2023-07-12 Week 2 - Wonderful Wednesday

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Wonderful Wednesday - 7/12/23

During Summer times when I was growing up, one of our family traditions was to have potlucks and social gatherings with friends and families every Wed night. My mom called this a "Wonderful Wednesday."

Isn't that wonderful? ;)

Teacher - Student Support

I've been collaborating, supporting, and working with many of you over the phone and Zoom. (AWESOME success here!) I still don't have all of you programmed in my iPhone, Apple iCloud Contacts. So, it's a good idea to TEXT me first. (and tell me your full name). Then, you can spontaneously call me ANYTIME!

One thing is 100% certain. It's WAY more efficient to help troubleshoot technical questions (and creative problems) over the phone and Zoom compared to emails and text chatting! So, don't be shy. Do yourself a favor and CALL me...

As the saying goes, "It's now WHAT you know, but WHO you know!"

Here is a diagram of how I'm working on syncing student contacts from the Foothill College "My Portal" contact info into my iPhone. Miro Board - Tambling Contacts.

General observations

Computer Literacy

  • A lot of the problems students have are frequently related to computer literacy. In other words, really KNOWING your OS (Computer Operating System). For Apple Macs, this starts with getting a handle on the "System Settings" (previously called "System Preferences" on older Mac OS versions)
    • Linkedin Learning has FANTASTIC tutorials on ALL Mac and Windows computer operating systems. (that are MUCH better than what you will find on YouTube)
    • So many students these days have come up just using their phones and tablets. But, for now, in 2023, we need to use a full-on computer. And 100% yes, I agree, sometime "soon" we WILL be able to do EVERYTHING on our phones!
  • But for now? We have to get our computer chops going on and become Computer NINJA Geeks! And...this is a GOOD thing because computers are NOT "going away" anytime soon! So, bone up, hunker down, and really LEARN how to use your computer!

File Management

  • Another frequent issue is file management. (this is even a very common issue with "professional" producers, audio engineers, and content creators"
  • Bottom line? You have to know where your stuff (your files) are. This is a strong argument for having a dedicated SSD (Solid State Drive) to manage your precious files. (check the "resources" areas in Canvas and also your "Canvas Announcements" for tips on this.
  • Bookmark this ===>>>
  • And remember: IF you purchase a new SSD? Always, ALWAYS reformat it immediately. (BEFORE using it for anything) On a Mac, this is done with the 'Disk Utility' application (which I documented in "Student Resources")
  • At the very least? You need to create a Folder on your Local Internal Boot Drive to put (organize) your media files (and general Music Technology Studies files)

Additional Hardware

External SSD

  • We already talked about this in "Student Resources"
  • Not urgent or "required."
  • Just "Best Practice"

Audio Interface

  • If you are just using the built-in audio card of your computer?
    • It will be a QUANTUM LEAP improvement on many levels if you get a legit "Audio Interface"
  • Focusrite audio interfaces are a slam dunk, cost-effective contender
  • But ANY audio interface should work
    • You might have to do some research regarding the capabilities and version compatibilities of your Audio Interface vs. Your Computer vs. Your Software...

MIDI controller

Setup Your Rig!

  • Get all of your equipment (computers, hardware, software, etc.) set up and READY to use 24/7!
  • Remove the friction
    • Don't keep your Audio Interface in a cardboard box, in your closet, for "when" you "might" need/want to use it
  • The time is NOW
  • We always want to be ready to capture creative ideas
    • Or do our Canvas Assignments ;)

Assignments

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