Unit 2

Unit 2, MIDI

Sep. 07-20

Introduction

Unit Objectives

(U2.1) Open and view files of differing types: MIDI, sound, video. (G2c)
(U2.2) Create a MIDI file with Aria Maestosa. (O1; Course Objective 1)
(U2.3) Determine MIDI instruments numbers. (G2a,b, and c)
(U2.4) Create a composition following tight parameters with respect to rhythm and instrumentation. (G4a, O1)

Students playing saxophone

Materials (Sep. 07)

LECTURE: A Few Musical Terms (10 min.) player (cc and searchable) | mp4 | wmv | transcript

Terms for Dynamics in Music: weblink

File types

History of MIDI weblink | copy pdf

Introduction to MIDI, read pp. 1-7 weblink | copy pdf

Introduction to MIDI, read pages 1-7 weblink | pdf copy

Optional reading: MIDI Messages weblink

Optional readings: MIDI Manufacturers Association Home Page weblink

LECTURE: Listening to and examining a MIDI file with Aria Maestoso (10 min.) player (cc, searchable) | mp4 | wmv | transcript

LECTURE: More MIDI (Explanation of MIDI with Electronic Keyboard) (11 min.) player (searcable, CC) | mp4 | wmv (CC) | transcript

LECTURE:"Why Does MIDI Sound Different with Different Players?" (5 min.) player| mp4 | wmv

Assignments (Sep. 12)

IMPORTANT: MIDI Instrument Chart. Use this to complete the MIDI Paper. Use this chart: pdf. Please note: all non-pitched, percussion instruments are Channel 10. Save a copy of this chart for future work in the course.

Easy way to view percussion (non-pitched) instruments in Aria Maestosa: pdf

MIDI Paper

Complete this MIDI Paper and confirm the correct answers with members of your group. Your group will leave information in the group Dropbox folder for the MIDI assignment or converse by email. The email addresses will be in the Dropbox folder for the group.

MIDI paper link

MIDI file "Hitari, Baby Elephant" for MIDI Paper (right click to download). Examine the file in Aria Maestosa.

Viewing Dr. Ewell's comments on your papers:

Webpage | Video: player (searchable, cc) | mp4 | wmv

Assignments (Sep. 13)

Test 2: MIDI
(U2.1-3)

This MIDI test has fifteen questions. Ten of the questions will be on the MIDI paper you complete with your group. Five of the questions will focus on your familiarity with Aria Maestosa. MIDI Test Link

REVIEW LECTURE:

LECTURE: Save Test or Exam Results (1 min.) into your Dropbox folder: player | mp4 | wmv | webpage

LECTURE: Viewing Dr. Ewell's comments on your papers:
Webpage | Video: player (searchable, cc) | mp4 | wmv

Materials (Sep. 14)

LECTURE: Rhythm, "We Will Rock You" (8 min.) player (cc, searchable) | mp4 | wmv (cc) | transcript

MUSIC: "We Will Rock You" by Queen Youtube

LECTURE: How Music Makes Sense part 1 (10 min.) Use this worksheet while viewing the video: Word (right click, download and open file)
player (cc, searchable) | mp4 | wmv (cc) | transcript

LECTURE: Creating a MIDI file with Aria Maestoso (4 min.) Player | mp4 | wmv

Selecting Percussion Instruments in Aria Maestoso Image

Selecting Pitched Instruments In Aria Maestoso Image

Help improve the course: Use this anonymous form to suggest improvements to Dr. Ewell. Form link

Assignments (Sep. 20)

Composition 1 (U2.4)
MIDI File Project created with Aria Maestosa, with report.

You must use Microsoft Word for this assignment and other Word documents in this course.

The online version of Microsoft Word will not work. You must install it on your computer. TU students can get free versions of this software: PC | Mac

Composition 1 Report with directions and grading rubric: Word

Organizating your personal Dropbox folder

Please see this webpage for where to place new files, old files, and screen shots of your tests and exams.

MUSC 116