Sep 18, 2025  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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MUS 271 - Basic MIDI Sequencing


Description
Basic MIDI Sequencing develops introductory skills in MIDI sequencing. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the fundamentals and applications of MIDI technology, including sequencing software, MIDI interfaces, virtual instruments, as well as uses unrelated to music. 
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: C or Higher in the following courses: EN 101  and MUS 121  and MUS 174  
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Course Fees: $10.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Digital Audio Specialist Certificate, Pre-Music and Entertainment Business, A.A. (3 + 1, Ferris State University), Recording Technology, A.M.
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of MIDI file types and MIDI message structure.

  2. Demonstrate knowledge of MIDI voice channel messages, system messages, system common, and channel mode messages.

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of control change messages and be able to use these in sequences that they program.

  4. Demonstrate knowledge of system exclusive messages.

  5. Demonstrate knowledge of hexadecimal and binary and be able to convert base ten numbers to any of the three numbering formats.

  6. Translate or explain what written information means and/or how it can be used. 

  7. Identify the best solution to a problem or issue.

  8. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail.


Course Outline:
I. Unit One, MIDI Basics

A. Course overview

B. MIDI physical setups

C. MIDI formats and hierarchy

D. Hexadecimal/Binary/Base 10

E. MIDI messages intro

II. Unit Two, Sequencing Software Fundamentals

A. Pro Tools MIDI software instruments

B. Building simple sequences

C. Quantizing basic

E. Unit review 

III. Unit Three, More MIDI Programming

A. Real time sequencing

B. Other MIDI entry methods

C. Building songs with sequences

D. Project 2 assigned

IV. Unit Four,  Sequence Editing

A. Note/event editing

B. Transposition and quantization

C. MIDI message editing

D. Applying control change data

V. Unit Five, Mixing MIDI Sequences

A. MIDI automation

B. Audio track automation

C. Adding effects

D. Appendix E – making your sequences better

E. Bouncing to disc

VI. Unit Six, Your Final Project    

A. Final project work


Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 15-20%

Demonstration: 35-45%

Small group or one-on-one instruction: 20-30%

Active learning exercises: 20-30%
Mandatory Course Components:
Reading assignments, unit quizzes, sequencing projects, final written exam.

Successful completion of the mandatory course components. (73% or better)
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 102657
Course CIP Code: 50.09
Maximum Course Enrollment: 20
General Room Request: None
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Music
Discipline: MUS
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
The instructor must be functionally literate at the piano and have a thorough knowledge of the software used in the course to the level that is usually gained in a professional audio environment. The instructor should posses a bachelors degree in music performance or education with at least a minor in piano. At least two years of professional keyboard experience involving MIDI production would be acceptable in lieu of the music degree.
Last Revision Date Effective: 2017-04-17 13:50:38
Course Review & Revision Year: 2024-2025



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