Module 3 of 6: Music Production

Summary

In this module students will concentrate on the creation of a portfolio of music created using the tools available in the sequencer Logic 8. Students will work with MIDI and audio based sequencing, each of which has a vast range of techniques that can be utilised in the production of modern music. MIDI and audio sequencing tools have put a vast range of creative possibilities into the hands of composers and performers of music, and created an environment where, alongside traditional composition methods, the manipulation of pre-existing sound is accepted as a valid starting point for original creation. This is where you get to create musical ideas from a blank canvas.

Content

Music Theory: Chords & MIDI Plug-ins

The basics: Notes, Octaves, Tone & Semitone

What's a scale? Scale construction

What's a chord? Chord construction & inversion

Using MIDI plug-ins: Logic's arpeggiator object

Audio Recording

Recording vocals and "live instruments" in Logic Pro

Microphones and their uses. Mic positioning and techniques

Recording levels and monitoring

Using audio tools in Logic. Working with parts and events

Sampling

History of sampling. Analysis of classic samples and loops

How to edit drum loops and other sample material

Importing samples into your sampler (EXS24)

Changing tempo and pitch. Creating keygroups

Mixing

Configuring the mixer in Logic Pro

Channel strips, balancing levels and panning

Using EQ. Cutting and boosting certain frequencies

Frequency ranges for various instruments and sounds

Arrangement Techniques

How to structure your track to hold the listeners attention

Arrangement styles - classic pop songs to club bangers

Intros, breakdowns, drops and fills. Riffs and hooks

How to create arrangement templates in Logic

Final Mixdown

Mix down your tracks in Logic Pro and burn to CD

One to one session with your tutor to finalise your mix

Complete assessment

Submit your completed pieces of music

Individual Style
As well as creating entirely original material you will be asked to manipulate pre-existing musical ideas (templates) to put your individual stamp on the material.