| Instructor: Dr Ho Chee Kong |
Module Description
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which allows for the control over a wide array of electronic musical equipment. In today's context, equipment such as keyboards, synthesizers, computers, drum machines, wind controllers, guitar controllers and even stage and light controllers are able to communicate with one another through this digital language. For this module we will explore the field of MIDI music based on two major components: 1) the hardware and software of MIDI and 2) the aesthetics and practices of digital music.
For the first component, we will explore some of the MIDI applications for composing, arranging, performing and recording music. This will include intensive hands-on sessions where students will learn to use the electronic music keyboard and the MIDI-based sequencing software, Logic Audio.
At the same time, in order to fully appreciate and understand the practice of MIDI music, students will also be introduced to the history of electronic music from its limited form when the idea was first conceived to the varied functions that MIDI is applied using modern technology. An understanding of the basic principles of music synthesis, MIDI message types and basic digital audio synthesis is essential to know what MIDI is about. The course will also examine relevant aesthetic and theoretical issues on the use of MIDI music on the Internet. This resource from the internet will be utilized and integrated into relevant materials for creative individual and class participation.
Students are required to apply their own creative thoughts and aesthetic values through introductions to the processes in music composition, and the drive and stimuli behind artistic endeavours. A significant portion of the work will focus on students' original music composition as well as the creative ability to produce a multi-media presentation for the final project.
Throughout this module, students should reflect and ask questions such as, What is music? Can music be good or bad? Is music a universal language? How can they integrate their creations with other art forms? How can they be similar yet different from other artists, or in this case, their own fellow students?
Course Objectives
1) To have a working knowledge of MIDI technology and be able to define common electroacoustic music terminology.
2) To be able to work independently and in groups on projects which require creative outcomes such as music composition.
3) To be able to incorporate previous knowledge together with computer or electronic music in multimedia projects.
Prerequisites
There are no prequisites for this class. All students will be introduced to a rudimentary introduction to music theory.
Connection to other Scholars Programme Modules
Besides the technical and practical approach, students will also examine the dynamic relationship between technology and the aesthetics involved in creating MIDI music together with other art forms. In this aspect, this module can relate to other modules such as Representing the Interface and Cyberarts. The latter half of the module requires the students to apply critical aesthetic judgment and choices when composing their own music after viewing video and image segments from students' works from the Interface and Cyberarts module.
Miscellaneous
For those of you who are really curious about Music Theory and MIDI, you may check out these pages to have an idea before we begin classes next semester.
http://www.harmony-central.com/MIDI/
There are some introductory articles on the history of MIDI and what it is all about. The links on this page will lead you to more MIDI websites.
http://www.musictheory.halifax.ns.ca/1gs.html
This is a website to an introductory look on music theory, especially for those of you who are concerned about this part of the module.
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