Students
MUS 202 – Music Production 1
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Sarah Keith
Contact via 9850 2179
Y3A 193B
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Contemporary music production and composition is increasingly reliant on computer technology. In this unit, students are introduced to principles of composition and production using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and virtual instruments. Students develop technical skills as well as compositional literacy. Creativity is encouraged, as students produce original musical works within the dedicated music computer laboratory. The skills learned in this unit are built upon in further music technology units (MUS203, MUS300). Cubase music production software is used throughout these units. No prior computer production or musical ability, beyond that acquired in MUS100, is necessary.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
- Employ information retrieval skills
- Set up and time-manage recording and research projects
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| iLearn participation | 20% | No | Ongoing |
| Group Cubase Project | 30% | No | Week 6 |
| Individual Cubase Project | 30% | No | Week 12 |
| Written Evaluation | 20% | No | Week 13 |
iLearn participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%
iLearn tasks will be set throughout the unit. Students will respond to these tasks within the stated deadlines (one week or longer). These may relate to self-directed learning, practical exercises, readings, lectures, tutorial discussions, or upcoming assessments. They should be completed in a way that shows comprehension of, and engagement with, core unit concepts. Feedback will be given on iLearn participation by Week 5 as part of early assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
- Employ information retrieval skills
Group Cubase Project
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 30%
This assignment consists of two parts; a Cubase MIDI composition (completed with a partner) and a written component detailing the progression of the composition (completed individually). These two parts are equally weighted. Students will choose or be assigned partners during Week 2 tutorials. Working in these groups, students must employ the skills and techniques learnt in Weeks 1–6 to create an original Cubase MIDI composition. This composition will be submitted during tutorials in Week 6. Students are expected to work towards completing this composition outside of class hours and seek feedback in tutorials. Progress on the creative work will be checked throughout the tutorials; marks will be awarded for creativity, resourcefulness, originality, technical proficiency, and overall effort. The written component will be completed individually and is also due in Week 6, and is submitted to iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
- Set up and time-manage recording and research projects
Individual Cubase Project
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%
The final Cubase project, to be submitted during Week 12 tutorials, will demonstrate a sound knowledge of all relevant technical concepts learnt throughout the course. Marks will be awarded for technical processes used, where beneficial to the composition, as well as general proficiency and skill within the program. Marks will also be awarded for creativity, originality, and overall effort.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
- Set up and time-manage recording and research projects
Written Evaluation
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
The written evaluation details the techniques, concepts and practices behind the individual assignment. It gives the student a chance to describe creative processes and techniques used in the final assignment, as well as any problems that were encountered throughout the semester. Research and critical listening should also be evident.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
- Employ information retrieval skills
Delivery and Resources
Technologies used and required: Lecture videos | All MUS202 lectures are provided as online videos via iLearn. There are no face-to-face lectures for MUS202. You are expected to have watched each week's video(s) before attending tutorials.
Technologies 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 (preferably 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 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 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 expected to attend all lectures and tutorials for this unit. Lecture and tutorial attendance is compulsory, and missing more than two tutorials will severely compromise your performance in this unit. If you have missed 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 a secure dropbox. This will be further explained in tutorials.
Return of marked work | Marked work will be returned to students in tutorials or online via iLearn.
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 relevant recommended readings as well as undertaking their own research and listening analyses.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
Assessment tasks
- Group Cubase Project
- Individual Cubase Project
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
Assessment tasks
- iLearn participation
- Group Cubase Project
- Written Evaluation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Employ information retrieval skills
Assessment tasks
- iLearn participation
- Individual Cubase Project
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Set up and time-manage recording and research projects
Assessment tasks
- iLearn participation
- Group Cubase Project
- Individual Cubase Project
- Written Evaluation
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
Assessment tasks
- iLearn participation
- Group Cubase Project
- Individual Cubase Project
- Written Evaluation
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply practical knowledge of MIDI music production and composition in Cubase
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Develop proficiency with compositional skills and musical creativity
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
Assessment tasks
- iLearn participation
- Group Cubase Project
- Individual Cubase Project
- Written Evaluation
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and explain digital (MIDI) music production concepts
- Analyse and describe creative musical works
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
- Practice independent and analytical judgement
- Employ information retrieval skills
- Set up and time-manage recording and research projects
Assessment tasks
- iLearn participation
- Group Cubase Project
- Individual Cubase Project
- Written Evaluation
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
Assessment task
- Group Cubase Project
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Discuss and justify musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online
Assessment task
- Group Cubase Project