Daniel Dehaan

Syllabus

Columbia College Chicago

1014 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605 School of Audio and Music Spring 2024: Fifteen Week Session

Course Information

Course Title: Digital Music Composition & Performance

Course Code: MUSC-228

Section Number: 01

Location: 1014 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 201 (The Digital Music Lab)

Schedule: Thursday, 3:30 PM - 6:20 PM

Course Description: This course develops the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for the creative use of technology in music composition and performance. Students will learn the basics of electro-acoustic music, object-oriented computer programming, psychoacoustics, and live and automated manipulation of audio as it relates to sound production and music composition. This course will give students an understanding of the technology essential to today’s composer/performer in a hands-on environment that emphasizes the immediate creative application of new knowledge.

Learning Outcomes: Through this course, students will:

  • Develop a technical understanding of today’s digital tools that are essential to composers and performers
  • Identify and reproduce a range of musical compositions and performances
  • Apply intermediate musical concepts through musical composition and performances that utilize digital music technology
  • Establish core music technology skills and workflows as related to composition and performance
  • Cultivate an understanding of the possible employable skills of today composing and performing music

Instructor Information

Instructor: Daniel Dehaan

Preferred Name: Dr. Dan

Pronouns: he/him/his

Email: ddehaan@colum.edu

Office Hours: By appointment only

Required Text/Materials

Hardware

  • A laptop that meets the current Audio/Music Tier Requirements (bring with you to each class)
  • Wired Headphones (bring them with you to each class)
  • Any adapters you need to connect your laptop to a USB-C cable and a standard HDMI cable (bring with you to each class)
  • A MIDI Keyboard (for use at home)

Software

  • A digital audio workstation program

Course Policies

Grading Policy

  • Class Preparedness/Attendance (40%): The success of this class relies upon all its members taking active ownership of their own educational and creative goals. Everyone should arrive at each class prepared to engage with their peers, having reviewed any supplemental materials provided by the instructor and with current work for demonstration and critique. Students will be evaluated on their readiness for each class.
  • Projects (60%): There will be five projects comprised of three weekly assignments assigned over the course of the semester. Each assignment will have a detailed grading rubric, and the collective points earned on each of the three weekly assignments will result in the total grade for each project.

Attendance Policy

  • Punctual attendance at each class meeting is mandatory.
  • Each unexcused absence results in an automatic reduction of the final grade for the entire semester.
  • In case of illness, an email notification must be sent to the instructor. Failure to do so can result in an unexcused absence. A doctor’s note may be requested at the discretion of the instructor.
  • Travel, or similar non-emergency absences during the semester, have to be requested and approved by the instructor via email no less than a week before the intended absences.
  • More than three absences per semester, whether excused or unexcused, result in a failing grade for the entire course.
  • Class begins promptly at the designated time. Any arrival later than 20 minutes past the official class start time will be considered an excused absence.

Assignment Policy

  • Assignments are due at the date and time provided by your instructor.
  • Late assignments will only be accepted with prior approval from the instructor for a 1% per day grade reduction.
  • Requests for an assignment extension must be made 24 hours prior to their posted due date and time.
  • Any unapproved late assignments will not be accepted, and will automatically receive a zero grade (F).
  • All assignments are to be submitted electronically unless otherwise stated by the instructor.
  • Personal absence, whether excused or unexcused, is not an excuse for late or missed work.

Additional Academic Policies and Procedures

See the “Academic Policies and Resources” page on Canvas for all school-wide policies and resources. The course policies listed above supersede any school-wide policies.