Digital Music Fall 2018

Saint Patrick High School

Course Outline

Digital Music 1

.5 credit, De LaSalle Weight

Description: This course is designed for the student who has an interest in learning to make independent music through the use of technology. Topics covered include music software, song composition, and digital audio recording.


Basic Course Outline: In the 1st semester, the big items are “Paper” composition and Electronic Composition. Students will learn how to write/read music on staff paper and the fundamentals of melody and harmony. They will then take this information and apply it to GarageBand using existing music on the app and also creating/recording new music.

Units covered:

  • Music Literacy
  • GarageBand/SoundTrap Tutorial
  • Melody
  • Chord/Harmony/Keyboard
  • Rhythm
  • Form and Analysis
  • Sound Effects


Assessments:

  1. Citizenship
    1. Punctual attendance, materials, and contributing your BEST effort every day
  2. Projects
    1. Projects in this class will primarily consist of your original compositions. Throughout the composition process you will have opportunities to get feedback. You will be graded based on the established criteria for each project.
  3. Written Tests and Quizzes
    1. You will have Theory Quizzes administered online. Quizzes in this course are cumulative. That means that all content that was on a previous quiz will be on the next quiz.
  4. Homework
    1. We strive to give you as much time in class to ask questions and get feedback as possible. This means that you will need to work outside of class so you are prepared to take advantage of coaching in class.


Materials:

  1. Fully Charged iPad ---- This class is very power intensive
  2. iPad Charger - you are encouraged to charge your iPad during class
  3. Headphones - during composition time, having headphones will be beneficial


Grading System:

  1. The Music Department follows the Saint Patrick grading scale.
  2. Grades will be based on total accumulated points.
    1. Quizzes, projects, written assignments, sight-singing efforts, concert reviews, and student-based reflections
    2. Citizenship—participation (positive attitude, maintaining focus, talking kept to a minimum, prepared for class with a pencil and music, effort, punctuality). You receive three points a day, one for being on time and present, one for having all materials, and one for good choral citizenship. Students who are absent without excuse will forfeit all three of their points for that day.
    3. Semester exam equals 20%
      1. The semester exam will be a final project which encompasses everything learned during the semester



Make-up Exam Policy: If an exam or project is missed due to illness, the student has the same number of days he was out to make it up. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out an opportunity to make up the work. After the allowable time frame has passed, the work will be assigned a zero. If the absence is unexcused, a zero will be assigned.


Food/Drink Policy: No food (ABSOLUTELY NO GUM) or drink will be allowed in the classroom.


Electronic Device Policy: You must have your iPad in order to participate each day in this class. If you are off task on your iPad, you will lose citizenship points for the day, and be sent down for the appropriate fine.


Stewardship of School Property: Students will use school midi devices, adapters, and other equipment during this course. Students are financially responsible in the event of a failure to return school property, or damaging school property and will be charged for repair and/or replacement.


Procedure for Extra Help: Students are encouraged to ask for extra help at any time. Our office is located next to the band room, behind the theater.