“Music Technology is a broad term encompassing everything from microphones to saxophones. In fact, it’s difficult to find a musical activity that isn’t impacted by technology. In some circumstances, the technology is obvious, such as the use of a synthesizer performance by a pop musician or the use of microphones, mixers, and computers in the recording studio. However, even “acoustic” musicians use technology every day. They might use music notation software to compose or arrange a work, a portable recorder to capture a rehearsal for later analysis, or audio and video editing software to create demos in order to get gigs. Even a vocalist who doesn’t use a microphone sings in a concert hall, itself an exquisite (we hope!) piece of technology.”
In Music Technology, students will explore using computers, synthesizers, samplers, sequencers, and music notation software to produce music, primarily on their Google Chromebooks. Also included is a study of microphones, tape recorders, speaker systems, musical instrument pickups, vinyl records, compact discs, and MIDI and their roles as the basis for modern music production. Students will work collaboratively to create musical projects.
Students continue their explorations into music technology and sound through the study of synthesizers. This project-based class uses hardware and software instruments inspired by legendary synths from Moog, Arp, Korg, Roland, and other major manufacturers to create soundscapes and musical compositions. Methods of sequencing synthesizers and manipulating audio with various effects are introduced. Synth performance techniques of all genres from the 1960s to the present will also be examined.