MUS 271 - 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 ENG 101, MUS 121, and MUS 112 or [an 85% or Higher on the Music Theory Pretest].
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
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.

Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: None
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge of MIDI file types and MIDI message structure.
Demonstrate knowledge of MIDI voice channel messages, system messages, system common, and channel mode messages.
Demonstrate knowledge of control change messages and be able to use these in sequences that they program.
Demonstrate knowledge of system exclusive messages.
Demonstrate knowledge of hexadecimal and binary and be able to convert base ten numbers to any of the three numbering formats.
Translate or explain what written information means and/or how it can be used.
Identify the best solution to a problem or issue.

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
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

GRCC Course Type:
Program Requirement: Meets 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: Lab - MIDICourse Software Utilized: Pro Tools Reaper Logic Pro

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:
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.

Major Course Revisions: Title, Prerequisite, Corequisite
Last Revision Date Effective: 20260224T09:23:19
Course Review & Revision Year: 2030-2031