Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
This course develops knowledge, skills, and creativity in the use of music technology in live performance contexts. A focus on real-time, hands-on, collaborative uses of technology is maintained, and students gain cutting-edge technical skills as well as valuable performance experience.
This course develops creative technical skills in performance and composition through practical activities. It focuses on using technology to realize live music and sound through techniques such as DJing, live looping, live mixing, interactive sound design, as well as creating performances with new instruments. The learning content develops technical knowledge of digital audio workstations, mobile devices, music controllers and PA equipment. Students work with Ableton Live, Push and Link technologies in practical laboratory classes. Theoretical knowledge is supported by a series of six online learningﾠmodules. No prior experience in music performance is required. Students who already play an instrument will be provided with opportunities to incorporate it into course learning activities.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Some familiarity with basic music technology and mobile devices is assumed. Students who have completed MUSC1010 will be fully prepared to undertake this course.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC1010
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Chris Perren
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The structure of this course is divided into 6 learning modules, each with an online lecture, learning materialsﾠ and workshops. The Practical Projects (see assessment) relate to the learning modules, andﾠ will occur during class time.
Workshops for this course are in-person. Lectures for this course are presented online, and can be watched at any time.
Final performance assessments will be conducted outside class time, as per a schedule which will be negotiated with students during the semester.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develops student's creative technical skills in performance and composition through practical activities.
Students will:
- Use technology to realize live music and sound through techniques such as DJing, live looping, live mixing, interactive sound design, as well as creating performances with new instruments.
- Developﾠtechnical knowledge of digital audio workstations, mobile devices, music controllers and PA equipment.
- Work with Ableton Live, Push and Link technologies in practical laboratory classes and participate in the UQ iPad Ensemble.
- Develop theoretical and technical knowledgeﾠsupported by a series of online learning and lecture modules.
- Have the opportunity to incorporate exisiting instrumental or vocal performanceﾠskills into course learning activities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply music technologies to perform and compose music both independently and in group contexts using a variety of mobile and desktop software applications.
LO2.
Individually and collaboratively develop creative works that effectively and meaningfully integrate music technologies in ways that are relevant to contemporary performers and audiences.
LO3.
Demonstrate music leadership and collaborative skills by planning, leading, collaborating, and responding effectively to participants in music ensemble rehearsals and performances which integrate technology.
LO4.
Develop a range of technical, analytical and problem solving skills applying music technology to perform, record, edit, process and mix audio and midi using a variety of mobile and desktop software applications.
LO5.
Critically reflect upon practical learning exercises by applying academic literature to evaluate and assess these experiences informed by broader scholarly debate in the areas of music and technology.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Live Music Technology Fundamentals Quiz
|
10% |
5/08/2024 - 9/08/2024
Quiz opens 9am Mon of Week 3, and closes 5pm Friday of Week 3. |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Projects
|
45% |
PP1 28/08/2024 - 29/08/2024 PP2 18/09/2024 - 19/09/2024 PP3 9/10/2024 - 10/10/2024
In-class assessment, completed during scheduled tutorial times. See blackboard for details on schedule. |
| Performance |
Major Performance and Written Reflection
|
45% |
Performance - See Blackboard for details. 21/10/2024 - 15/11/2024 Written Reflection - due within one week of performance. 21/10/2024 - 15/11/2024
Performance will occur outside class time; schedule TBA via Blackboard. |
Assessment details
Live Music Technology Fundamentals Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
5/08/2024 - 9/08/2024
Quiz opens 9am Mon of Week 3, and closes 5pm Friday of Week 3.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
An online Quiz covering fundamental concepts of Sound Reinforcement and Live Sound Production, as covered in Module 1 lectures and tutorial content. The basic knowledge assessed in this quiz forms an essential baseline for continued learning in the course. Please see Blackboard for detailed assessment information and schedule.
Submission guidelines
Complete the Quiz online via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Practical Projects
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
PP1 28/08/2024 - 29/08/2024
PP2 18/09/2024 - 19/09/2024
PP3 9/10/2024 - 10/10/2024
In-class assessment, completed during scheduled tutorial times. See blackboard for details on schedule.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Practical Projects are a hands-on opportunity for students to apply and demonstrate specific performance skills in a supported way during tutorial time. Each Practical Project has a set of instructions and parameters which relate directly to the learning modules. Students will prepare for Practical Project assessments by watching lectures, working through online content, reading the task instructions, and practicing the target skills ahead of their tutorial time. To succeed in the projects, students will need to arrive at assessment classes on-time and prepared for the task. The full 2-hour class time will be dedicated to working on and presenting the project. The three practical projects cover core skills for performing with music technology, and help to prepare students for their Major Performance Project.
Please see Blackboard for detailed assessment information and schedule.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions must be applied for extension via the official UQ process: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
Please note that these are in-class assessments, and extensions will necessitate a rescheduling of the assessment item to a time which is convenient for the student(s), staff, and when the room is available. It is the students' responsibility to liaise with staff proactively to ensure that the rescheduled assessment is completed.
Major Performance and Written Reflection
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
Performance - See Blackboard for details. 21/10/2024 - 15/11/2024
Written Reflection - due within one week of performance. 21/10/2024 - 15/11/2024
Performance will occur outside class time; schedule TBA via Blackboard.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
A small-group performance of an original collaborative work presented at the end of Semester. Groups will be allocated by Week 8, and will work towards an original performance in response to one of the options outlined below. Students will be responsible for organising and facilitating all technical aspects of the work. Performances will demonstrate knowledge and skills you have gained during MUSC2010.
In addition to the practical performance component, students will submit a 700-word written reflection on the experience of performing music live with technology.
Performances will occur according to a schedule which will be developed during semester and posted on Blackboard. Written reflection will be due within one week of the performance date.
We will provide on Blackboard a list of equipment which each group is automatically entitled to use for their Major Performances. An additional list of by-request equipment will also be made available, detailing additional synthesizers, controllers, effects units, and electronic instruments owned by the School which students may request to use in their major projects.
Performance
In a group of three, present a 5-7 minute live performance to the class.
You may use whatever technology you have access to, but the performance must include:
- Live triggering of samples or notes (e.g. playing a synthesizer)
- Live triggering/control of programmed material (e.g. controlling pre-programmed drum loops)
- Live processing/looping of recorded acoustic sound
- Use of Ableton Live
- Either Ableton Push, or a similar student-owned controller if available.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that given the nature of this assessment as a group performance held in a public venue, extensions may result in a change to the nature and context of the performance assessment, and may also affect other students in the group. Please liaise with teaching staff as early as possible about any potential unavailability related to the performance assessment, so that staff may construct a schedule which is most likely to run smoothly for all students. Where a student is ill or experiencing exceptional circumstances, staff will endeavour to ensure equity of assessment for the student and their group members.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy basic requirements of this course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy basic requirements of this course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements of this course. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements such as a knowledge of fundamental concepts and the performance of basic skills. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a strong ability to use and apply concepts and skills relating to computer-based music creation and performance going beyond a perfunctory replication of content knowledge and skill. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates high-level awareness and understanding of the subtler aspects of computer-based music creation and performance such as the ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations and an ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality and flair based on a thorough understanding of the concepts and processes involved in computer-based music creation and performance. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Students must complete every assessment item to pass the course. If students do not complete every assessment item, the student's grade for the course will be capped at 3.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
This course evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed course learning resources and information.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Six Online Learning Modules Six online learning modules featuring video lectures, readings and supplementary material. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Workshops Students attend a 2-hour weekly workshop class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.