This course introduces students to the fundamentals of mixing and audio production through lectures, workshops and creative participation.  Weekly assignments include the analysis, mixing and remixing the music of a wide variety of artists ranging from Radiohead, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Linkin Park and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Queen, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin.

The course also introduces the students to the industry-standard software Logic Pro X and makes regular use of the School of Music’s own cutting-edge music technology lab.  A strong emphasis on practical application, this course will equip students with the underpinning knowledge required for the progression into the world of professional sound recording and music production.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Complete professional quality mixes to an advanced level using Logic Pro X software.
2. Compose or remix simple 64 measure compositions.
3. Operate music software programs to a high degree for the purpose of advanced creative research.
4. Communicate their creative decisions and articulate them in relationship to the historical body of musical works.

Research-Led Teaching

This course responds to current artistic practice research, which sets to chart a series of practice methods for the combination of creative composition, music production, audio mixing and discursive exegesis.

Required Resources

Class resources can be found at wattlecourses.anu.edu.au

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture content: Technology and Music - A brief history of recording to the 1940s Mixing terminology	Tutorial content: Introduction to Logic interface Loop-based composition Loop editing basics
2	Lecture content: Recording technologies 1940s – 1970s Principles of mixing – volume, summing	Tutorial content: Introduction to MIDI
3	Lecture content: Technology and Music – a brief history of electronic music Principles of mixing – Panning	Tutorial content: Introduction to synthesis 1 Tutorial exercise 1: Create a short composition using audio and MIDI loops including some edited loops
4	Lecture content: Technology and Music – Synthesis Principles of mixing – EQ	Tutorial content: Introduction to synthesis 2 Tutorial exercise 2 – create a basic mix
5	Lecture content: Technology and Music – sampling & digital audio Principles of mixing – using inserts and effects	Tutorial content: Introduction to synthesis 3 Project work
6	Lecture content: Technology and Music – the rise of the home studio and the DIY musician Principles of mixing – using sends and spatial effects (reverb and delay)	Tutorial content: Tutorial exercise 3 – Using reverb Project work
7	Lecture content: Music distribution & listening in the internet age Analogue music technologies in a digital world	Tutorial content: Tutorial exercise 4 Mixing Analysis Creative Project work
8	Lecture content: Production effects and their influence on the music we hear Principles of mixing – presets, automation	Tutorial content: Tutorial exercise 4 Mixing Analysis Creative Project work
9	Lecture content: Developments in acoustic instrumentation in the 20th-21st century Principles of mixing – codecs and file formats	Tutorial content: Creative Project work
10	Lecture content: Music technology and performance	Tutorial content: Creative Project work
11	Lecture content: The future of music	Tutorial content: Creative Project work
12	Lecture content: Course summary Presentation of selected Creative Projects	Tutorial content: Creative Project work

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Creative Project	50 %	19/04/2019	10/05/2019	3
Written Exegesis	50 %	31/05/2019	14/06/2019	1,2,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Creative Project

Use a DAW to create and mix an original composition or arrangement of no less than 4 parts and no more than 12, making use of the techniques learned through the duration of the semester. The piece must have a minimum of 2 distinct musical sections and be 2-4 minutes long.

Assessment Rubric

Assessment Criteria:

Creativity

Use of a range of software compositional / arrangement / production tools including loops, MIDI, and softsynths

Balance of parts in the mix

Quality and blend of sounds used

Panning and stereo imaging

Professional quality of the music and mix

HD 80-100: Work of exceptional quality, which demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, mastery of relevant skills, sophisticated or original critical and conceptual analysis and interpretation, and outstanding quality in clarity, precision and presentation of work.

D 70–79: Work of superior quality, which demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, proficiency in relevant skills, and analytical and conceptual ability of a high order.

C 60–69: Work of good quality, which displays a good understanding of the subject matter and a sound grasp of relevant skills.

P 50–59: Work of satisfactory quality, which displays an adequate understanding of most of the subject matter and a sufficient grasp of relevant skills.

N 0–49: Work which is incomplete or displays an inadequate understanding of the subject matter or an inadequate grasp of relevant skills.

Value: 50%

Extent: 5-8 minutes

Presentation requirements: upload .mp3 mix and screen shot of arrange window. Also submit a list in point form of the variety of production technologies employed in the creation of the piece (eg loops, MIDI programming and editing, quantisation, softsynths, audio editing techniques, copy>paste, automation, audio recording, effects etc)

Due date: 19th April 2019

Assessment Task 2

Written Exegesis

Write a short analysis on the impact of a specific technology from the 20th or 21st centuries on one aspect of music performance, creation, distribution or consumption. Example topics might include digital instruments, recording, music production, sampling, music and multimedia, new models for distributing/selling music, new platforms for consuming music, composition, arrangement, scoring, genre, future technologies etc. Consult with your course convenor if you are unsure of the suitability of your topic choice.

Ensure you include a meaningful title, an introduction outlining the theme of your paper and a summary at the end. Choose a specific technological advance and discuss its impact in depth rather than touching lightly on broad changes and impacts.

Assessment Rubric

Assessment criteria:

- Clear statement of the theme of the paper

- Insight into the effect of the technology on the chosen aspect of music

- Depth of analysis

- Use of facts, case studies or other research in supporting your position

- A summary that accurately concludes your paper

- Referencing

HD 80-100: Work of exceptional quality, which demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, mastery of relevant skills, sophisticated or original critical and conceptual analysis and interpretation, and outstanding quality in clarity, precision and presentation of work.

D 70–79: Work of superior quality, which demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, proficiency in relevant skills, and analytical and conceptual ability of a high order.

C 60–69: Work of good quality, which displays a good understanding of the subject matter and a sound grasp of relevant skills.

P 50–59: Work of satisfactory quality, which displays an adequate understanding of most of the subject matter and a sufficient grasp of relevant skills.

N 0–49: Work which is incomplete or displays an inadequate understanding of the subject matter or an inadequate grasp of relevant skills.

Value: 50%

Presentation requirements: upload Word or PDF file to Wattle

Word limit: 2500 words maximum

Due date: 31st May 2019

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students