FINAL PROJECT POSTED

I have posted the Final Project on my Learning Web page for those who want to get an early start. Turning this project in before the due date can earn you 5 bonus points!

I have also posted my notes for Lectures 3 (Channel Voice Messages) and 4 (General MIDI and Standard MIDI Files). You may want to review these for the Final Exam.

Lastly, I have posted the Logic Loops and Logic Pro Labs in case you have misplaced your copy.

MIDI Week 10

This week we will be busy! I will be handing back your Mid Term Exams, and we will be going over them in class. Be sure to correct your mistakes. I can guarantee you will be seeing many of the questions and concepts again.

We will also be studying about and working with Standard MIDI Files. You will read Chapter 4 in the textbook, and answer questions 2,3,5 and 6.

If you have a laptop with WIFI and can bring it to class, that would be great! Your lab this week will require that you download some MIDI files from the Internet. If you don't have a laptop, don't panic.

We will also learn how to Automate certain functions in DP.

MIDI This Week

I was out of town last week due to a death in my family. I will return this week, and we will pick up where we left off.

MIDI Week 7

This week I will be handing back your JV1010 labs. They were very good! Hopefully we will listen to some of them in class if you are willing to share.

We will also be looking at the Regions menu. I have posted the handout on my Learning Web page if you want to get it early. I also posted DP Part 5 which goes step-by-step on how to recreate the changing meter pattern we did in class last week. (The handout is from last semester, so the screen captures are from an earlier version of DP. They will look a little different but function the same.)

I will be assigning the Mid Term Project. You can get it now on the Learning Web page if you want. You will have 2 weeks to complete the project.

Finally, we will review for the Mid Term Exam, which will be NEXT WEEK, 10/18-22. The Mid Term will be in 2 parts, Written and Hands On. The Written will be multiple choice and cover much of the same material as last week's Quiz 1. The Hands On will be a short project which you will create on the spot. Half of the class will take the Hands On portion on the first day (M or T), and the other half will take the Written, then switch the second day (W or TH). YOU MUST BRING YOUR USB Flash Drive AND HEADPHONES to the TEST or you will LOSE POINTS!

10/10/10

on off on off on off.

42 in decimal.

2A in hex.

MIDI Week 6

This week you will take Quiz 1 on the first day (Monday for MW class and Tuesday for TTh class). It will be a 25 question, multiple-choice test based on the materials we have covered in class so far. You will have 1 hour to complete the Quiz. You will not need a Scantron, but you will need a pen or pencil. You may not access any notes, handouts etc. or use the computers during the testing times. The Quiz Review sheet I handed out in class is available on my Learning Web page in the Tests and Quizzes folder.

Your JV1010 labs (2 parts) are also due on the same day as the Quiz. If you need time to finish, you can use the second hour of class time, but you will need to wait until everyone is finished with the quiz.

I plan to grade and return your quizzes on Wednesday and Thursday, and then we will learn more about using Digital Performer.

Quiz 1 Review

I have posted the Quiz 1 Review on my Learning Web page, in the "Tests and Quizzes" folder. You may download it there if you want.

Quiz 1 is next week, Monday for MW class and Tuesday for TTh class. You will only need a pen,

no Scantron.

MIDI Week 5

This week I will be returning your Drum Lab projects. They are mostly very good! I can tell you are learning how to sequence using DP, and it sounds like many of you are enjoying the process.

We will be learning some new skills in DP. If you want a head start, you can print out Digital Performer 3 from my Learning Web page.

We will also review for your first quiz, which will be next week! If you have missed any classes, you will want to be here for the review.

MIDI Lab Schedule 418

I have posted the schedule for the MIDI Lab (418) outside of the classroom on the board. You can look for times when there is not another MIDI class, check in with the Lab Aid, and work at the stations. Remember you must bring your student ID and your own headphones.

AN

MIDI Week 4

This week your Drum Lab is due. Please bring at least one blank CD-R to class, and your permanent marker. We will be burning your project to disk using Toast Titanium.

For last-minute inspiration, check out this video about the world's most famous 4-bar drum break, the Amen Break.

We will also begin checking out the sounds in the JV-1010 module on your workstation.

MIDI Week 3

We will be covering a lot of material this week, and you will have your first project assignment. Please be on time and ready to get to work.

Music Basics: rhythms, note values, time signatures, music notation.

MIDI messages, binary system

Drum Lab (project)

Digital Performer: Quantize, Repeat, Patch Changes and much more.

Textbook Chapter 2 (pp. 25-28). No review question assignment.

Don't forget to bring in your Listening Assignment.

See you in class!

MIDI Week 2

This week we will be discussing MIDI protocol, hardware and files. I will be demonstrating typical MIDI setups for live performance and home studios.

You will be reading Chapter 1 in the textbook and answering the review questions at the end of the chapter. Write out the letter of each answer, and turn it in within 1 week.

Bring your USB Flash drive to class this week. We will be learning how to save files to your drive, and reopen them later.

We will also be learning to record and multitrack using Digital Performer.

Bring in your Listening Assignments. We will listen to a couple of songs at the beginning of each class.

See you in class!

MIDI Week 1 Videos

Here are some of the video clips we will be watching this week in MIDI 1:

1. Player Piano An early "sequencer". We will be comparing how a player piano works to how MIDI works.

2. Theremin Synthesizer invented in 1928. This video features the inventor (Leon Theremin) playing his invention.

3. Crazy Theremin A modern use of the Theremin.

4. Ondes Martenot Another early synth, also invented 1928.

5. Ondes Martenot Radiohead This video includes a tiny clip of Radiohead using the Ondes Martenot.

6. Rick Wakeman This clip shows the keyboard player from the 70s art-rock band Yes, in concert surrounded by stacks of classic analog synthesizers.

MIDI Week 1

This week in MIDI 1 we will lay the groundwork for the semester. Please visit and bookmark my Learning Web page. There you will find the course syllabus, handouts, and assignments. If you ever miss class it will be your responsibility to print out any materials I handed out.

Required Materials for MIDI 1:

Please get your materials as soon as possible and bring them to class. You will need headphones by the 2nd class. You do not need expensive headphones; any pair will do.

1. Pocket USB Flash Drive (1GB minimum)

2. MIDI Power! by Robert Guerin ISBN 978-1598630848

3. CD-Rs for data backup and Audio CDs

4. Jewel cases or paper sleeves for CD-Rs

5. Permanent marker (for labeling CDs)

6. Notebook for notes

7. Stereo Headphones with ¼” and 1/8” plugs

Make sure to fill out the Lab Usage Agreement and return it to the Lab Aid desk located by the front doors of the Performing Arts Center. You will not be able to use the MIDI Lab (418) outside of class without a Lab Usage Agreement on file.

MIDI 1 Fall 2010

Welcome to MIDI 1. Please bookmark this site. I will update regularly with information like what we will be doing in class and links to videos you may find interesting.

MIDI Week 3

This week you will be completing your first sequence in Digital Performer, the Drum Lab. We will be learning more about how to track and edit MIDI in DP.

We also will be learning more about how MIDI messages work, specifically how MIDI uses 8-bit binary words.

You will be reading in Chapter 2 of the text, pp. 25-28. There will not be review questions to answer this week.

We will be reviewing how to copy your projects to your USB Flash drives, so bring them to class.

Lastly, you will need to bring a blank CD to class and a permanent marker, as you will be turning in your project on CD. We will learn how to use Toast Titanium to burn to CD.

Drum Lab

Seeing that you will be creating a drum part this week, I thought you might want to see these.

1. Drummer in Action. This guy is definitely in the wrong band.

2. The Amen Break. This video explains the world's most important 6 second drum loop. Pretty long, but totally worth it.

MIDI Week 2

This week we will begin learning how to create sequences using Digital Performer. Please remember to bring your headphones to every class. You will begin working on your first project assignment, creating a drum track.

Also bring a USB Flash drive so you can save the project you are working on.

I have assigned reading Chapter 1 in the textbook. Please answer the questions at the end of the chapter. I will use some of these questions for quizzes and tests.

I will generally only have printed materials (tutorials, assignments, labs, etc.) available on the day I hand them out. If you miss class or misplace your copy, please print copies out from my Learning Web Page.

MIDI 1 SUMMER 2010

Welcome to MIDI 1! We will be having fun with MIDI this summer. We will also be moving quickly, so please plan to attend all classes. We have a lot to cover in only 10 weeks.

Please bookmark my Learning Web Page. You will need this page to be able to access all handouts, assignments, review sheets, etc. as well as links to interesting and useful sites.

Supplies Needed for MIDI 1:

1. Pocket USB Flash Drive (1GB minimum)

2. Textbook: MIDI Power! by Robert Guerin ISBN 978-1598630848

3. CD-Rs for data backup and Audio CDs

4. Jewel cases or paper sleeves for CD-Rs

5. Permanent marker (for labeling CDs)

6. Notebook for notes

7. Stereo Headphones with ¼” and 1/8” plugs

Final Review and Important Dates!

It is getting toward time for the Final Exam! I have posted the following on my Learning Web Page, in the Tests and Quizzes Folder:

• Final Review: Concepts we have covered since Mid Term including General MIDI, Standard MIDI Files, Logic Pro and Automation.
• Mid Term Written Exam: For review and study for the Final. Expect to see these questions and/or concepts on the Final!
• Mid Term Written Answers: Copy of the Mid Term with correct answers highlighted.

I will also post a Tutorial for Inserts titled Digital Performer 7 in the Handouts Folder.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Mon 5/3 Final Project Due MW Class

Tues 5/4 Final Project Due TTh Class

Wed 5/5 Hands On Final Exam MW Class

Thurs 5/6 Hands On Final Exam TTh Class

Sun 5/9 Final Project Due Sunday Class

Hands On Final Exam

Written Final Exam

Mon 5/10 11AM MW Class

Tues 5/11 3PM TTh Class

Sunday 5/16 2PM Sunday Class

MIDI Final Project Posted

I have posted the Final Project on my Learning Web page in case you want to get started on it now. We will be learning and reviewing the skills you will need to complete it in the coming weeks.

I have also posted the Automation Lab assignment.

Both are in the Assignments Folder.

MIDI Week 9

This week we will be learning more about using DP including other Region commands. We will also be discussing General MIDI specifications and Standard MIDI files.

It will probably take all week for me to grade your Mid Term projects and tests. Most of what I've seen so far is very good! I plan to return everything by next week at the latest.

MIDI Spring Break

Spring Break this week! HCC is closed. Take the week off. Sleep late. Have some fun! I'll see you next week.

BTW, I started grading the Mid Term Exams. Most of you did very well! I graded most of the Written in all three classes, and some of the Hands On. I will finish them after the break. I will also be grading the Mid Term Projects. Expect that it will take me most of the week we return to get through everything, and I will be returning your exams and projects the following week.

MIDI Week 8

MID TERM TIME! Don't panic. If you have been paying attention so far you will do fine.

The Mid Term Exam is in 2 parts: Hands On and Written. Half the class will take the Written while the other takes the Hands On. MW and TTh classes will take 1 section each day. S will take one part first, then switch.

The Hands On portion will involve creating a short project which meets a series of requirements. The requirements will be similar to the Mid Term Project, except much smaller. You will need to bring your HEADPHONES and your USB drive in order to take the test!

The Written portion is 35 multiple choice questions. There are also 5 Bonus Questions worth a total of 10 extra points. You will need a pen.

Finally, your Mid Term Project is due this week in class. Please bring it to class ready to turn in. You will not have time to work on it in class unless EVERYONE has finished testing.

MIDI Week 7

We will be busy in MIDI this week! There is a lot to cover before Spring Break. Please plan to gt everything done in the next 2 weeks so you can enjoy the break!

Sunday Class, you will be taking Quiz 1 this week. Everyone else has taken it. I will also return your Drum Labs.

Textbook: Read Chapter 4. We will be learning about General MIDI and Standard MIDI Files. Be able to answer the following review questions at the end of the chapter: 2, 3, 5, 6.

I will be returning Quiz 1 and going over it in class. Expect that all of this material will be on the Mid Term, and use this opportunity to clear up anything you don't know or understand.

I will be assigning the Mid Term Project. It will be due in class in 2 weeks, that is March 10th for MW, 11th for TTh, and 14th for S. On the due date you will be taking the mid Term Exam, and you will not be able to work on the project or burn it to disc in class. Please make plans to finish the project outside of class during Lab time.

The Mid Term Exam will be the week of March 8-14. The exam will consist of 2 parts, Written and Hands On. The Written part will be similar in structure and content to Quiz 1. The Hands On will involve creating a short project in DP which meets a list of requirements, similar to the Drum Lab, but much smaller.

In order to take the Hands On portion of the Midterm, you MUST bring headphones and your USB drive. If for any reason you do not own these required items, get them now.

MIDI Week 6

This week you will be taking Quiz 1. It will be a multiple choice/true-false written test covering the materials we have learned so far. I have posted a review sheet on my Learning Web page under Tests and Quizzes. Please bring a pen or pencil to class. The quiz will be on Wednesday for Monday/Wednesday class, Thursday for Tuesday/Thursday class, and the second half of Sunday class.

We will also be looking at the JV1010 sound module, the Mixer Window in DP, and the Conductor Track.

Finally, I will be handing back your Drum Lab projects. Most of them were excellent! We will listen to a few of the best in class.

MIDI Week 5

Your Drum Labs are due this week. Please bring your completed project to class, along with a blank CD, jewel case or sleeve, and permanent marker. Also bring the grading rubric with your name and class section filled out. We will burn your project to disc in class.

We will also be reviewing for Quiz 1 in class this week. You can download the review sheet from my Learning Web page under Tests and Quizzes.

MIDI Week 4

This week we will continue to learn about MIDI messages. You should read Chapter 2 in the textbook, pages 25-39. Also read the section on Local Control pages 41-42.

You will also be working on your Drum Lab. We will review all the skills you need to complete this assignment and learn to edit in the Drum view. Your Drum Lab is due next week.

Here is a link I found fascinating. It's a video about the famous Amen Break: a four-bar drum break from a 1969 recording that became a staple in rap, jungle, and drum-and-bass music.

Amen Break

Finally, if you are missing any of the tutorials or assignments I have passed out so far, you can always download a copy from my Learning Web page.

MIDI Week 3

Here is a cool site I found which gives examples of famous synth sounds and samples. The first part focuses on overused sounds and is somewhat sarcastic, and the second part is more informative.

Famous Sounds

This week we will be discussing some music fundamentals, as I believe that the more you know about music the better you will be able to understand and use the features in music sequencing software. We will using material from Musictheory.net. Please bookmark this site for future reference.

We will also be learning about how MIDI messages work, and learning more about using DP.

If you have not read Chapter 1 in the textbook yet, please complete that and answer the questions at the end of the chapter. The answer to #10 is True.

Haiti Benefit Tonight

If you:

• Like Jazz
• Would like to contribute to a Haiti Relief Fund
• Are free tonight

come join me at the Horn for the Houston Musicians for Haiti Benefit Concert from 6PM-10PM featuring some of Houston's finest Jazz musicians.

$20 donation cover at the door, proceeds will be handled by Red Cross.

The Horn 6025 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX, 77057. Phone: 713-266-8711.

MIDI Week 2

This week in MIDI we will begin learning how to sequence using Digital Performer. We will also look at typical MIDI hardware configurations and discuss basic MIDI messages and events.

Please bring these materials to class:

• Stereo headphones w/ 1/8" mini plug
• USB flash drive
• textbook
• Listening Assignment song

If you missed class last week, please see me in class, either at the beginning or end.

My office is 440C, located in the North Wing. Office hours are by appointment. If you ever need to consult with me outside of class please schedule an appointment.

Great links

You have a distinguished classmate in your midst this semester. Dr. Andrew Boyd is is a contributor to the NPR program Engines of our Ingenuity. He has done a number of shows on the very topics we have been discussing in MIDI so far.

Check them out!

Theremin

Robert Moog

Switched on Bach

MIDI

Also a show about the Player Piano from the same program.

MIDI 1 Spring 2010

Welcome to MIDI 1! Please bookmark this page and check back weekly. I will be posting information and links you will find helpful, interesting and entertaining.

I recommend that you create a Google account if you do not already have one so that you may post comments and questions here.

Also please bookmark my Learning Web Page. You will be able to download handouts, assignments and tutorials from this site.