Music Technology from Udemy

This class is an introductory survey of the fundamental aspects of music technology as it relates to music composition, performance, analysis, teaching, and research. Skills and concepts learned in this course will provide a foundation and basic understanding of music technology necessary for application in other courses of the music curriculum (i.e. theory, history, performance, and music education). This course provides a basic overview of digital audio, computer-generated notation, and MIDI. Ultimately, they will investigate how technology enhancements offer musicians ways to create music in more meaningful and musical ways.

Learning Goals and Objectives:

This course is designed to meet the following goals:

• provide a conceptual overview of music technology.

• give a broad perspective of the many ways technology is used in music applications

• provide basic skills in music technology for use with music software applications, such as music writing, recording, computer-assisted instruction, and MIDI.

• provide basic skills and concepts for using Internet music resources and communicating via the Internet This course has the following objectives:

• To understand and articulate fundamental issues underlying the use of technology in music

• To perform drill tasks with computer-assisted instruction

Topic Schedule:

· Course introduction

· Acoustic properties of sound

· Microphone

· Digital audio theory

· Connectors and cables

· Audio file formats

· The mixing console

· Introduction to MIDI

· Intro to the digital audio workstation DAW (Logic X Pro, ProTools, FL Studio, Reason etc)

· Dynamic processors

· Time-based effects

What's inside

Learning objectives

Acoustic properties of sound, the microphone, digital audio theory, connectors and cables, audio file formats

The mixing console, introduction to midi, intro to daw, dynamic processors and time-based effects

Acoustic properties of sound, the microphone, digital audio theory, connectors and cables, audio file formats
The mixing console, introduction to midi, intro to daw, dynamic processors and time-based effects

Syllabus

Introduction

WELCOME TO INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

The students will learn about the properties of sound: Frequency, Amplitude, Timbre, Phase, Diffusion, Spatualization and Perception of duration

INTRODUCTION

VIBRATIONS and SIZE PITCH RELATIONSHIP

STRINGS

WOODWINDS

BRASS

PERCUSSION

ACOUSTIC, ANALOG and DIGITAL

WHAT IS SOUND Part 1?

WHAT IS SOUND part 2

PSYCHOACOUSTICS OF SOUND

AMPLITUDE part 1

AMPLITUDE part 2

FREQUENCY

PHASE Part 1

PHASE Part 2

TIMBRE Part 1

TIMBRE Part 2

SPATIALIZATION Part 1

SPATIALIZATION Part 2

ENVELOPE ADSR

PERCEPTION OF DURATION

The students will learn about the three types of microphone, the Polarity patterns, Phantom power, Frequency response, Preamps and filters

An Introduction

What is a Microphone

3 types of microphone

Dynamic Microphone part 1

Dynamic Microphone part 2

Condenser Microphone part 1

Condenser Microphone part 2

Condenser Microphone part 3

Phantom power

Ribbon mic

Types of microphone conclusion

Polar patterns: Omni

Polar patterns: Cardioid

Proximity effect and Sibilance

Polar patterns: Figure of 8

Preamps part 1

Preamps part 2

Frequency responce

Filters

The students will learn basic IT terminology (Hardware vs Software, types of software, RAM, ROM), different types of Digital Audio Interfaces, Analog to Digital Converter & Digital to Analog Converter

BASIC PRINCIPAL

WHAT IS HARDWARE?

WHAT IS SOFTWARE?

3 TYPES OF SOFTWARE

WHAT IS RAM?

RAM part 2

DIGITAL AUDIO INTERFACE Part 1

DIGITAL AUDIO INTERFACE Part 2

DIGITAL AUDIO INTERFACE Part 3

DIGITAL AUDIO INTERFACE Part 4

ADC & DAC

BIT DEPTH part 1

BIT DEPTH part 2

BIT DEPTH part 3

BIT DEPTH part 4

BIT DEPTH part 5

BIT DEPTH VISUAL

SAMPLE RATE BIT DEPTH examples

SAMPLE RATE BIT DEPTH settings

The students will learn about various analog and digital cables and connectors required to connect the audio equipment in the recording studio.

INTRO

2 TYPES OF CONNECTORS

MONO TS

SPEAKER CORD

BALANCES vs UNBALANCES CABLES Part 1

BALANCES vs UNBALANCES CABLES Part 2

STEREO TRS PLUG

Y CABLE

Y CABLE Part 2

XLR PLUG

RCA PLUG

1/8 INCH PLUG

INSTRUMENT vs SPEAKER CABLES

DIGITAL CONNECTORS INTRO

MIDI PLUG

AES_EBU DIGITAL XLR PLUG

SPDIF PLUG

COAX CABLES

LIGHT PIPE_OPTICAL CABLES

TDIF CABLE

USB 1 & USB 2 CABLES

USB 3 CABLES

VARIOUS USB CABLES

APPLE'S FIREWIRE CABLES

APPLE'S THUNDERBOLT CABLES

USB 4 CABLES

Chapter 6. AUDIO FILE FORMATS

CONTAINER/WRAPPER part 1

CONTAINER/WRAPPER part 2

AUDIO CODEC

2 TYPES OF AUDIO FILES

UNCOMPRESSED FILES

WAV & AIFF

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a conceptual overview of music technology, which is essential for students looking to integrate technology into their musical practices and compositions

Explores digital audio workstations like Logic X Pro, ProTools, FL Studio, and Reason, which are industry-standard tools for music production and audio engineering

Covers MIDI, which is a foundational protocol for electronic music production and allows for the control and synchronization of various musical instruments and devices

Examines dynamic processors and time-based effects, which are crucial for shaping and enhancing audio signals in music production and sound design

Requires students to understand the acoustic properties of sound, which is a fundamental concept for anyone working with audio and music technology

Teaches about various analog and digital cables and connectors, which are essential for setting up and troubleshooting audio equipment in a recording studio or live performance setting

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Music Technology with these activities:

Review Acoustic Properties of Sound

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental acoustic principles that underpin music technology. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding more complex concepts later in the course.

Browse courses on Acoustics

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Review your notes on frequency, amplitude, timbre, and phase.
Watch videos explaining the physics of sound waves.
Complete practice quizzes on acoustic terminology.

Read 'The Sound Effects Bible'

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Explore the art of sound design and its application in music technology. This book will broaden your understanding of audio manipulation and creative sound creation.

View Make Some Noise: Sound Effects Recording for... on Amazon

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Read chapters on recording techniques and digital audio editing.
Experiment with creating your own sound effects using the techniques described in the book.
Analyze the sound design in your favorite songs and identify the techniques used.

DAW Software Tutorials

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Practice using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to reinforce your understanding of audio editing and mixing. This will give you hands-on experience with the tools used in music production.

Show steps

Choose a DAW (Logic Pro, ProTools, FL Studio, Reason).
Follow online tutorials to learn basic editing and mixing techniques.
Create a short musical piece using the DAW.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a Short Audio Demo

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Apply your knowledge of music technology to create a short audio demo showcasing your skills. This will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

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Edit and mix the audio using a DAW.
Record a short musical piece or sound design project.
Master the audio to create a polished final product.
Share your demo with others and get feedback.

Read 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio'

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Learn advanced mixing techniques to enhance the quality of your audio productions. This book provides practical tips and tricks for achieving professional-sounding mixes.

View Recording Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound... on Amazon

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Read chapters on EQ, compression, and reverb.
Experiment with applying these techniques to your own mixes.
Analyze the mixes of your favorite songs and identify the techniques used.

Build a Home Recording Studio

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Apply your knowledge of music technology to design and build your own home recording studio. This will give you a deeper understanding of the equipment and techniques used in music production.

Show steps

Research the equipment needed for a home recording studio.
Design the layout of your studio.
Purchase the necessary equipment.
Set up and calibrate your studio.

Design a Virtual Instrument

Show steps

Explore the world of virtual instruments by designing your own. This will challenge you to apply your knowledge of sound synthesis and digital audio processing.

Show steps

Research different types of sound synthesis techniques.
Choose a synthesis technique to focus on.
Use a virtual instrument design tool to create your instrument.
Test and refine your instrument.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Technology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Audio Engineer

The role of an Audio Engineer involves recording, mixing, and mastering sound for various media. This course in Music Technology introduces fundamental aspects of digital audio, including microphone techniques and audio file formats, which are core to an audio engineer's activities. Understanding the acoustic properties of sound, as covered in this class, helps build a foundation for making informed decisions about sound treatment and recording practices. The course’s overview of digital audio workstations also provides a basic understanding of the tools used by audio engineers in their daily work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Music Producer

A Music Producer is responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of a music recording. An understanding of digital audio, MIDI, and digital audio workstations is crucial for a music producer. This course in Music Technology offers an introduction to these technologies, which helps a music producer develop skills in using software applications for music creation. The course’s topics of sound recording and the use of effects provide vital knowledge for creating and shaping musical pieces. A Music Producer would find this course greatly useful in understanding the tools of their craft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Sound Designer

A Sound Designer creates audio for video games, films, theater, and other visual media. This course in Music Technology helps a sound designer by covering essential concepts like digital audio theory, microphone use, and time-based effects. The course gives an overview of digital audio workstations, which are the primary tools for sound design, and therefore the course should prove valuable to a Sound Designer. Learning about acoustic properties of sound provides a great foundation for the art of crafting sounds for various scenarios. A sound designer may use this course to refine their understanding about the nature of sound.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Live Sound Technician

A Live Sound Technician is primarily involved in setting up and operating audio equipment for live performances. The course in Music Technology gives a great foundation in the use of microphones, connectors, and cables, which are essential for live sound setups. The course's information about the mixing console makes it a particularly helpful resource for this role. An understanding of acoustic properties of sound, as taught in this class, assists in optimizing sound quality in live settings. This course may be useful to a live sound technician in learning the basics of audio equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Live Sound Technician

Studio Technician

The role of a Studio Technician is focused on maintaining and setting up audio equipment in a recording studio. This course in Music Technology is essential for a studio technician as it covers core elements like digital audio theory, connectors, and audio file formats. The course also discusses the mixing console and digital audio workstations, which are central tools in a studio environment. The skills and concepts introduced in this class provide a helpful overview for a studio technician in managing the technical aspects of a recording studio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Studio Technician

Music Editor

A Music Editor works on the post-production of music, often for films, television, or other media. Music Technology provides a basis for a music editor by introducing digital audio theory and the use of digital audio workstations. Gaining a basic understanding of audio file formats helps a music editor to handle various types of audio media. Knowing how to use time-based effects, as is explained in the course, may be useful in manipulating audio to fit creative needs. This course may be useful to a music editor in expanding their grasp on digital audio workflows.

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Audio Post Production Specialist

An Audio Post Production Specialist is involved in the final stages of audio production for various media. This course in Music Technology may be useful to an audio post production specialist because it introduces them to key concepts like digital audio theory, audio file formats, and dynamic processors. The course’s discussions of digital audio workstations offer basic skills in the tools used for post-production. This course’s overview of time-based effects may help in making informed decisions during the mixing and mastering phases of post-production work. The course has an approach to music technology that makes it a good starting point for an audio post production specialist.

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Sound Mixer

A Sound Mixer is responsible for combining various audio sources into a cohesive final product, typically for film, television, or music recordings. This course in Music Technology may benefit a sound mixer by building their understanding of digital audio theory, mixing consoles, and dynamic processors. The course’s information on microphone techniques could prove useful for capturing sound effectively in various settings. The course’s general approach to music technology makes it a great starting point for a sound mixer to learn the tools of their craft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Mixer

Music Arranger

A Music Arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different instruments, styles, or ensembles. This course in Music Technology may aid a music arranger by providing knowledge of MIDI and computer-generated notation. The course’s overview of digital audio workstations introduces the music arranger to the tools they will use for music creation. The basic skills in music technology, as taught in this class, can prove valuable in developing arrangements for various applications. A music arranger may find this course helpful in expanding their musical skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Music Teacher

A Music Teacher instructs students in music theory, history, performance, or music production. This course in Music Technology introduces various technologies used in modern music education. The class gives the conceptual overview of music technology that is useful for integrating technology into music instruction. The course’s approach to music software applications, computer assisted instruction, and MIDI may prove valuable in developing teaching methods that incorporate technology. A music teacher may find this course helpful in learning the latest instructional technologies.

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Acoustics Consultant

An Acoustics Consultant typically researches and advises on sound control in different spaces, such as concert halls, studios, and office buildings. This course in Music Technology may help an acoustics consultant by covering the fundamentals of the acoustic properties of sound. The course provides foundational knowledge relevant to the field, such as frequency and amplitude. Although this course is primarily focused on music, the fundamental technical knowledge will be helpful background for a role as an acoustics consultant. A consultant may find this course useful as a starting point for their study of sound.

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Game Audio Designer

A Game Audio Designer creates and implements sound effects and music for video games. This course in Music Technology introduces digital audio workstations, MIDI, and time-based effects, which are tools a game audio designer will work with. The course's investigation into how technology can enhance the creation of music will benefit this role. While this course does not directly relate to the interactive elements specific to video game design, it does provide some of the fundamentals of digital audio. A game audio designer might find this course useful for understanding the foundations of music technology.

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Software Applications Developer

A Software Applications Developer creates applications for various purposes, including music production and audio processing. This course in Music Technology may be helpful to a software application developer who is interested in music related software. The course’s overview of digital audio and MIDI may provide vital background knowledge for developing tools in the field of music technology. The understanding of fundamental technologies in music technology provided by the course will be beneficial if this developer works with real-time audio processing or musical interfaces. A software application developer could find this course useful background to developing music software.

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Multimedia Developer

A Multimedia Developer integrates various digital media, including audio, video, and graphics, into cohesive projects. This course in Music Technology might introduce aspects of audio that a multimedia developer will encounter in their projects. The course's overview of digital audio and audio file formats may be helpful to a multimedia developer. The basic skills in music technology introduced in this class might prove useful for designing and implementing audio in multimedia work. A multimedia developer might find this course helpful as a primer to audio technologies.

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Musical Instrument Designer

A Musical Instrument Designer designs new musical instruments, or modifies existing ones, using both acoustic and electronic principles. This course in Music Technology may assist a musical instrument designer by introducing the acoustic properties of sound and electronic music technologies, including MIDI. The basic skills in music technology covered in the class could be beneficial in understanding the capabilities and limitations of digital musical instruments. A musical instrument designer may find this course useful to supplement their existing knowledge.

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Music Technology

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Syllabus

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