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Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Introduction to Music Technology
  • C-ID Number
    110
  • Units
    3
  • Date of Last Revision
    1/27/2026 03:25:52 PM PST

General Description

This introductory course examines the terminology, equipment, techniques, and concepts related to music technology.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

Basic computer skills

Content

This course contains a fundamental overview of the following music technology topics:

  • Software-based Music Creation
  • Principles of Sound, Digital Audio and MIDI
  • Basic Signal Flow
  • Notation
  • Recording
  • Audio Interfaces
  • Microphones

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of computers, MIDI, and audio hardware, software, and sequencing.
  • Explain the fundamentals of sound including waveforms, frequency, amplitude, and harmonics.
  • Demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of software-based music notation.
  • Explain the fundamentals of digital audio, including sample rates, bit depths, and file formats.

Evaluation Methods

  • Individual assignments that reflect digital audio, MIDI and notation concepts presented in class
  • Quizzes and/or Exams and/or Projects

Textbooks

Dan Hosken, An Introduction to Music Technology

David Miles Huber, Modern Recording Techniques

David Brian Williams and Peter Richard Webster, Experiencing Music Technology

Jeffrey Hass, Introduction to Computer Music

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    Descriptor changes were administrative only
  • Resubmission Deadline
    Spring 2033
  • Comments

    No information provided

  • Notes

    No information provided

  • Keywords

    No information provided

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