Technology in the Music Class NAFME Presentation York College October 27, 2011 Robert Anderson 2011.

Technology in the Music Technology in the Music ClassClass

NAFME PresentationNAFME PresentationYork CollegeYork College

October 27, 2011October 27, 2011

Robert Anderson 2011Robert Anderson 2011

Where I’m coming fromWhere I’m coming from

• Piano & voice – mostly classical training

• Some IT background

• On-location/Live recording and audio for video or live broadcast

Tips for buying stuffTips for buying stuff

Make a planMake a plan

• Identify yourself: gadget person or luddite?– Know your weakness…

• Identify your needs (both current and future)– What problems are you trying to solve?– What would you like to accomplish?

• Integrate existing stuff or start from scratch?– Sometimes cheaper in the long run

• Is technology the answer?• What is your budget?

– Don’t forget cost of maintenance and upgrades– You often get what you pay for…

• Spend a little more now, save a lot later

Do your homework!Do your homework!

• Product reviews can be helpful, but should not be your only source of info

• Don’t get excited just because something is new– Let others work out the bugs– Do I really need all of the bells and whistles?– Do I really need to update or upgrade?

• Not always a good idea• Perform updates and upgrades with caution

• What problems will this technology solve?• What advantage will I gain?• What are the system requirements?

Always ask about educational licenses and discounts!

Sources for shoppingSources for shopping

• AcademicSuperstore.com• Studica.com

Other good places to shop:• Try direct from the manufacturer

– Can’t hurt!• Full Compass• Soundtree (Korg)• Used market – eBay & Craigslist

– Buyer beware!

Technical StuffTechnical Stuff

Computer Parts Computer Parts A.K.A. “System Requirements”A.K.A. “System Requirements”

• Processor (CPU)– “Grand Central Station” – the brain

• RAM (Memory)– “disposable” storage: scratch pad or Post-It Note– Temporarily loads programs & samples so processor

has quick access

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)– “long-term” storage: filing cabinet– Internal vs. “removable”

““Peripherals”Peripherals”

• Firewire (IEEE 1394)– Used for HDD’s & Audio interfaces– 3 speeds – different cables/connectors

• 400 and 800 are used for audio– Getting hard to find…

• USB– Used for HDD’s, MIDI & Audio interfaces– 3 Speeds – 2 types of connector

• Others– eSATA– Thunderbolt

Music Production HardwareMusic Production Hardware

• Controller– Physical device that allows you to interact with (i.e.

“control”) electronic instruments or software• Interface

– Gets “signal” into and out of the computer• Microphone

– Turns “sound” into “signal”• Monitors

– Speakers – turns “signal” into “sound”– Passive = needs amplifier– Powered = amplifier built-in

Analog Audio ConnectorsAnalog Audio Connectors• RCA

– used for “consumer” equipment

• 1/8” TRS– Used for most “consumer”

headphones

• Quarter-Inch (1/4”)– TS

• Guitar and instrument cables– TRS

• balanced line-level connections• Stereo outputs – “professional”

headphones etc.

• XLR– Microphone cables– Balanced line-level connections

• Neutrik “combo” socket– Combination ¼” and XLR

How big is my audio signal?How big is my audio signal?• Importance of understanding the signal level

– Too weak? Hiss and hum; Too strong? Distortion

• Types of audio signal levels– “Speaker Level”

• Don’t plug this into anything other than a speaker (unless you like smoke)

– Line level• Typical signal level for “professional” equipment• Uses ¼” TRS or XLR connector

– Instrument Level• Varies widely depending on output level of instrument• Often needs some boost going into a Line Level input• Uses ¼” TS connector

– Consumer Level• Fairly small signal level used to interconnect audio for consumer devices such as home

stereo, DVD, VCR• Uses RCA connector

– Mic Level• smallest level – needs boosting by preamplifier (“preamp”)• Uses XLR connector

MIDIMIDI• MIDI? What’s that?

– MIDI is a protocol• MIDI is like a “text message”• Instructions necessary to perform the music• “Sheet music” for electronic instruments

– Audio or MIDI? What’s the difference?• Audio signal is an electronic representation of a sound wave• You can “hear” audio (if it’s fed into a speaker somehow…)• MIDI needs an instrument or playback device to execute the

command • The MIDI command triggers the device to generate an audio signal

• Uses DIN 5 connector

• Also commonly connected directly over USB

Digital AudioDigital Audio

• SPDIF – “coaxial” or “coax”– Uses RCA connector– 2 Channels on one cable

• ADAT– a.k.a. TOSLINK or Lightpipe– Optical connection – i.e. uses light– Up to 8 Channels on one cable

• AES/EBU– Uses XLR connector– 2 Channels on one cable

• Word Clock– Keeps sampling clocks in sync– Can be embedded in digital audio signal– BNC connector

Don’t Forget Visuals!Don’t Forget Visuals!• Big flat-screen monitor or TV can work

• Projector– VGA input typical

• Need adapter?

– Composite vs. Component• Composite uses one RCA cable to carry an analog video signal• Component uses three RCA cables to carry an analog video signal

– Any smooth surface can do in a pinch• Screen• Whiteboard• Smooth, light-colored wall

• Screen Capture Software– NetOp for PC; Remote Desktop for Mac – Allows you to “share” your screen with networked computers– Remotely monitor what students are doing– Lockout computer screens when you need students’ attention

ApplicationApplication

Areas where music tech can be Areas where music tech can be appliedapplied

• Music appreciation

• Music theory

• Performance – practice and rehearsals– concerts

• Music production

Types of SoftwareTypes of Software

• Music player software

• Notation software

• Ear training software

• Music production software– Sequencers– Digital Audio Editors– Digital Audio Workstations (DAW)– Virtual Instruments

Music AppreciationMusic Appreciation• Music players

– Computer with DVD or Blu-Ray drive– iPods and other “mp3” players– Blu-Ray or DVD player – CD player– Playback system– Projection system if you want video

• Don’t overlook the web!– YouTube– Naxos Online Music Library– Websites dedicated to composers and topics

What do I need?What do I need?• Computer

– High-speed internet helps– Software

• iTunes works on PC or Mac• Quicktime for video• Browsers: Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome

– Keep your Adobe Flash player current• Mediaconverter.org

– No internet? Convert YouTube videos to Quicktime files (.mov)

• Portable Music player– Any “mp3 player” can do the trick

• Playback system– 1/8” -> RCA Y-cable (available at any Radio Shack)– Powered speakers– Traditional stereo system – receiver, amp, speakers

• Plug into “aux” or “line” input; even “tape”• Adjust headphone volume for no distortion

• Video Projection system

Music TheoryMusic Theory• Notation Software

– Finale– Sibelius– MuseScore (free!)

• Ear Training Software– Auralia (from Sibelius)– GNU Solfege (Solfege.org – free!)– Too many to list

• Production Software– Teach form, orchestration and composition– Using the keyboard– Can segue into notation and vice versa

• Don’t forget the web!– musictheory.net– Teoria.com

Music PerformanceMusic Performance• Notation Software

– Preparing scores and parts– Making/previewing arrangements– Make “play-along-at-home” tracks

• Production software– Making/previewing arrangements– “play-along-at-home” tracks– Backing tracks– “Virtual accompanist”

• Practice Aids– SmartMusic

Music Performance (continued)Music Performance (continued)

• Virtual Instruments– Fill in the missing parts– Laptop orchestra?– iPhone/iPod orchestra?

• Digital Pianos or Keyboards• Lower cost of ownership• Students can use headphones

Music ProductionMusic ProductionLoop-based Sequencers & Software Instruments• Mac Only

– Garageband (free!* with purchase of Mac)

• PC Only– Fruity Loops– Sony Acid

• Acid Xpress – free (10 track limit)

• Cross Platform– Reason– Ableton Live– Soundation Studio (online – free!)

Free Audio recording and editing software:• Audacity

Music ProductionMusic Production

Full-Featured DAW’s• Cross Platform

– Cubase/Nuendo– Pro Tools– Reaper

• Mac Only– Logic– Digital Performer

• Windows Only– Cakewalk Sonar– Samplitude/Sequoia

What do I need?What do I need?• Computer• Software• External HDD• MIDI controller• Audio Interface• Speakers or headphones• Microphone(s)• Stands and cabling

Which program is right for me?Which program is right for me?

• What is the primary need?– Audio recording, routing and editing?– MIDI and virtual instrument production?

• What are the system requirements?

• Is it cross-platform?– Do you care?

• What plug-in formats does it support?– AU, VST, RTAS, directx