colganmusictech / textbook

Learning material for the CFPA Music Technology program at Colgan High School

CFPA Music Technology Textbook

Learning material for the CFPA Music Technology program at Colgan High School

Sample Outline

1. Composition
   1. Topic 1
   2. Topic 2
2. Performance
   1. Topic 1
   2. Topic 2
3. Engineering
   1. Topic 1
   2. Topic 2
4. Production
   1. Topic 1
   2. Topic 2

Remove upstream reference

textbook's Issues

Project 1: 12 Bar Blues rubric

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBasic Elements:1. 12 bar blues structure2. Correct 1-4-5 chords in the chosen key3. At least 3 instrument tracks with only using drum loops (or none)4. Include all 3 musical elements: rhythm, melody & harmony	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondIncludes all 4 basic elements89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumMissing 1 of the basic elements (ex: do not have 3 tracks)79 to >69.0 ptsGoldMissing 2 or 3 of basic elements69 to >0 ptsSilverNone	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondIncludes all 4 basic elements
100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondIncludes all 4 basic elements	89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumMissing 1 of the basic elements (ex: do not have 3 tracks)	79 to >69.0 ptsGoldMissing 2 or 3 of basic elements
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTechnical:1. Balanced mix for the overall sound/volume2. Rhythm in place (quantize). The Beats are placed nicely in Bars, in the set tempo	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondOverall volume sound balanced in the mix. Instrument frequencies are not competing in the mix. Every sound sits in its place. Overall rhythm sits in the pocket89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumOverall mx sound balanced, but some sounds may be clashing/competing frequencies. The rhythm feels good79 to >69.0 ptsGoldNot so balanced mix. Some sounds may be clipping/distorted. Sound may be competing. The rhythm is a little loosie-goosey69 to >0 ptsSilverNone	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondOverall volume sound balanced in the mix. Instrument frequencies are not competing in the mix. Every sound sits in its place. Overall rhythm sits in the pocket
100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondOverall volume sound balanced in the mix. Instrument frequencies are not competing in the mix. Every sound sits in its place. Overall rhythm sits in the pocket	89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumOverall mx sound balanced, but some sounds may be clashing/competing frequencies. The rhythm feels good	79 to >69.0 ptsGoldNot so balanced mix. Some sounds may be clipping/distorted. Sound may be competing. The rhythm is a little loosie-goosey
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAesthetic1. All 3 elements of music blend together nicely2. Melody crafted into harmony and rhythm3. Sound/instrument choices fit together4. Dynamics (loudness/softness) of each instrument fits within the song	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondAll 4 aesthetic elements are included in the final mix. The song sounds pleasing89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumInclude the aesthetic elements but, perhaps, missing the crafting of melody lines, or lacking the dynamics79 to >69.0 ptsGoldDemonstrate bare bone basic elements of the project69 to >0 ptsSilverNone	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondAll 4 aesthetic elements are included in the final mix. The song sounds pleasing
100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondAll 4 aesthetic elements are included in the final mix. The song sounds pleasing	89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumInclude the aesthetic elements but, perhaps, missing the crafting of melody lines, or lacking the dynamics	79 to >69.0 ptsGoldDemonstrate bare bone basic elements of the project
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCreativity:1. In arrangement: adding contrast/variations in beat (ex: drop beat in some bars)2. Adding chord tensions or other surprising elements	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondDemonstrate understanding of the project with extra details and attention. Transport the basic project to an appealing state of creativity89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumDemonstrate understanding of the project and some creativity in some areas like melody, sound choices79 to >69.0 ptsGoldDemonstrate bare bone basic elements of the project69 to >0 ptsSilverNone	100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondDemonstrate understanding of the project with extra details and attention. Transport the basic project to an appealing state of creativity
100 to >89.0 ptsDiamondDemonstrate understanding of the project with extra details and attention. Transport the basic project to an appealing state of creativity	89 to >79.0 ptsPlatinumDemonstrate understanding of the project and some creativity in some areas like melody, sound choices	79 to >69.0 ptsGoldDemonstrate bare bone basic elements of the project
Total Points: 400

Project 1: PART 1- 12-Bar Blues

Instructions:

Produce a 12-bar blues in your own style!

Using the primary chords I – IV – V and the chord progression in the 12-bar blues pattern.

You can write your song in a major or minor key. For minor key, you can use major V chord if you wish.

Pick any key. Any style.

Incorporate the 3 elements of music: rhythm, melody, and harmony.

Identify what key you're in, chord progression, meter, etc - see the "Write Up" section below.

The 12-Bar Blues pattern:

I - I or IV – I – I

IV - IV - I - I

V – IV – I – I

Criteria/Grading:

Songwriting/Production - 1 Summative Grade

At least 3 instrument tracks from software instruments (MIDI)
Only drum loops allowed.
You can program/arrange your own drums with MIDI if you’d like.
Must include the 3 fundamental music elements: rhythm/beat, chords/harmony and melody
Melody should fit/make sense in the harmony. Think of hooks! What notes belong in the chords? Expand. Craft your melody.
Technical: overall sound/volume (balanced mix), rhythm in time (quantize)
Extra: you can add Maj 7th, dominant 7th, sus, or any tensions to the chords.
Notes:

Song examples using 12-bar blues pattern:

Hound Dog (Elvis Presley)Links to an external site.
Give Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman)Links to an external site.
* she used IV - V progression on 2nd and 6th bar

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (U2)Links to an external site.
* they repeat first 8 bars, then repeat 9-12 bars

Birthday (Beatles)Links to an external site.
* they keep the V chord at 10th bar

I Got You, I Feel Good (James Brown)Links to an external site.
The Thrill Is Gone (BB King)Links to an external site.
Resources:

Songwriting/Composition
Chords in Major Scales.jpeg

Chords in Minor Scales.png

piano_chords.jpg

Videos:

1. Music Scales Explained in 6 MinutesLinks to an external site.

2. Minor Scales Explained in 8 MinutesLinks to an external site.

3. What Is A Chord? How To Build Chords and Chord ProgressionLinks to an external site.

4. Common Chord Progressions Every Beginner Should KnowLinks to an external site.

Production/Logic Audio
Videos:

Logic Audio Pro X

1. Logic Pro Tutorial - Ultimate Beginners Course (Tony Holiday)Links to an external site.

This video is about 2 hours long, but he has very clear timestamps. He explains everything clearly. I recommend you watch this video.

2. Tutorial for Beginners in 13 minutes (Skills Factory)Links to an external site.

A quick tutorial getting around Logic.

3. Piano Roll Walkthrough - Inputing & Editing Midi (Why Logic Pro Rules)Links to an external site.

Notes:

Logic Pro Key Commands (Morning Dew Media)