Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr, High School
Music Department
Course Title: Principles of Recording Techniques
Teacher: Mr. Alphonso Jiles
Room D 303
Contact Information: 301 780 2100 ext #3113
E Mail: Alphonso.Jiles@pgcps.org (business) jcoolal@aol.com (personal)
Class Goggle Site: Principles of Recording Techniques
1A Class Edmodo Code: 5nnugm
1A Class Edmodo Code: zvqqeh
Resource Textbook: Making Music with Garageband and Mixcraft" by Hodson, Frankel, Fein, and McCready (students do not have to purchase book, reference copy for teacher)
Class Set Textbook: Practical Recording Techniques: The Step-By-Step Approach to Professional Audio Recording, Second Edition, by Bruce and Jenny Bartlett, Focal Press, 1998.
This one semester course consists of eight units covering the principles of basics acoustics, techniques for live sound support and recording, techniques for MIDI sequencing, principles of multitrack recording to hard disk/digital domain, and procedures for mixing and mastering. Course evaluation includes portfolio/notebook, final recording project, MIDI composition, unit exams, and class activities.
The student will learn to design a recording setup for a variety of situations, record live sound, use computer software to mix and master recorded projects, create musical compositions through a MIDI- equipped keyboard and computer, and learn acoustical principles related to recording. With this acquired knowledge and these developed skills, students will be able to record, mix, and master CDs and create musical compositions via MIDI sequencing. The activities and experiences of this class will also contribute to developing students’ aesthetic awareness. Students will master skills and concepts through course projects, discussions, lectures, and assessment activities.
Music education contributes to the development of aesthetic sensitivity and produces experiences through which students can fulfill a variety of intellectual, personal and social needs. To foster the students response to music, the Principles of Recording Class nurtures and promotes the development of skills in performing, creating music by adhering to the following national music standards outcomes:
IV. Pacing guide for Principles of Recording Technology
Quarter One
o Equipment Overview (Chapter 2)
o Equipment in Your School’s Studio
o The Recording Chain (Chapter 1)
o Quiz #1: The Recording Chain
o MIDI Introduction (Chapter 16)
o Introduction to PrTools Digital Audio Software
Assessments for this unit: Performance Assessment 1: Live Stereo Performance Assessment 2: MIDI Performance Assessment 3: Live mixed Written Quiz #1
2. Unit Two
o Harmonics and Envelopes (Chapter 3)
o Sound, Signals, and Frequency Response (Chapter 3, continued)
o The Decibel and Sound Level
o Assessments for this unit: Written Quiz 2 Comparing Frequency Responses and Envelopes
3. Unit Three
o Monitoring (Chapter 4)
o Cables and Hum Prevention (Chapter 5)
o Setting Up, Recording and Editing in ProTools
o Microphones (Chapter 6)
o Assessments for this unit Written quiz 3 Comparing Microphone Types First Quarter Exam Recording Proposals
Quarter Two
4. Unit Four
o Microphone Technique Basics (Chapter 7)
o Microphone T echniques (Chapter 8)
o Assessment for this unit Written Quiz #4
o Effects and Signal Processors (Chapter 15)
o Intermediate Mixing In ProTools
o Advanced Editing in ProTools
o Session Procedures (Chapter 14)
o Assessments for this unit Quiz #5 Recording Practicum
6. Unit Six
o Judging Sound Quality (Chapter 19)
o The Art of the Mix (Chapter 20)
o Finishing Your Project
o Assessments for this unit Quiz 6 Comparing Classical and Pop Recordings Listening Logs Recording Project: completed, burned on CD, and presented to class Written description and narrative of the recording project Semester Final Exam The Pacing Guide may be adjusted to follow appropriate pacing for the class. There may also be a need to adjust the course timeline due to weather days.
Computer Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Recording (Unit 1)
The following factors will be included in determining student grades for this course:
1. Class Work 50%
2. Home work 20%
I understand that I make decisions that affect my actions. I make choices and am responsible for my own behavior. I also understand that if I do not abide by the rules in the computer lab, I may lose some or all of my computer privileges and there might be other disciplinary actions. I also understand that if I lose my computer time I may not be able to fulfill the requirements of this class and will forfeit points that will impact my grade.
I have read and understand the above rules and I agree to abide by all of rules in the computer lab D (303).
VII. Class Supply List