De Anza College electronic music classes are designed for music majors, students in other fields who want to learn about music software and hardware, general interest students, and others. Enroll early to make sure that you get a spot since the number of available sections has been reduced.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This page no longer contains comprehensive information about the De Anza College Electronic Music Program — only information that is current as of the Winter 2020 term and only for the Music 51 class. Please check the current catalog and schedule of classes for current information.
Electronic Music Classes
The De Anza Music Department provides access to music software and hardware for students in a variety of classes including electronic music, comprehensive musicianship, music fundamentals, and more. Our electronic music lab uses music software including Logic, Reason, Sibelius, and more.
The De Anza College Music Department offers two electronic music classes as of 2020.
Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music. In this class you will learn about using powerful software to create music — primarily we work with the Logic X program, though you’ll be able to apply what you learn to other apps, too. The class is open to all students, and while it is helpful if you have some basic experience making music, there are no prerequisites for the class. Course credit is transferable to CSU. This course is offered during the fall, winter, and spring terms. (It typically fills with a wait list, so enroll early.)
Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music. Most students take this class after completing Music 51, but if you have experience with music software you may be able to enroll directly in the Intermediate class. A primary focus of the course is on sound design, the creation of your own sounds and other resources using the Reason and the Logic applications. Late in the term we learn how to combine both programs and link them together to create a powerful multiple-application music environment. Course credit is transferable to CSU and UC. Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music is offered once per year only. Dan Mitchell is not longer the faculty member teaching this course, so contact the current instructor for current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
IMPORTANT: Information on this page was written for students taking electronic music classes from Dan Mitchell only. The following information was accurate for Dan Mitchell’s classes only as of Winter 2020. For information about other sections these classes please contact the current instructor(s).
What is this website?
The Electronic Music Weblog site is for the use of students enrolled in Dan Mitchell’s Music 51: Intro to Electronic Music or Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music.
What will I learn in Intro to Electronic Music: Music 51?
You will become competent at using entry-level sequencing software to create music using software synthesizers and computer software. By the end of the course you will be able to create short musical projects using these skills. You will also be a more knowledgeable consumer – very important if you are considering buying software and equipment. You will also learn about the development and history of electronic music.
What software is used in the Electronic Music classes?
We use a variety of programs including Logic, an integrated audio and MIDI sequencing application (Music 51 and Music 8); Reason, an integrated “virtual rack” program (Music 8), and others.
Who can take Intro to Electronic Music?
There are no prerequisites for Intro to Electronic Music, so any De Anza College student may enroll in the class.
How much music background do I need in order to succeed in Intro to Electronic Music?
The answer to this question depends on your goals. As mentioned above, there are no prerequisites and some students with little formal musical training have succeeded in the course. If you have any music experience at all (play in a band, sang in choir, took piano lessons as a kid, etc.) you should be able to do fine in the Intro class.
Students with more musical background and training will often do different types of projects than those students with less formal musical training. All assignments in this class are designed to accommodate these differences.
Who can take Intermediate Electronic Music: Music 8?
(Dan Mitchell is no longer the faculty member teaching this Music 8. Please contact the current instructor for current information.)
This class is for students who have successfully completed Intro to Electronic Music: Music 51. Any student who completes that Intro class and wants to learn more should enroll in the Intermediate class.
What will I learn in Intermediate Electronic Music?
(Dan Mitchell is no longer the faculty member teaching this Music 8. Please contact the current instructor for current information.)
You will learn how to:
- use professional-level sequencing and audio software.
- use sound design skills to create and design your own sound resources using a variety of resources
- work in a studio with multiple devices and software programs.
- create musical projects using this hardware/software.
- analyze and troubleshoot common studio problems.
- find and share information about electronic music and related topics
We focus on the Reason music application, continue to use the Logic application from Music 51, and integrate the two using the Rewire environment.
Do the classes use Mac or PC computers?
We use Macintosh computers and software.
But what if I want to learn how to do electronic music on a PC?
No problem! The classes are designed so that the knowledge and skills you acquire can be used on either computer platform and in any software package. Despite marketing claims to the contrary, most of the programs at particular price-points on either platform tend to provide similar features that are available in other programs as well.
What kind of synthesizer, software, etc. should I buy if I’m going to take these classes?
This is a common question – but don’t buy anything yet if you are about to take electronic music! After you take the class and learn more about electronic music and the ways you want to use it you will be ready to start looking for the software and equipment that is best for you. Your choices will depend a lot on your intended use, what you can afford, what equipment you already have, and so on.
Wait… and use our equipment for free while you learn and gain experience that will make you a smarter buyer.
What if I have other questions?
You can email your instructor.
If you are enrolled in one of my classes, and a member of this website, you can post a discussion message (see “New Topic” in the sidebar) containing your question. You can also talk to me in class or during an office hour.
Dan Mitchell 