Music 51: Assignment 3

[Music 51 Assignments: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Final Project]

Due Date

Monday, February 10 at the start of class. (delayed from original date)

Description

Record a short piece using the Logic program which uses at least 4 “musical parts,” each of which be a Logic “software instrument” part that you play on the keyboard. Three of them (minimum) must be different Logic instruments on separate tracks and, in addition, one musical component must be a drum part. The drum part must be distributed across at least 4 tracks assigned to the same “Inst” part in Logic. The piece must demonstrate the use of loops of three types: simple loop created by turning on a “Loop”, copying a region to a new location, and using “aliases.” (If you use any audio loops in this project – and this is not recommended – they must be in addition to the tracks mentioned above.)

(As you have probably figured out, there will be 7 tracks in in the Arrange window when you complete the project.)

Format

You must follow this format. Read it carefully!

1. You may use any style of music, though it must be rhythmic enough to demonstrate your ability to synchronize with a click track. Edit and quantize to create a musically accurate performance.
2. For this assignment, you must record parts that you create on the keyboard rather than using preexisting “loops.” You may NOT use any preexisting Apple loops or similar resources on this assignment. You must input all parts yourself from the keyboard, with the mouse, etc.
3. Your project must use at least 3 tracks of Logic software instruments sounds that are not drum kits with one part on each track, played on the keyboard. (For example, things like pianos, basses, strings, brasses, etc.)
4. In addition, a percussion component of your project must use another 4 (minimum) tracks assigned to the same Logic INST (e.g. — “inst 9”. Then record different parts in each track – a common approach might be to put kick drum in one track, snare in the next, then high hat in the third, and perhaps tom in the fourth. For this to work correctly be sure to use “DRUM KIT” sounds rather than “drum machine” sounds.
5. To demonstrate different ways of repeating a region, your piece must include at least one example of each of the following:
   • On at least one track the “Loop” feature has been turned on, either by using the check-box or by dragging the region with the loop tool.
   • On at least one track a region must repeat by means of creating a copy (or copies) of an existing region. In this case, you must alter at least one copy so that it is not the same as the original region.
   • On at least one track an object must repeat through use of “Aliases.”
6. For each of the points above in #5, your use of a looped, copied, or aliased region must be logical — e.g. represent a situation where that technique is the best option among the three.
7. All of the tracks do not need to play continuously all the way through the project – they may start and stop as necessary. However, they must all play at once at some point for at least one bar.
8. The example must be between 30 and 60 seconds long.
9. Label your project file as follows: “yourname #3.” Save it in your folder on the hard disk. Don’t forget to keep a backup!

Assignment Goals

Demonstrate the ability to re-use musical objects via Looping and Repeat Objects with copies and aliases.

Select a “Logic Basics” instrument and specify its sound.

Create a percussion part with components recorded on separate tracks.

Grading

You will be graded on technical aspects of the assignment. The assignment will not be graded on its musical merits. However, imagination can’t hurt! The assignment description is intentionally vague so that there is room for you to exercise your imagination. Try to come up with an interesting piece within the guidelines of this project.

Submission Information

A late penalty of 1 letter grade per class session is applied to assignments which are handed in late.

For Intro to Electronic Music: Projects must be saved on your classroom computer before the deadline. You will also need to store a backup copy of your work, using one of the methods we discuss in class.

Your grade will be affected if your project does not follow the format outlined above. If your project is nowhere close to following the format, I will ask you to re-do it and hand in the “fixed” version when you finish.

If you have questions or problems on the assignment please let me know right away – in class or by email, or telephone at 864-8511.