Technologised used and required: Website | MUS202 tutorial worksheets and lecture slides are hosted on the MUS202 iLearn site. The MUS202 iLearn unit may be accessed from within the music labs or from off-campus at http://www.learn.mq.edu.au.

Technologies used and required: Required Equipment | You will need to bring a suitable pair of headphones to tutorials each week. In-ear (iPod-style) headphones are not recommended, as their sound reproduction quality is generally inadequate and may jeopardise the quality of your work. Consider your headphones an investment. You will also require a Mac-compatible USB thumb drive (4GB or more) or a portable hard drive (preferable USB-powered) in order to back up and transfer your work.

Music lab | You may make use of the Y3A music lab at any time when there are no classes taking place. The opening hours for the music lab will be 9–5 on weekdays, with possible extensions; this will be discussed in lectures/tutorials.

Software Compatibility | It is your own responsibility to ensure that any work undertaken outside of the Music computer labs is fully functional within and compatible with the version of Cubase (Cubase 7) currently installed on the computers in the labs. Working within other software platforms (such as Garageband or Reason) as well as Cubase is not recommended, as this has caused significant problems for students in the past. Additional VST instruments and effects not native to Cubase 7 or provided on the lab workstations should preferably not be used, unless mixed down to audio format (this must be discussed beforehand with your tutor).

Attendance | Students are required to attend all lectures and tutorials for this unit. Lecture and tutorial attendance is compulsory, and missing more than two tutorials without medical certification or evidence of disruption will result in failure of the 10% ‘Participation’ component. To avoid being penalised for missing a tutorial, medical certification or other evidence of disruption must be provided. A roll will be taken in the first 10 minutes of every tutorial; students entering late are responsible for making themselves known to the tutor so they can be marked as in attendance.

Assignment Submission | There are no hard-copy submissions for MUS202. Written assignments and iLearn tasks will be completed/submitted via iLearn. Cubase projects will be uploaded to the Music server during tutorials. This will be further explained in tutorials.

Return of marked work | Marked work will be returned to students in tutorials. For assessments submitted in Week 12/13, e-mail your tutor for feedback.

Extensions and special consideration | Assessments submitted after the due date and time will automatically be deducted 10% per day (weekends included) unless medical certification or evidence of serious and unavoidable disruption is provided. For extensions, contact the course convenor well in advance if you may be unable to submit an assessment on time. Extensions will only be granted on grounds of illness or misadventure, where appropriate supporting documentation is submitted, and are awarded at the discretion of the course convenor.

Referencing style | Preferred referencing styles include Harvard http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm?harvard_id=24#24 and APA http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/referencing/apa.htm. Either or any style may be used as long as all necessary information is provided and a consistent approach is taken.

Recommended reading and research | The weekly recommended readings for this unit are intended to supplement your core work with Cubase, as well as enhancing students' understanding of concepts taught throughout the course. Readings will not be objectively assessed from week to week, however it is strongly advised that students broaden their understanding of concepts and practices relating to Cubase, MIDI, and music production by completing all relevant recommended readings.

Changes made to previous offerings of this unit | iLearn tasks component introduced: Presentation component retired.

Week 1: Introduction to Unit. No tutorials this week

Week 2: Introduction to MIDI and Cubase

Week 3: Recording and Composing in Cubase

Week 4: Further recording tools and techniques

Week 5: MIDI editing and effects

Week 6: Review. Group Cubase Project due in tutorials

— Mid-semester Break —

Week 7: Virtual instruments and synthesis 

Week 8: Automation and MIDI parameters

Week 9: Rhythm and beats

Week 10: A wider look at MIDI

Week 11: Modifying MIDI, finishing and exporting a project

Week 12: No lecture. Individual Cubase project due in tutorials

Week 13: In-class presentations. Written Evaluation due