SEEO Introduction to Professional Music

This is the list of all the assignments for the class. Read the information linked for each assignment before beginning your writing. Sometimes information will be similar in more than one link, but each link includes uniqe information that I want you to be familiar with. PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU COME ACROSS A LINK THAT IS NOT WORKING! Work can be turned in either on paper or emailed to me at william.dawson@pusd.org. Please include the assignment number on all work. Your assignments will be graded in this way: Writing does not have to be any particular length, but I will be looking for evidence in your writing that you read and understand the material linked for each assignment. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THE MATERIAL, OR WANT TO EXPLORE SOMETHING FURTHER, USE YOUR RESOURCES! USE "THE GOOGLE" OR ASK ME!

UNIT 1: REHEARSING AND PERFORMING

Assignment 1: Rehearsal Dynamics Write a plan for an effective 40 minute band rehearsal for 1 song. Take special note of anything you think is worth establishing ahead of time, such as how much time should be spent on different aspects of the song or performance, who should assume what role, or what should be prepared ahead of time. LINKS *https://tomhess.net/PrepareForYourGigs.aspx *http://www.std.org/russ/tips.html *http://blog.sonicbids.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-band-rehearsal-in-3-hours-or-less

Assignment 2: Singing Based on the class lecture and the reading below, write about your thoughts regarding "proper" singing versus your preconcieved notions about proper singing. LINKS *http://enchoir.co.uk/singing-technique/vocal-technique-for-singers-breathing-and-breath-control/ *https://www.becomesingers.com/singing-tips/singing-resonance-secrets-to-achieve-better-singing *http://www.become-a-singing-master.com/head-voice-and-falsetto.html *http://www.shinemusic.com.au/musicresources/Different-Voice-Types.aspx

Assignment 3: Stage Dynamics and Presence After having read the content in the links below and discussed stagemanship with the your band, write a brief summary of what you consider to be the most important aspects of good stagecraft. LINKS *https://web.archive.org/web/20150417041749/https://www.theatrefolk.com/spotlights/why-so-emotional-a-guide-for-highly-charged-scenes *https://www.thestrad.com/how-to-develop-great-performing-presence/2904.article *http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/top-5-mistakes-musicians-make-with-their-live-show/ *http://blog.sonicbids.com/10-tips-for-playing-a-mindblowing-set-other-than-playing-really-fing-well *https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/may/10/tips-stage-performance-singing

Assignment 4: Touring and Health Concerns Write a brief summary of the health concerns that a professional musician might face, and the ways that musicians can avoid those health problems. LINKS *http://www.tinnitusandhearing.com/musicians-hearing-loss-and-prevention *http://www.prosoundweb.com/channels/church/safety_first_how_loud_is_too_loud/2/ *https://www.forbes.com/sites/ruthblatt/2015/01/26/how-rock-stars-stay-healthy-on-their-never-ending-business-trips/ *https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/25/musicians-touring-psychological-dangers-willis-earl-beal-kate-nash *http://fanflex.com/how-to-stay-healthy-on-the-road-according-to-bands-who-tour/ *http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/tech-tips/touring-a-threat-to-your-emotional-health *http://www.singingforaliving.com/articles/vocal-health-tips/ *https://www.livescience.com/4078-10-tips-healthy-voice.html

Project 1: Design and Implement a Rehearsal Plan This is a class project. As a class, chose one or more songs to prepare for performance, form a band to play the song(s), and prepare the song(s) for a performance later in the term.

Unit 1 Test (In Class)

UNIT 2: MUSIC THEORY

Assignment 5: Essential Elements of Music Write answers to the following questions: - What is music theory? - What is pitch? - What is harmony? - What is rhythm? - What are overtones? LINKS *http://www.howmusicworks.org/51/How-Music-Works/What-is-Music-Theory *http://exhibits.pacsci.org/music/Fundamentals.html *https://1.cdn.edl.io/J8rrULFAqltx92FCAmY3by3Po3hRGleWZmmhmxNJy6O09uPB.pdf *https://www.musikalessons.com/blog/2017/02/how-to-read-strumming-patterns/ *https://method-behind-the-music.com/theory/notation/ *http://www.musicnotes.com/blog/2014/04/11/how-to-read-sheet-music/ *http://exhibits.pacsci.org/music/MusicPhysics.html

Assignment 6: Major Scales and Chords Write a brief explanation of the chord number system described in the links. LINKS *https://www.earmaster.com/music-theory-online/ch04/chapter-4-3.html *http://musictheorysite.com/major-diatonic-chords/ *https://www.fachords.com/blog2015/chord-progressions-nashville-number-system/

Assignment 7: Ear Training Basics Write a brief explanation of what ear training is. LINKS *https://www.earmaster.com/wiki/ear-training/what-is-ear-training.html *https://www.musical-u.com/learn/the-importance-of-ear-training-for-musicians/ *https://www.musical-u.com/ear-training-exercises/

Assignment 8: Time Signatures and Rhythmic Analysis Write an explanation of rhythm and timing in music. LINKS *https://www.studybass.com/lessons/reading-music/rhythmic-notation/ *https://www.studybass.com/lessons/reading-music/time-signatures/ *https://www.musikalessons.com/blog/2017/02/how-to-read-strumming-patterns/

Assignment 9: Diatonic Modes Write an explain of how all of these scales are made from the major scale. LINKS *http://musictheoryfundamentals.com/MusicTheory/modes.php *http://blog.dubspot.com/music-theory-modes/

Assignment 10: Songwriting Write down a process for writing a song that you think will work well for you. LINKS *https://blog.landr.com/write-song/ *http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/top-10-rules-for-better-songwriting.html *https://www.dittomusic.com/blog/how-to-write-a-song-10-tips-on-how-to-boost-your-creative-side-when-writing-songs

Project 2: Write a Song Write a song that includes at least one verse, a chorus, and an instrumental part such as an introduction, bridge, or solo. The verse and chorus should include lyrics, melodies, and chords.

Unit 2 Test (In Class)

UNIT 3: INSTRUMENTS AND LIVE SOUND TECHNOLOGY

Assignment 11: Stringed Instruments Write a brief summary of how different stringed instruments produce sound. LINKS *https://www.musical-u.com/learn/introduction-string-instruments/ *http://mlblog.musiclearningworkshop.com/1405/an-intro-to-string-instruments-the-heart-of-the-orchestra *http://www.get-tuned.com/parts-of-the-violin.php *https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/parts-guitar-learn-guitars-anatomy/ *http://www.start-playing-guitar.com/guitar-amplifier.html

Assignment 12: Keyboards and Synthesizers Write an explanation of the differences between pianos, digital pianos, keyboards, and synthesizers, and MIDI controllers. LINKS *https://australianballet.com.au/behind-ballet/anatomy-of-a-piano *https://www.pianoreport.com/digital-keyboard-vs-digital-piano-vs-synthesizers/ *http://howtomakeelectronicmusic.com/what-is-midi-keyboard-controller/ *http://tweakheadz.com/software-synths/

Assignment 13: Drums and Percussion Write a description of how a drum kit is put together, and how it differs from traditional orchestral percussion. LINKS *https://www.yamaha.com/en/musical_instrument_guide/drums/mechanism/ *http://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-play-drums-z07#parts-of-a-drum-kit *https://blog.andertons.co.uk/drums/how-to-tune-a-drum-kit *https://www.normans.co.uk/blog/2014/10/percussion-instrument-list/ *http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore/instruments/percussion

Assignment 14: Woodwind and Brass Instruments Write a brief summary comparing and contrasting the way that sound is produced on woodwind and brass instruments. LINKS *https://opencurriculum.org/5539/wind-instruments-some-basics/ *https://www.normans.co.uk/blog/2014/08/woodwind-instrument-list/ *https://www.normans.co.uk/blog/2014/08/list-brass-instruments/

Assignment 15: Instrument Care and Maintenance Write a brief description of some of the main things need regular maintenance for stringed instruments, pianos, drums, and wind instruments. LINKS *http://musicshowcaseonline.com/resources_instrumentCare.asp *http://www.ptg.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=34&MenuKey=Menu7 *http://www.shinemusic.com.au/musicresources/How-to-maintain-Drum-kit.aspx *http://www.acousticmagazine.com/features/top-10-essential-guitar-maintenance-tips/ *http://www.guitarplayer.com/lessons/1014/the-12-step-guide-to-electric-and-acoustic-guitar-setup/53887 *https://youtu.be/EvTFtHLOQvk *https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3DB43EEB61598DD5

Assignment 16: Microphones Write a description of the different types of microphones, how they are used, and how you might choose a microphone for a specific application based on its type and polar pattern. LINKS *http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/b0d226992d31e25d/index.html *http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/aa901ccabf1dfc6b/index.html *http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/214c5c52432bc79b/index.html *http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/f54c2e7c578b36f7/index.html *http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/4c2a92b26f4d4c40/index.html

Assignment 17: PA Systems and Live Sound Mixing Write a description of the main parts of a PA system and what purpose they serve. LINKS *https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/audio/buying-guide/basics-live-sound *http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/global/en/training_support/selftraining/pa_guide_beginner/ *http://www.audio-issues.com/live-sound-tips/the-ultimate-live-sound-survival-guide/ *http://www.sympathetic-resonance.com/live-sound-101-players-guide-to-soundcheck/ *http://www.behindthemixer.com/how-set-gain-levels-live-sound-methods/

Project 3: Perform a Professional Setup on a Guitar Make adjustments to the bridge, nut, truss rod, and pickups of an electric guitar to get the best playability from the instrument.

Unit 3 Test (In Class)

UNIT 4: RECORDING ARTS

Assignment 18: History of Recorded Sound Write a description of several things that you feel are important developments or events in the history of recorded music. LINKS *https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/studio-as-an-instrument-part-1/ *https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/studio-as-an-instrument-part-2/ *https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/studio-as-an-instrument-part-3/

Assignment 19: Recording Tools: Speakers, Interfaces, Digital Audio Visit the website of at least one online music retail store, and make a list of all the things you think you would need for a home studio. Think about where you would set up your home studio, and consider where you would put things, since there might be significant space restrictions. LINKS *http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/5-essential-components-home-recording-studio/ *http://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/difference-between-home-stereo-speakers-and-studio-monitors *https://www.musicrepo.com/what-is-an-audio-interface/ *http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/digital_audio.html *http://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-are-the-acoustic-requirements-for-recording-and-mixing This is a long but good overview of a ton of stuff: *http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/audio-recording-buying-guides/recording-gear-buying-guide

Assignment 20: Digital Audio Workstations Write answers to the following questions: 1. What does "DAW" stand for? 2. What kinds of things can a DAW be used for? 3. The computers in class are equipped with the free version of Studio One. What DAW would you choose for your own use, and why? LINKS *https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/daw-software-buying-guide/ *http://www.studio-one.expert/studio-one-blog//recording-your-first-song-in-studio-one-3 *http://oscillicious.com/blog/traditional-daw-workflow/

Assignment 21: Effects After reading about audio effects below, think about how different effects could be used in a finished music recording. Write down five examples of how a particular effect could be used on a particular musical element. LINKS *http://blog.dubspot.com/understanding-audio-effects-an-overview/ *http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/effects/ *http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/digital_audio.html *https://theproaudiofiles.com/5-different-reverb-types-explained/ *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_signal_processing

Assignment 22: MIDI and Software Instruments Write answers to the following questions: 1. What is a software instrument? 2. What are some reasons why someone would choose to use a software instrument instead of recording a live musician? 3. What are some reasons why someone would choose to record a live musician instead of using a software instrument? LINKS *http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/midi.htm *https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/sep/28/whats-that-sound-sampler *http://enmoreaudio.com/the-imitation-game-recording-live-instruments-vs-using-software/

Assignment 23: Tracking, Mixing, and Mastering Write answers to the following questions: 1. What is tracking? 2. What is mixing? 3. What is mastering? LINKS *http://productionadvice.co.uk/tracking-mixing-mastering/ *http://www.audio-issues.com/music-mixing/the-only-music-mixing-tips-youll-need/ *https://www.fluidmastering.com/whats-it-all-about/

Project 4: Make a Music Loop Using music production software, create a four measure music loop (a beat!) that would be appropriate for modern music in a genre such as hip hop or electronic dance music. Be sure to include elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony.

Unit 4 Test (In Class)

UNIT 5: MUSIC BUSINESS

Assignment 24: Careers In The Music Industry Make a list of 5 careers RELATED TO music performance (but not performing careers) that for you would be acceptable jobs, either because it would keep you close to the performing career so that you could "move up" into a performing role, or because it seems like a good career choice by itself. For each career listed, specify why this job seems like a good fit for you. LINKS *https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/music-jobs-music-industry *http://musicschoolcentral.com/can-music-degree-70-careers-salaries-revealed/ *http://www.media-match.com/usa/music/jobtypes/job-descriptions.php *https://www.farnamstreetblog.com/2017/08/amateurs-professionals/

Assignment 25: Branding and Marketing Write a short description of the main things that an artist needs to consider when putting together a marketing plan for their music. LINKS *http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/3-essential-elements-of-music-marketability.html *http://urbandubz.com/ultimate-music-pr-guide/how-to-decide-on-an-image-style-for-your-band-or-as-an-artist *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gruB98DWR3I *https://musicbiz.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MusicConsumptionTheOverallLandscape_AudienceNet.pdf

Assignment 26: Publishing and Copyright Basics Write answers to the following questions: 1. What is a copyright and how do you get one? (trick question!) 2. How does an artist get paid different kinds of royalties? 3. If I want to sell the recording I made of me performing Lady Gaga's new song, should I be worried about being sued? Why or why not? 4. What is public domain? LINKS *https://www.lib.purdue.edu/uco/CopyrightBasics/basics.html *http://copyrightalliance.org/ca_faq_post/copyright-protection-ata/ *https://bandzoogle.com/blog/music-licensing-101-what-is-a-performing-rights-organization *https://www.thebalance.com/mechanical-royalties-2460503 *https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-compulsory-license-in-music-2460357 *https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-sync-license-2460940

Assignment 27: Dynamics of Artisitic Business Relationships Write answers to the following questions: 1. What is the purpose of an artist manager 2. How does an artist get paid different kinds of royalties? LINKS *https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2015/02/25/management-contract-every-artist-songwriter-producer/ *http://www.tunecore.com/blog/2017/03/part-1-artist-manager-relationship-look-recording-industry-management-agreements.html *https://www.thebalance.com/before-you-sign-a-music-manager-contract-2460382 *https://www.sokanu.com/careers/music-promoter/

Assignment 28: The History of the Music Industry Business Model Write a brief description of the challenges the music industry has faced in recent years, and how those challenges are being addressed. LINKS *http://www.musicthinktank.com/mtt-open/a-brief-history-of-the-music-industry.html *https://www.thebalance.com/record-producer-music-indsutry-career-profile-2460641 *https://tomhess.net/WhatRecordCompaniesLookFor.aspx *http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1432767/record-companies-must-embrace-changing-digital-landscape

Project 5: Develop a Brand Identity Create an identity for a fictitious musical group, including a band name, logo, and style and content guides.

Unit 5 Test (In Class)

FINAL CLASS PROJECT: PRODUCE A LIVE PERFORMANCE Coordinate with the class to plan and execute a live musical performance. Participate in the performance as a performer or in a technical supporting role.

"21st Century Success Skills" Precision Certificate Test (In Class)

FINAL EXAM (In Class)