MUS 215 - Make Some Noise: An Introduction to Electronic Music

This course is an introduction to electronic music composition, audio production, and sound design. Students will build skills in using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in order to create original music, experimenting with analog synthesis and exploring field recording techniques. Coursework will cover digital audio processing, synthesis techniques, and critical analysis of electronic music traditions spanning a carefully curated and expansive collection of listenings encompassing both popular and experimental genres. Students will develop skills in editing, mixing, and composing electronic music, culminating in a final project and a concert featuring their compositions. Emphasis will be placed on creative experimentation and critical listening. Students will only need a computer and a subscription to Spotify-no fancy microphones, plugins, or expensive software are needed (nor, in fact, allowed for class assignments or projects).

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).