Composition Technology
by Timothy Gmeiner (built upon curriculum work by Bob Kostlan, dept. chair, Commercial Music at San Diego City College), taught at San Diego City College
About: This course is a practical study of the fundamentals of technology used for music composition and notation required to work in a professional recording studio or commercial music environment. Emphasis is placed on rudimentary Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) sequencing, notation of music scores, and basic keyboarding / MIDI controller skills. Topics include meter, pitch, chords, and scales. This course is intended for students majoring in music production technology.
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
Explain history of the creation and implementation of MIDI while utilizing specific MIDI terminology.
Explain signal flow of a MIDI signal path used in professional level software.
Explain multiple forms of MIDI data input / output.
Operate several types of MIDI instrument and effect devices in professional level software.
Operate MIDI hardware and successfully incorporate it with MIDI software.
Create a professional level music notation with full ensemble score and individual parts / performer score.
Create original pieces of music using MIDI sequencing as finished works and or used as backing / practice tracks for live musician rehearsal.
Available as an in-person and synchronous/asynchronous virtual course.