Computing for Musicians

Subject MUSI10004 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 one-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 60 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: N/A
Recommended Background Knowledge: N/A
Non Allowed Subjects: N/A
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Mr David Collins

Contact

Faculty of the VCA and Music Student Centre
Email: vcam-info@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 9685 9419
Fax: +61 3 9685 9358
Web: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Students will acquire basic skills in the use of computers for music notation, composition and music education, and learn the fundamentals of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).
Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • use notation software to enter, layout and edit music in a variety of formats, including music scored for multiple instruments, keyboard instruments, vocal parts
  • produce scores and players’ parts that are accurate and legible
  • export graphics from notation software and incorporate them into other types of document, such as a word-processing file, presentation or web page
  • produce audio and MIDI versions of their score
  • understand the nature of difficulties encountered when transcribing real-time performances into usable notation, and of the issues involved in using combined sequencing/notation environments
  • demonstrate practical skills in using MIDI and sequencing software

In particular, students should be able to:

  • set up a simple MIDI system for classroom or performance use
  • understand the purpose of the commonly-used MIDI message types
  • use sequencing software to produce an arrangement with musical control of structure, dynamics, phrasing, and instrumentation.
Assessment:

Two notation exercises due as assigned during the semester (10% each); a 10-minute class presentation and 500 word written summary (25%); an ensemble scoring project of approximately 30 bars, minimum 4 staves (30%); a MIDI sequencing project of 1 minute duration, 4-track minimum, due at the end of semester (25%)
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • self-direct their learning of complex software packages through the use of computer-based and online resources
  • negotiate around the common design constraints of music software, in order to advance the musical aims of the project at hand
  • approach the learning of new technologies with a positive, explorative attitude.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Music
Diploma in Music (Practical)

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