Academic Catalog

MTEC 90A: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY ENSEMBLE

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2022
Units: 2
Hours: 1 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (48 total per quarter)
Advisory: Placement by audition based on the ability to play an instrument.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: May be taken six times for credit

Description

Select group performing varied literature in contemporary styles, including pop, rock, hip-hop, metal, and jazz. Designed to develop the performing skills needed by musicians in a studio recording environment. Open by audition to all students. May be repeated up to six times.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Apply the fundamentals of music theory as they relate to an instrument.
  2. Detect and correct faulty intonation, rhythms, and tone quality.
  3. Analyze the form and structure of contemporary and traditional popular songs.
  4. Prepare for public performance through individual practice.

Course Content

  1. Instrumental technique
    1. Posture/position
    2. Dynamics
    3. Tone
    4. Tuning
  2. Music reading skills
    1. Notation
    2. Expressive markings
    3. Rhythmic accuracy
    4. Chordal harmonies
    5. Dynamics
  3. Rehearsal
    1. Respecting the ensemble
    2. Arriving prepared
    3. Staying focused
    4. Giving/receiving constructive criticism
  4. Performance
    1. Memorization of music
    2. Interpretation
    3. Presentation
    4. Aural
    5. Visual
    6. Communication
    7. Session etiquette
  5. Practice
    1. Daily
    2. Self-evaluation
  6. Repertoire
    1. Jazz
    2. Pop
    3. Rock
    4. Metal
    5. Latin
    6. Hip Hop
    7. Electronic

Lab Content

  1. Supervised in-class rehearsals and performances with instructor
  2. Performance during studio recording sessions
  3. Standard commercial music repertoire and original compositions and arrangements may be performed

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

When taught on campus: classroom sound and projection equipment, piano, PA system.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Public performances throughout the course
Class participation and collaboration with group workshops
Self-evaluation and progress report to be submitted at assigned times by each student

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lectures consist of instructor demonstration, guest performers, and observing video performances of great performers
Labs consist of private instruction, supervised practice, and in-class performance/critique

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Materials provided by the instructor may include: song recordings, lead sheets, and music videos.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

Assignments may include:

  1. Reading or writing arrangements in traditional music notation
  2. Reading or writing lead sheets
  3. Reading or writing other notational systems for communicating performance directions within an ensemble experience

Discipline(s)

Commercial Music