1. Introduction
With the addition of the newly completed Herring Music Pavilion, the Music Department at Furman University now has a state-of-the-art music technology facility. This Fall, the Music Department added a new one-semester course, "Introduction to Music Technology," designed to provide entry-level skills in electronic communications, sequencing and notation programs, digital audio, and multimedia. As instructor of this course, I have found it to be an exciting and rewarding, but challenging task -- with few models to follow, the curriculum for introductory Music Technology courses is far from standardized. For my Mellon Teaching with Technology Fellowship, I therefore propose to develop a set of materials which will not only help me to organize the course here at Furman, but which could also be used as a model for other ACS institutions wishing to offer such a course. (It should be noted that instruction in music technology is now strongly recommended by the National Association of Schools of Music.) The Fellowship period would be for Summer, 1998 in order to prepare for the Fall, 1998 term.
2. Project Description
The materials to be developed (some of which already exist, albeit in varying degrees of organization) will include a web site, printed and electronic documentation, various types of "starter" files, assignments, and tests. The web site will feature a course syllabus and schedule, assignments, descriptions of software, and an on-line discussion group ("chat room"). The ready availability of this information over the Internet will help class members and interested off-campus parties alike. The documentation will cover factual material such as the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) specification and digital audio concepts, as well as site- and course-specific topics such as tutorials and short in-class projects. As of yet I have not found a satisfactory course text, and so this documentation will fill a significant need. Experience has shown that starter files (pre-formatted and/or partially completed files, to be completed by the students) are a big time-saver, and having these files finished before the start of the course will aid the instructor both in organization and time management. Developing appropriate assignments for the various topics has been somewhat problematic during the initial course offering, but with the experience of the first year under my belt it will be much easier the second time around. As with the starter files, the preparation of assignments prior to the start of the course will aid in organization, save time, and provide models for others interested in music technology. It might also be possible to make available via the web site some examples of assignments produced by this year's students. Finally, the testing materials will serve not only to help keep the coursework focused, but will also clearly demonstrate how course objectives are being met.
3. Technical Requirements and Institutional Support
In addition to a 21-station music technology lab, the Herring Music Pavilion also contains a single-user digital production studio. Between these two rooms, I will have all the software and hardware necessary to complete the project: synthesizer keyboards; sequencing, notation, digital audio, multimedia, and communications software; a laser printer and scanner; and audio/video digitizing hardware. Further institutional support is offered through Furman's Information Services division.
4. Integration and Assessment
The project will be integrated into the next course offering, Fall of 1998. Students will be introduced to the electronic components as part of the "Electronic Communication" Unit -- the first topic covered. Thereafter, students will call upon the materials throughout the term as they progress through the various factual topics and hands-on experiences. Assessment will be measured by specific additional questions administered as part of the regular course evaluation. Comparison with this year's experience will also be provided by myself and possibly some of my current students.
5. Dissemination
In addition to the course web site, I will develop a "Fellowship" web site which will describe, analyze, and evaluate the project. This site will also offer suggestions to others who might wish to implement an Introduction to Music Technology course.