Project #5: Making Music with Synths

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

- Learn about Subtractive Synthesis & how to manipulate each Parameter to achieve your desired sound
- Incorporate Logic Pro X's Subtractive Synths (ES1 & ES2), Vintage Instruments (RetroSynth, Vintage Electric Piano, Vintage Clav) or the sampler, Alchemy.
- Loading, editing & saving Synth Instruments
- Create original Custom Loops & Beats
  - - Qualities of making a Loop:
      - Melodic or Beat-based
      - Simple or Complex
      - Short or Long
      - Harmony or Unpitched
      - Fast or Slow Tempo

ASSIGNMENT:

This project involves looking at the Subtractive Synthesizers in Logic (ES1, ES2) as well as the Vintage instruments (RetroSynth, Vintage Electric Piano, Vintage Clav) and the Sampler Alchemy which packs several synthesis techniques into one powerful instrument. Each instrument comes with a standard 'pre-set' and we'll explore how to adjust certain Parameters to achieve the sound you want.

Use a minimum of TWO different synth instruments and create a project of any length. There are NO required loops; you may have as many tracks as you want.
Create 1-2 Custom Loops that are Melodic or Beat based & add them to your Loop Browser (O). Loops should be between 2-4 bars in length. Accurately notate the Metadata that identifies your Custom Loop with tags that will make it easier to search for (ex. Brass, Melodic, Cinematic, Dark, Arrhythmic, etc.)

TIMELINE: 4-5 Classes

Parameters

- - - ADSR (Attack Decay Sustain Release) - parameters that affect how each note played.

- - - Oscillators are repeating waveforms (rising, square, sine, falling, sawtooth).

- - - Envelopes describe how a sound changes.
      - Envelopes modulate amplifiers like ADSR
      - LFO (Lowpass Filter Oscillator) modulates the oscillator.

Submission

In the main window of Logic, scroll all the way to the right & drag the small, grey arrow in the top right over to where your song ends.
1. - Take a screenshot of your project/loops (shift ⌘ 3).
  - Bounce (⌘B) the entire project to audio/m4a.
  - Add the m4a audio file to your Elec Music Folder in your Drive.
  - Click the Share Button (person with a +) > change the view settings to Allow Anyone > copy URL link.
Go to your Google Site > go to Pages
1. - Pages > Projects > Duplicate the page of your last project (click on the 3 dots)
  - Rename Page to "Custom Loops & Synths"
  - Select Embed & paste url code
  - Upload the screenshot to your Site.
Provide a brief write-up about your project in the Description section.
1. - Which Synth Instrument did you use?
  - Describe your Loops in musical terms (melodic or beat based, fast or slow, style, vibe)
  - What was successful and what was challenging about using the Synth Instruments?
  - Describe your recording process... what was it like to experiment and then record using the keyboard?

National Music Technology Standards
CA #1: Generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts.• Enduring Understanding: The creative ideas, concepts, and feelings that influence musicians’ work emerge from a variety of sources. • Essential Question: How do musicians generate creative ideas?
CA#2: Select and develop musical ideas for defined purposes and contexts• Enduring Understanding: Musicians’ creative choices are influenced by their expertise, context, and expressive intent. • Essential Question: How do musicians make creative decisions?
CA#9: Support evaluations of musical works and performances based on analysis, interpretation, and established criteria.• Enduring Understanding: The personal evaluation of musical works and performances is informed by analysis, interpretation, and established criteria. • Essential Question: How do we judge the quality of musical work(s) and performance(s)?

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