COMMERCIAL MUSIC MANAGEMENT
(COURSE MASTER SYLLABUS)

MUSC-1333 SYNTHESIS I


Required Text: Handouts will be provided at each class

Suggested Reading: Keyboard, Electronic Musician, Future Music, and Computer Music

Course Objective:
Students will master the fundamentals of sound, acoustics, and electronics with emphasis on developing the basic knowledge and skills to create original sounds via electronic synthesis.

Course Description:
A study of sound synthesis including sound considerations, electronic sound sources, basic signal processing, and voltage control and modulation. Topics include additive, subtractive, and AM and FM synthesis types. The student will also receive an introductory overview of digital audio sampling and sample processing.

Outcomes and Objectives:
The student will explain sound synthesizers including analog and digital additive, subtractive, and AM and FM; apply knowledge of synthesizer sound considerations, signal processing, and electronic sound sources; and utilize voltage control and modulation techniques.

Course Overview:
This course is a study of sound design, focusing on the three most common forms of synthesis available in professional keyboards and sound modules: subtractive (analog), sampling, and FM. Additive and AM synthesis will also be covered in this course.

Most classes will be divided into two sessions, separated by a 10-minute break. In these instances, the first session will consist of an interactive lecture on the scheduled topic (see Course Schedule). Following the break, the class will have direct access to the synthesizers -- in order to apply the techniques discussed. Sound design projects will be assigned throughout the semester to develop practical skills in the techniques described in this course. Supplemental field trips and/or guest lecturers may also be included in the curriculum.

Attendance Policy
Due to the cumulative, technical nature of the subject matter and the valuable experience in the studio, any classes missed will seriously jeopardize the successful comprehension and completion of this course. More than three absences could result in a failing grade for the course since 67% of the grade is attendance and participation related. Withdrawal from this class is the responsibility of the student.

Student Evaluation:

	• Attendance....................................................................	33%
	• Participation...................................................................	33%
	• Exams...........................................................................	33%

Extra credit assignments may be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Course Schedule:

	•	Course Overview
	•	What is sound?
	•	What is a synthesizer?
	•	K2000 Overview (Presets, Architecture, MIDI)
	•	Signal Flow (Source, Processing, Modulation)
	•	Oscillators (Pitch, Waveforms, Simple/Sample)
	•	Filters
	•	Modulation (Envelopes, LFOs)
	•	Midterm Review
	•	Lab, Project Development
	•	Midterm
	•	Sampling Basics, Looping and Keymapping samples
	•	Sample Processing
	•	Effects
	•	FM and Additive Techniques
	•	Final Review -- Q & A
	•	Final Exam

POLICIES:

•	Makeup exams may be given if arrangements are made prior to the exam date.
•	Students will not receive full credit for assignments turned in late.
•	Failure to attend class regularly may result in a lower grade.
•	If you do not attend class the entire semester you will receive a failing grade.
•	Withdrawal from this class is the responsibility of the student.
•	An incomplete may be given to a student under special circumstances. If you feel this is necessary you must discuss the issue with the instructor no less than three weeks prior to the end of the semester.
•	Scholastic Dishonesty: (From Student Handbook 2002-2003, p. 32) ; "Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work, Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group: classroom presentations and homework."
•	Office of Students with Disabilities: (From Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 14) ; "Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical of psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester."
•	Student Discipline: Students are expected to behave as responsible adults and be courteous to their instructor and classmates at all times. Any student not demonstrating these qualities will be asked to leave the classroom. Repeated unacceptable behavior will result in a student being asked to leave the class permanently.
•	Academic Freedom: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the student and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is the college's hope that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or assignments. Rather, we will respect the views of other when expressed in classroom discussions.