This week 11/28/11

This week we will go over all the skills needed for the Final Project. If you did not get a copy in class, please print it out from the Learning Web. Remember, the Final Project is to be created in Digital Performer.

We will also review for Quiz 2.

I will return your Logic Projects on Wed and Thurs after I finish grading them.

Automation Tutorial

Automation tutorial is posted on my Learning Web page. It is called Using DP 6. I suggest that you download or print it out and experiment with automating volumes, pans, and mutes. These skills will be required on the Final Project and Hands On Final exam.

Remember that the MIDI Files Lab/Automation Lab is due on Nov. 2 for MW and Nov. 3 for TTh.

Thursday Class 10/20/11

Due to a family emergency I will be out of town this Thursday.

Class is NOT cancelled. You will have a substitute teacher proctoring your exam.

Your Mid Term Projects are also due.

I will see you next week!

Mid Term Exam Review

I have posted a review for the Mid Term Exam on my Learning Web page under "Tests". We will be reviewing for the test this wee on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Mid Term exam will be in 2 parts, Written and Hands On. It will take place over 2 days next week.

• Written: Multiple choice questions. You will need pen or pencil, NO Scantron.
• Hands On: You will create a short sequence in class. You will need your headphones, USB Flash drive, and a pen or pencil.

I highly recommend that you finish your Mid Term Projects before the due date and turn them in before you take the test. Remember, you will need TWO CDS for this project-- one for the Data and a second for the Audio.

Mid Term Projects, Graded Quiz 1 and JV1010 Lab

I will be returning your Quiz 1 and JV1010 Labs on Wednesday and Thursday. We will go over the quiz, so make sure that you are in class to correct any mistakes.

I will be assigning your Mid Term Projects in class and handing out the Rubric. The project will be due in 2 weeks. The Tutorial MIDI to Audio is on my Learning Web and will be helpful. Also you may want to download Using DP 3.

We will be looking at the Mixing Board view in DP as well as some of the other views, and learning how to use Markers and Controllers.

You will need to read Chapter 3 in your textbook.

Quiz 1, JV1010 Lab

Quiz 1 is this week-- Monday 9/3/11 for MW class, and Tuesday 9/4/11 for TTh class.

Bring a pen or pencil. You will NOT need a Scantron.

Remember, there are NO makeups if you miss the quiz, without proof of a SERIOUS issue such as hospitalization or death in your immediate family.

Please arrive on time as we will take the quiz in the beginning of class.

Your JV1010 Lab (2 parts-- Sounds and the Project) is also due on the same day as the quiz. Bring what you need to class, blank CDs, sharpie marker, etc.

This is Worth Reading!

MIDI Week 5

This week we will be learning a few more skills in DP that may help you with your JV1010 Project (due next week).

On Wednesday and Thursday we will be reviewing for Quiz One, which will also be next week!

MIDI 1 Week 4

Your Drum Labs are due this week. Bring a blank CD and a permanent marker to class.

We will be learning more features in DP and exploring the sounds of the JV1010 module.

Drum Lab

Seeing that you are creating a Drum/Percussion sequence this week, here's a little inspiration: My friend Isaias Gil playing at the Meinl Drum Festival.

MIDI 1 Week 3

This week you will begin work on your first sequencing assignment, the Drum Lab. You will create a sequence using only drum and percussion sounds. The assignment is available on my Learning Web page.

We will be learning more about sequencing in DP.

You will need your Flash Drives, so bring them to class!

MIDI 1 Week 2

This week we will be learning more about how MIDI works, and begin sequencing in Digital Performer.

You will be reading Chapter 1 in the textbook and answering the Review Questions.

I have created a Youtube Channel for MIDI 1. Check out the Using Digital Performer Part 1 video here, and bookmark the page. I will be adding more videos as we go.

MIDI 1 Week 1

Welcome to MIDI 1!

Please bookmark this page and my Learning Web Page. Here you will find weekly updates about what we will be doing in class. On the Learning Web you can access and download tutorials, assignments, lecture notes, etc.

Please obtain the materials you need for MIDI 1 as soon as possible, especially the textbook, headphones and flash drive. You will have a couple weeks before you need any blank CDs.

This week we will begin sequencing in Digital Performer. See you in class!

Mid Term Answers

I have posted the answers to the Written Mid Term Exam on my Learning Web page. Please download and correct your test. Ask me any questions you have, either in class or privately. Remember that you will be seeing these questions and/or concepts again on the Final Exam!

Mid Term EXAM

Your Mid Term Exam is this Tuesday, July 19 during regular class times.

• The Exam will be in 2 parts, Written and Hands On.
• You will take one part during the first 90 minutes of class, and the 2nd part during the 2nd 90 minutes.
• Half of the class will take the Written while the other half takes the Hands On, then you will switch.
• You will need your USB Flash Drive and your Headphones to take the Hands On.

I have posted a review sheet on my Learning Web page under Tests.

Please arrive promptly so you will have the maximum amount of time to finish.

Remember, there are NO MAKEUPS for missed Tests or Quizzes in MIDI 1, except under extremely rare and serious conditions!!! PLEASE plan to be there!

Mid Term Review

I have posted a review sheet for the Mid Term Exam that you will take next week on Tuesday, July 19th. Get it on my Learning Web page under MIDI 1 > Tests. We will review in class this Thursday, July 14th. You don't want to miss the review!

On the review sheet there is a reference to Chapter 3, which I have not told you to read yet. Relax! The only questions on the test which relate to the reading will be regarding the Control Changes we discussed in class--volume and pan.

MIDI 1 Week 5

If you want to get a head start, your Mid Term Project is posted on my Learning Web page in the Assignments folder. There is just 1 skill we need to cover in class (Audio CD), but you can get started now on the sequence.

Have a great weekend!

MIDI 1 Week 4

On Tuesday this week we will review for Quiz 1. A review sheet is posted on my Learning Web page under "Tests", but please come to class, take notes and ask questions! We will also learn a few new things about using Digital Performer.

I will be returning your Drum Labs. Maybe we will listen to a few in class.

On Thursday, you will take Quiz 1. It will be 25 questions, multiple choice. You will need a pencil or pen , but no Scantron.

I will give you some time to work on your JV1010 Labs and I will answer any questions you have.

MIDI 1 Week 3

This week we will be learning more about how MIDI works. We will also learn some more ways to use Digital Performer to sequence.

Please read Chapter 8 in the textbook.

Also please continue to bring in your Listening Assignments.

See you in class!

MIDI 1 Week 2

This week we will begin sequencing in Digital Performer. Please bring your headphones to every class. You will also need a notebook to take notes. You should print out Using DP 1 and 2 from the Handouts section on my Learning Web page. You will begin your first sequencing assignment this week.

If you have purchased a USB Flash drive, please bring it to class this week. You will need it soon.

Also, you may begin bringing your Listening Assignment to class. This is the song for us to listen to. Be sure to fill out the assignment sheet and turn it in when we listen to your song.

Please read Chapter 1 in the textbook and answer the Review Questions at the end of the chapter. You should number a piece of paper 1-10, and write the letter of the correct answer for each question. Here's one answer for free: #10. TRUE.

Also read Chapter 2 p.25-28. You do not need to answer the review questions for this chapter.

MIDI 1 SUMMER 2011

Welcome to MIDI 1. Last week in MIDI 1 laid 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.

Final Review and Important Dates!

I have posted a review sheet for the Final on my Learning Web page. We will review in class on Monday and Tuesday.

Your Final Projects are due THIS WEEK-- Wednesday 5/4 for MW class, and Thursday 5/5 for TR class. They are due AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS. No late projects, no excuses, NO time to work on them in class the day they are due!!

On the SAME DAY your projects are due you will be taking Part 1 of the Final Exam. You will either take the Written or the Hands On. You will take Part 2 next week, during your scheduled Final Exam time.

If you have ANY other assignments to turn in, this week is the last opportunity. NO assignments will be accepted during Finals Week. If you have not done your Listening Assignment, Monday and Tuesday this week are your last opportunities.

MIDI 1 Week 14

I have posted a review for Quiz 2 on my Learning Web page. We will be taking Quiz 2 next week on either Monday or Tuesday.

You should be working on your Final Project. Please make sure that you know how to do all the requirements this week so that you will be able to complete the Project.

Also note that HCC will be closed this weekend Friday thru Sunday, April 22,23,24 for Easter. Please plan accordingly.

Finally, if you have not brought in a song for the Listening Assignment, please do it this week! Remember to print out the assignment sheet from the Learning Web and turn it in when we listen to your song.

MIDI Week 13

We are racing to the end of MIDI 1! Only 3 more weeks of classes before Finals Week.

I have posted new content on my Learning Web page. Check it out and download/print what you need. It includes:

• Final Project-- Start now! Bonus points for submitting it early.
• Lecture Notes-- to study for the Written Final
• Mid Term Written Answers-- Mid Term Written Exam with answers

MIDI Week 12

You will enjoy MIDI this week. We will take a brief break from DP, and take a look at Logic Pro. You have heard about Logic, and some of you are already using it. It is very user-friendly, and the software contains thousands of great sounds and loops. Don't miss it-- we will only be in Logic for about 1 week.

I will be updating the Learning Web page this week to include all handouts and assignments to date.

Lastly, if you haven't brought in your Listening Assignment, please do it soon! This is a Lab assignment which counts toward your final grade.

MIDI Week 11

Your Mid Term projects are due this week (Monday or Tuesday) at the beginning of class. Please have your projects completed and ready to turn in.

We will begin learning Automation in DP this week. You will have a 2 part Lab which will require you to download several Standard MIDI files from the Internet, choose one, and edit and automate it.

You may also bring in your Listening Assignment if you haven't done it yet.

Mid Term Project

The rubric for the Mid Term Project is now posted on my Learning Web page. If you need a copy, download and print it there.

Spring Break Is OVER!!

I hope you had a good break. Now---

Back to work!! Lots to do.

This week we will be learning about various things we can do using the Regions Menu in DP.

We will also be learning about General MIDI and Standard MIDI Files. You will need to read Chapter 4 in your text, and answer the review questions #2, 3, 5 and 6.

We will also learn how to bounce your MIDI projects to Audio, so you can play them on a CD player in your car, etc.

You should be working on your Mid Term Projects, due next week (Monday 3/28 for MW and 3/29 for TTh).

BUT WAIT, THERE"S MORE!

I will be returning your Mid Term Exams, and we will be going over them in class. DON'T MISS the opportunity to learn what you were not sure about.

Finally, you will be filling out the Instructor Evaluations.

MIDI Week 6

This week you will take Quiz 1.

Your JV1010 Labs are also due. Remember, the Lab is in 2 parts: Sounds and sequence.

If you are planning to finish your lab in class, you will need to wait until all students have finished the Quiz.

Remember to bring a blank CD and permanent marker to class.

We'll also learn more about using DP.

MIDI Week 5

This week in MIDI we will be learning more about binary MIDI messages. Please read Chapter 2 pages 25-28 in the textbook.

You will be working on the JV1010 Lab, which has 2 parts: JV1010 Sounds (list 20 sounds) and JV1010 Lab (create sequence).

We will be learning several new skills in DP to help you in creating sequences.

I will also be returning the Drum Lab, Juno D Sounds, and Chapter 1 reading assignments.

Finally we will review for your first Quiz which will be next week.

MIDI Week 4

Due to HCC closing last week, I will be extending the deadline for the Drum Lab. MW class, now due on Wednesday, 2/9/11. TR class, now due on Thursday, 2/10/11. We will be burning to CD in class.

If you haven't turned in your Juno D Sounds Lab or Chapter 1 Review Questions, get them in this week.

This week we will be learning more about the MIDI language and the binary system. We will also explore the JV1010 sound module.

The Amen Break

While you are creating your Drum Lab, check out this fascinating video about the world's most famous 4-bar drum loop.

The Amen Break

MIDI Week 3

This week we will be learning how to quantize in Digital Performer. Quantizing aligns notes you play to a specific rhythmic grid, so your music is precisely on time.

We will also be covering some music fundamentals, like note values and time signatures.

I will be assigning your first project-based lab, the Drum Lab.

Please bring your USB Flash drive this week. We will learn how to save your work to your flash drive.

New Content

I have added content to my MIDI 1 Learning Web page including handouts for Using DP parts 1 and 2, links to this blog and to a page of famous synth sounds, all assignments to date, and notes from my lectures.

MIDI Week 2

This week we will begin using the workstations. We will survey the various components, explore the sounds on the Juno D synth, and begin sequencing in Digital Performer.

You will need your headphones for every class from here on! Please get them ASAP if you haven't already, and bring them to every class.

You will also be reading Chapter 1 in the textbook and answering the review questions at the end of the chapter.

MIDI 1 Spring 2011

Welcome to MIDI 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.