[Music 51 Assignments: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Final Project]
Due Date
Wednesday, February 19 at the start of class, with second pass at the following class session. (Delayed to Monday, February 24 as announced in class.)
Description
Record a four track example using Logic Pro, built-in software instrument sounds from Logic Pro. Use the mixer panels on the lower left of the screen and/or the track mixer to add a minimum of one AUDIO effect to each channel on the mixer. Add MIDI effects to at least two tracks. Automate volume and panning controller information for each of the four tracks.
Format
You must follow this format. Read it carefully!
- Your project must be recorded on four separate software instrument tracks. (In addition, you may optionally add additional software instrument tracks and/or additional audio tracks if you wish)
- Note that because you use software instrument parts all four of these tracks must be played on the keyboard – no pre-recorded Apple loops or similar.
- Each of the four basic tracks must use a different software instrument.
- AT LEAST ONE of these four basic tracks must use sound selected as a “Logic Basics” instrument, as explained in class. You may use this type of sound for more than one track if you wish.
- You must apply at least one Logic audio effect insert on each required track. (If a single “inst” part is spread across multiple tracks, they will all share the same effects.) Select your effect via the buttons on the channel strip you see at the lower left when you click on your track. (It is also possible to select effect inserts via the mixer window.)
- On two tracks you must also add at least one MIDI effect.
- Each required track must include one or more dynamic changes in volume and one or more dynamic changes in panning via the track automation interface. In each case the change must occur later than the start of the track – e.g. in bar 2, etc.
- Your piece may use any style of music. The music can be very simple, especially if your keyboard skills are limited. However, your music must synchronize with the click track. I may play this assignment with the click track turned on to verify this if the synchronization is not otherwise apparent.
- The example must be between 30 and 60 seconds long. (Logic Pro displays measures and beats in the transport window. (With the default tempo of 120 beats per minute and a 4/4 meter, 16 to 24 measures should be about the right length – though you may use a different tempo/meter as long as the duration is within these limits. Better yet – look at the hours/minutes/seconds display in the transport window.)
- Label your project file as follows: “your name #4” Save it in your folder on the hard disk and make backups on the other computer.
Assignment Goals
Completing this assignment will demonstrate your ability to use Logic to record a piece with multiple synchronized tracks; record while synchronized to a click track; use a multitimbral sound source in a sequence; create of an accurate project using editing techniques, access and use the virtual synth “Inst” resources in Logic Pro; incorporate effects; and dynamically control volume and panning. The primary new techniques demonstrated on this project are the addition of effects and volume/panning to each track.
Grading
You will be graded on technical aspects of the assignment. The assignment will not be graded on its musical merits, with the exception of rhythmic coordination with the click track and between the musical tracks; and editing or deleting obvious wrong notes. 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.
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.
Dan Mitchell 