Course Title: Perform music using digital media

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: PERF5098C

Course Title: Perform music using digital media

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5378 - Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

Course Contact: John Phillips

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4913

Course Contact Email: john.phillips@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers: Paul Thomas & Tim Johnston

Email: paul.thomas@rmit.edu.au & timothy.johnston@rmit.edu.au 

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use electronic media to develop musical pieces using industry standard digital audio editing systems. The unit will introduce you to digital audio and MIDI production.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAMPF409 Perform music using digital media

Element:

1. Explore digital media for performance ideas

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Listen to or view recordings of performances that use digital media as the performance instrument

1.2 Experiment with a range of improvised and composed musical works, and plan scope of use in performance

1.3 Discuss and evaluate the musical effectiveness of work in progress with appropriate people

1.4 Incorporate feedback into preparation of digital media performance

Element:

2. Develop facility with digital media

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Investigate and apply a range of digital techniques in musical ways

2.2 Experiment with a range of sounds for incorporation into improvisations and compositions

2.3 Consult with appropriate people to identify factors that may affect use of digital media in performance

2.4 Extend control over the technology to create new ways to use digital media as the performance instrument and to perform planned sound consistently

2.5 Use practice sessions to develop technical facility for using digital media in performance

Element:

3. Develop appropriate notation

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Investigate ways in which music is notated for performance using digital media

3.2 Notate digital media performance pieces

Element:

4 Perform a range of pieces

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Set up and test instruments and equipment following safe work practices

4.2 Play pieces and/or accompaniments with appropriate attention to rhythmic detail, dynamic range and variations in technique as required

4.3 Use technical facility to achieve variations in sound and/or tone as appropriate

4.4 Perform all work following notated instructions where relevant

4.5 Use feedback from relevant others and own observations of performance to identify areas for future improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit you will have skills and knowledge required to use electronic media to develop musical pieces. This will include standard industry DAW systems, and electronic music formats such as MIDI production.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning will occur in class delivery and project work. Some external project completion will be required out of class, including:

  • class exercises 
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material 
  • design activities or projects 
  • class presentations 
  • group discussion 
  • research 
  • independent project-based work 
  • ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback 


Teaching Schedule

Teaching Schedule 

(Note: Weeks 1-8 take place in semester 1 / Sem A ; weeks 9-16 in semester 2 / Sem B)

Week

Class Content

Elements

Week 1

Macintosh Protocols

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 2

Introduction to ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 3

Practical exercise ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 4

Practical exercise ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 5

Practical exercise ProTools

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 6

Practical exercise Logic

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 7

Practical exercise Logic

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Week 8

Practical exercise Logic

Element 1  
1.1, 1.2

 Week 9

(Sem B W1)

Course overview
Introduction to MIDI & MIDI protocol.
Discussion of Student set-ups
Overview of installed applications – Logic, Pro Tools, Reason
Practical - Logic

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

 Week 10

(Sem B W2)
 

Practical demonstration – Roland D70,Akai sampler, USB keyboard
MIDI: the language
Practical - Logic

Assessment 1 - Pre Production Task

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

 Week 11

(Sem B W3)
 

MIDI: the language
Structure - binary, decimal, hexadecimal
Reading and writing MIDI commands
Practical - Logic

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

 Week 12

(Sem B W 4)
 

MIDI: the language 
MIDI controllers & triggering devices
Channel messages, System messages
Assessment 2 - Logic Piece

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

Element 3 
3.1, 3.2

 Week 13

(Sem B W5)
 

Assignment 2
Practical - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

 Week 14

(Sem B W6)
 

Assignment 2
Practical - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

 Week 15

(Sem B W7)
 

Assignment 2
Practical - ProTools

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

 Week 16

(Sem B W8)
 

Assignment 2

Practical - ProTools
Assessment 3  - ProTools Piece

Element 1 
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6

Element 2 
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

Element 3 
3.1, 3.2



Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

Course assessment tasks will include class based practical exercises and project work undertaken in the computer lab for submission, covering music production and editing projects in more than one industry level DAW system.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.  

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. 
 
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions

Assessment Task 2: Pre Production Plan 

Assessment Task 3: Perform Music Using Digital Media


Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are: 

CA: Competency Achieved 
NYC: Not Yet Competent 
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.  

Other Information

Attendance: 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises  

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. 


Information about your studies: 

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. 

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students 


Assessment: 

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment 


Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:  

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity 


Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:  

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview