EMS Courses
MUS 407: Electroacoustic Music Techniques I
An examination of the history, technology and techniques of creating and performing electroacoustic music. Students are granted introductory access to the Experimental Music Studios and develop an understanding of electroacoustic music techniques through lecture/demonstration, reading and written homework assignments, listening, exams, and a series of technical studio projects. Topics include sound reproduction systems, principles of analog/digital audio, mixing and signal flow, synthesis, sampling, MIDI, an introduction to DAW-based composition and workflow, the evolution of electroacoustic music studio technology, and a historical survey of notable electroacoustic composers and their work. Students learn to use a variety of studio tools ranging from analog audio gear to contemporary digital software.
MUS 409: Electroacoustic Music Techniques II
Relying on knowledge and techniques from MUS 407, students deepen and refine their compositional craft and understanding of electroacoustic music through a series of guided composition projects. Students periodically prepare presentation topics and regularly share completed and in-progress compositions in a master class format. Students can expect to complete MUS 409 with a substantive understanding of DAW-based composition and engineering, coupled with knowledge of several supplementary hardware and software tools.
MUS 499C: Proseminar in Music
An advanced rotating topics course in music technology offered to students who have successfully completed the MUS 407 & 409 sequence. Topics may include multichannel composition/engineering, real-time audio programming with SuperCollider, interactive music performance, human-computer interface design, and interdisciplinary collaborative practices in electronic media.
MUS 499ART: Audio Recording Techniques
An introduction to the basic principles and best practices of audio recording and engineering in a recording studio setting, including an overview of the physical properties of sound (acoustics/psychoacoustics), analog and digital audio, microphones types and placement strategies, gain staging, stereo imaging, room acoustics, and common processing techniques such as compression, reverb, and equalization. The course is presented as a series of lectures coupled with supervised hands-on recording sessions with live musicians.
MUS 499AT2: Audio Recording Techniques
An advanced practicum in audio recording including studio microphone techniques, classical/concert microphone techniques, recording session management, audio editing, and advanced mixing, production, and mastering techniques. The course is presented as a practicum with students recording a variety of instruments and ensembles in the studio, in concert venues, and completing mixing projects of recording sessions, including out-of-classroom recording projects.