49A History of Music Technology

Class Description

The history of music technology and sound recording from the earliest analog devices to current digital streaming services. How technological change is inseparable from economic, cultural and political change. Ways that music producers responded to different access of technologies shaped by geographical and economic factors. Historical, cultural and theoretical understanding of recorded sound, media, and digital distribution. How the digital era, laptop computers and mobile phones made home studios the dominant location for commercial record production. Hands-on experience with a variety of analog and digital audiovisual technologies. Identify hallmark sounds from commercially released recordings by historically significant audio engineers, music producers and artists.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Evaluate the effects of music technology on history and culture
• Understand the interaction and unity between art, science and technology
• Understand how sound waves are converted into analog and digital signals
• Explain how performing artists transitioned from being a live band to a recording ensemble
• Understand how the recording studio became a laboratory for constructing sophisticated musical imaginings
• Compare and contrast live recordings and multitrack studio recordings
• Explain how audio engineers contribute to the creation of recorded music
• Understand the evolution of microphone technology and how this impacted the recording industry
• Examine how music technology changed the way vocals are experienced on recordings
• Understand how technology transformed the acoustic guitar into an electric instrument
• Consider the ways technology can be integrated into the human creative process
• Trace music technologies to the specific historical, social and political contexts from which they emerged
• Discuss how the careers of recording artists reflect the attitudes of the society
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of sampling
• Question and analyze concepts of originality in music and other art forms
• Understand how changes in technology expanded the range and use of sampled music
• Understand what sampling is as both a musical and technological practice
• Explain how cassette tapes allowed the listener to record, compile and disseminate music
• Understand how synthesizers allowed musicians to create new sounds
• Explain how synthesized sounds reflected American culture throughout the 20th century
• Understand how amplification the guitar facilitated its emergence as a dominant instrument of popular music
• Analyze how high-tech companies interact with and influence the music technology industry

Course Outline

• In the Beginning of Music Technology
• What is Sound
• Invention of Recorded Sound
• Invention of Commercial Radio
• Recording Sound on Magnet Tape
• How Sound Recordings Reflected Culture
• Invention of Multitrack Recording
• Record Producers
• Microphones
• The Electric Guitar
• The Age of Synthesis
• Sampling
• Compact Cassettes
• Music Video
• The Audio Engineer as Creative
• MP3s and Digital Streaming
• The Business of Recorded Sound
• Music Technology as Global Social Force
• The Future of Music Technology

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

• Classroom computer with internet access
• Video projection equipment
• Audio sound system
• When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; internet browsing software

Methods of Evaluation

• Quizzes on weekly lesson modules
• Online discussion forums
• Listening assignments of online music streaming sources
• Creative projects demonstrating the practical application of theoretical studies

Method of Instruction

• Lecture presentations and classroom discussion on the history of music technology and its influence on society.
• In-class viewing of videos and feature films showing the development of music technology.
• Student presentations.
• Guest presentations from industry professionals.
• Guided listening exercises focused on key elements of music production technologies.

Lab Content

• In-depth, guided study of music technology audio and video content.
• Hands-on exploration of music technology software applications.
• Additional opportunities are provided through critical analysis of live concerts, films and documentaries.
• Learning is assessed in module quizzes, essays and project presentations

Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments

• LinkedIn Learning
  • Available free through public libraries
• Weekly reading assignments from textbook chapters and supplementary material
• Online discussion forums based on course readings
• Writing Assignments: Essays, and discussion posts, responding to questions and prompts
• Student research related to music technology blogs and website portals