Production As Composition

Instructor: Kristin Grace Erickson Email: kerickson@calarts.edu Room: TBD Schedule TBD Course Fee: $0 Materials Fee: $0 Texts: Required reading materials will be made available in class or will be on reserve in the library. Prerequisites: Knowledge of audio signal path and microphone techniques. Familiarity with current recording software. Basic understanding of music theory, composition, and arrangement. Description: In this class, we will look at examples from history where composition and production have intertwined. Through analysis of existing examples, we will define models of form and work-flow and then apply the models to student work. We will explore musically defining principles of specific audio technology including signal path, signal processing, recording, mixing, and microphone technique. We will address the interrelationships between aesthetic intention and technology-based workflow models. The second half of the semester will focus on student work and the application of techniques for synthesizing production and composition. Methodologies - Through understanding the role of the music producer and how it has evolved with technological changes, we will define the current role of the music producer. The class will also look to the future and predict ways the role of music producer may evolve further. By researching the context, form, and technological aspects of existing pieces, we will develop models for creating new work. By understanding the existing models of production based composition, students will develop their own models on which to base their creative projects. Learning Goals / Outcomes - Understanding the role of music producer in a historical context and its evolution with technology. Comprehension and demonstration of studio production analysis for practical application. Hands on experience using a production model to reproduce someone else's music. Hands on experience self-producing an original composition. Grading Policy - Grading will be based on attendance, participation, writing assignments, and production projects. Three unexcused absences will result in a lower

grade. More than three unexcused absences may result in an NX. Schedule: MODULE 1 - Research Paper - The role of the producer and how it has evolved with technological advances MODULE 2 - Electronic Music History, Transduction, Sound Art, Music Concrete, Recording Studio Evolution, Computer Music, Popular Music Production MODULE 3 - Analysis Assignment - Production Analysis Integrated with Music Analysis MODULE 4 - Work Flow and Practical Applications of Analysis MODULE 5 - MIDTERM CLASS PRESENTATIONS - Modeled Production MODULE 6 - Integrating Individual Creative Processes in the Recording Studio MODULE 7 - From Pre-Production to Post-Production and the Compositional Process MODULE 8 - FINAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS - Original Self-Production