Music and Media - Project 1

Note: This page will be revised frequently with more specific instructions, tutorials on lab hardware and software, and student questions that the whole class may need to know about. Last revision: Wednesday, 15 October 2003 01:43 AM

In this project we will use computers and computer-aided technology as compositional tools, that is, as a means to music-making and an avenue to approach musical and acoustic concepts. We will be attempting to create a series of short composition projects using specific types of hardware and software in clearly delineated ways. This can involve live recording and digital editing, digital processing, analog sound synthesis (real and virtual), and MIDI sequencing.

This project focuses on sound objects: their collection, manipulation, and organization. The old school name for this is musique concrete, that is, music made entirely of found sounds. This will involve collecting sounds on tape or disc, transferring them digitally onto Pro Tools editing software, organizing them in various ways, and, finally, burning them onto CD.

You will be working on this project in teams of two. The project will span four weeks, and will be broken down as follows:

Week One

From any recorded media in any format at your disposal (physical mediums such as CD, tape, minidisc and software formats such as mp3, wav), select six short clips (perhaps 1-3 seconds in length) as well as a longer 2-3 minute excerpt. For each clip/excerpt, describe the media it came from, the title of the source (if there is one), it's location in the source, and "what it is (what the sound is and why you are using it).

  • The six short clips should be "single sounds" as much as possible...we're not trying to pick apart a melodic line then stitch it back together again. However, "single sounds" can include everything from the simple definition (i.e., a single sound of say silverware tapping a glass or a cymbal crash), to clips of an orchestra, rock band, or a space shuttle taking off. Use your imagination!

  • The longer clip can be obtained one of two ways: A) If you prefer, you can record it in class on Monday, October 13. I will provide you with a microphone and minidisc recorder with which to wander around Symphony Hall and record ambient noise for 2-3 minutes. B) If you have access to a recording device of any sort, any kind of ambient noise from any source (the mall, in between classes at school, the freeway, etc.) with a total length of 2-3 minutes will be sufficient.

  • An example citing of the source might look like this:
    Description of Sound: Crickets
    Source Media: Compact Disc
    Source Title: "The Complete Sound Effects Library, Vol. 5"
    Location in source: Track 9
    Duration: 2 minutes, 35 seconds
    Justification: I am using this particular sound of crickets in small 2 second chunks that fade in and out to add a night-time mood to my composition.
    There should be approximately 1-2 pages of information regarding your sources in your final paper for this assignment.

Week Two

This week, you will recording your excerpts digitally, format them for use, and then come up with a compositional plan for your new piece. The week's lecture will include tutorials on using available lab hardware and software, as well as "lab time" to begin work on your project.

  • Helpful reading: ProTools Tutorial (from LMU.edu) Note: I am working on getting this or another waveform audio editor working on the Mac machines in the lab. Please be patient; next week I will go over working software for all of you.

  • "Composition Plan" - Obviously, you are not going to just throw together a bunch of sounds and say "here is my project!" As with any sort of constructed and (hopefully) organized collection of sounds that we call a composition, you must be able to explain why you have arranged your sounds in the manner you have selected, and present an analysis as to the general effect your work should have on the listener (creating a character impression, setting a mood, annoying the listener, etc...). You will need to explain how you have arrived at the final product based on your sound selections, composing process, experiences working with the digital audio software, and so forth. The composition plan should span approximately 2-3 pages.

Week Three/Four/Five

Continue working on your project. Ask me questions if you need help.

Week TBA

TBA, final submission of works (2-3 minutes in length), accompanied by short paper and in-class analysis of presented projects.