Instructor: Aaron Irwin
Office: (619) 668-5720 x.4140
Email: aaron.irwin@lmsvschools.org
Website: http://lmsvsd.schoolwires.net/domain/717
I check my email regularly and will reply within 24 hours
Throughout each day, make a point to listen to the world around you. Music is everywhere. From music at our first birthday celebration, to that new song that makes you think of that special someone, music is an integral part of our life, culture, and brain development. Guided by the National Core Arts Standards, our innovative online music course will increase your awareness of how acoustic and digital music intersect, and the relationship between the elements of music, notation and recording.
This class is open to all students grade 7-8. The basic elements of music, recording, and notation will be introduced digitally. You will learn to create, edit and produce digital music, record live instruments and/or voice, sound effects, and mix them into a variety of audio files, both individually and in small groups. Special emphasis will be placed on diverse music genres, such as pop, television and movie, anime, and video games. You will also create, edit and post multimedia projects.
- To learn the basic elements of music.
- To develop the basic skills to play the piano as instrument and DAW trigger
- To comprehend and apply basic music theory and notation
- To compose and arrange music digitally.
- To record instruments and/or voice with proper technique and acoustic considerations.
- To understand the history of music technology.
- To study the laws of copyright, fair use, public domain, and creative commons
- To develop proper listening skills, and be able to analyze and describe music.
- To create, edit and post multimedia projects.
- To be engaged and goal oriented with group work and discussion boards.
Composition: (Creating) MU:Cr1.1.C, MU:Cr2.1.C, MU:Cr3.1.C, MU:Cr3.2.C; (Responding) MU:Re9.1.C; (Connecting) MU:Cn10.0.C;
Technology: (Creating) MU:Cr1.1.T, MU:Cr2.1.T, MU:Cr3.1.T, MU:Cr3.2.T; (Responding) MU:Re9.1.T; (Connecting) MU:Cn10.0.T
http://www.nationalartsstandards.org
How do musicians generate creative ideas? How do musicians make creative decisions? How do musicians improve the quality of their work? When is creative work ready to share?
- Online quizzes and surveys
- Worksheets and exercises
- Individual and group projects
- Compositions, arrangements and recording projects
- Discussion Boards
Grades will be determined by the criteria below and on a 'sliding scale'. Students that give more effort will receive the highest grade, while students that complete the basic requirements will receive a "passing" grade.
Passing effort Extra effort
Discussion boards 16 20
Group projects 16 2 0
Theory & notation 16 20
Composition projects 16 20
Recording projects 16 20
TOTAL 80% 100%
- Grow your love of music daily and discover how this class can further develop your understanding of the world of music that surrounds you.
- Show respect toward everyone and everything and you will be respected.
- All school rules apply - see Student Handbook for more details.
- If school rules are repeatedly ignored, fair consequences will be given at the teacher's discretion.
Discussion and Reflection Guidelines
During this class you will be writing reflections and responding to discussion topics on various class readings and assignments. Reflections/ discussions will be handled as a post or wiki. All reflection/ discussion assignments should exhibit deeper thinking, and a positive and respectful tone. All reflections/discussions will be written in standard English, should be 200-400 words in length, and may include useful hyperlinks, embedded Web 2.0 tools, and/or properly cited images. Please refer to this helpful link for the 15 rules of netiquette for online discussion boards. 15 Rules
- Student Google account (GAFE)
- Internet access
- Internet connected device
- Updated web browser (see below)
- Screencasting tool/app
- Webcam, headphones/microphone
- Digital piano keyboard (minimum 25 key)
Player and Reader Download Links
- Google G-Suite
- .mp3, .m4a, .wav, .xml
- .pdf, .doc, .docx
Quarter 1 Learning Objectives
During this quarter, students will:
- Learn the basics of Garageband, Finale and Practica Musica
- Learn to read treble clef notes and play a 5 note melody on a digital piano
- Record an up beat with a digital keyboard
- Understand the role of the drummer in a band
- Incorporate the harmonic minor scale in a simple melody and chord progression
- Complete a first composition for annual Reflections Competition
Quarter 2 Learning Objectives
During this quarter, students will:
- Further develop an understanding of the basics of Garageband, Finale and Practica Musica through individual projects
- Learn to play a three chord progression on a digital piano
- Record a 12-bar blues walking bass line with a digital keyboard
- Understand the role of the bassist in a band
- Incorporate the major scale in a simple melody and chord progression
- Define and demonstrate the basic elements of a remix
- Understand the difference between copyright, fair use, public domain, and creative commons
- Create a unique sound trademark and jingle for a fictitious product or service
- Participate in a self evaluation and a peer evaluation from a presentation
Quarter 3 Learning Objectives
During this quarter, students will:
- Further develop an understanding of the basics of Garageband, Finale and Practica Musica through small group projects
- Record a three chord progression (left hand) and a simple 5-note melody (right hand) on a digital piano
- Record a 16-bar blues (four chords minimum) with a digital keyboard
- Understand the role of harmonic instruments in a band
- Incorporate the natural minor scale in a simple melody and chord progression
- Define and demonstrate the basic elements of foley music
- Complete a large group foley recording project
- Participate in a self evaluation and a peer evaluation from a presentation
Quarter 4 Learning Objectives
During this quarter, students will:
- Further develop an understanding of the basics of Garageband, Finale and Practica Musica through large group projects
- Record a four chord progression (left hand) and a simple 8-note melody (right hand) on a digital piano
- Record a 32-bar blues (four chords minimum) with a digital keyboard
- Understand the role of melodic instruments in a band
- Incorporate the blues scale in a simple melody and chord progression
- Define and demonstrate the basic elements of video game and anime music
- Complete a large group anime recording project
- Participate in a self evaluation and a peer evaluation from a presentation