playing piano try using a rhythm pattern with your chords instead of whole notes.
 
 
Thursday March 5, 2009
Open your Master Tracks C Blues Assignment
You have already recorded the following using the C Blues file
1. Melody -(Improv) Track
2. Drums Track - Remember MIDI must be set to A10
Now you are going to record a bass line - Don't panic this will be easy
Your C Blues file is based on a 12 Bar Blues Progression (we talked about this earlier).
*History Lesson * - Most of your 1950's Rock and Roll songs were based on a 12 Bar Blues Progression
Blues Progression is based on three chords
I is C on the piano - IV is F on the piano and V is G on the piano
The form for the 12 bar blues progression is as follows
1. I - C 2. I - C 3. I - C 4. I - C
5. IV - F 6. IV- F 7. I - C 8. I - C
9. V - G 10. IV - F 11. I - C 12. I - C
Each measure is four beats - count 1, 2, 3, 4 then change note to next bar
 
Monday March 2, 2009
Open your Master Tracks Assignment # 1 - CBlues File
1. Delete the DRUMS track from the file. DRUMS track only
2. Record your own drum beats for the entire length of the file
Your drums MUST be in time! Use the COUNT and CLICK Track functions on the transport window.
 
Friday February 6, 2009
Sound System Tests
Start MIDI and Master Tracks Sequencing Software
Wednesday February 4, 2009
Review:  Definitions and Questions - File should be in your network folder, Print copy to study for Friday
Review:  For Sound Systems test on Friday
In Class: Audio Effects Assignment 
Search Musicovery or Pandora for examples of audio effects. You are looking for songs that contain examples of Time Based and Gain Based effects.  3 Time Based and 2 Gain Based. 

Friday January 30, 2009
In Class Assignment Sound Systems Definitions and Questions

1. Download Definitions and Questions
    Complete definitions 1-7
    Save file to your network folder

2.  Work with the Online Mixer. Get used to how a mixer operates. Please use headphones! 

3. Use the remainder of the period to review the Sound Systems page and explore the Music Technology Website. 

See you on Monday! 



Create folders in network folder
Start Sound Systems
Sound Systems Definitions and Questions


Monday January 26, 2009
Things you will need for class. 
1. Headphones
2. Flash Drive (optional)

Course Overview

Use of Network Folders  - Don't give out your login information

Overview of Music Technology Website

Create a new folder inside of your network folder 
("My Documents")
Name the folder - MUSIC TECH
Inside of that folder create the following new folders
1.  Sound Systems
2.  MIDI/BIAB
3.  Master Tracks
4. IPOD 
5. Sound Forge
6. ACID 
7. Final Project
Torrington High School - Major Besse Drive - Torrington, Connecticut 06790 - Office 860-489-2294 - Fax - 860-489-2853