BEAT RESEARCH
Music, Art, and Culture in the Age of Electronic Music
This is a studio course in which students will learn the techniques of sampling, sequencing, and drum programming using current music-making software concentrating on Ableton Live. Most assignments involve the creation of music, but we also go over the production of video, multimedia and live performance. In addition to creating our own original works, we explore the way that other artists have used sampling or electronic manipulation in their work. The class traces Hip-Hop’s roots from the sound systems in Jamaica, to the block parties of the Boogie Down Bronx, to its current state of commercial world domination and its influence on newer genres of electronic music. We also discuss the use of sampling and electronics as it pertains to a broader history of artistic expression.
Requirements:
Class Participation, attendance and completion of all assignments
Assignments are as follows:
1. Present a favorite piece of electronic music or Hip-Hop. Make a step sequenced loop pattern
2. Make a one-minute track with an assigned break beat and sample music source
3. Create a piece of music using only found sound, captured on a recording device
4. Create and present finished piece of electronic music
5. Create a visual (or not just auditory) experience for your music (i.e. music video, live performance etc.)
6. Propose final project
7. Complete and present approved final project
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Assessment:
This is a pass/no credit course. If by mid-semester the students are behind on the assignments, are consistently late or are unwilling to participate in class, they will receive a mid-semester warning. If, by the end of the semester, the student hasn’t finished the assignments or produced a final project (as discussed with the instructor) they will receive a grade of NC. The final should convey what the student has learned in class, be it the mastery of specific techniques or simply the ability to have their own artistic vision realized in a concrete way that can be presented to the public. In-class critiques, one-on-one meetings, and email correspondence will be used to monitor the student’s progress throughout the semester.
Goals:
Acquire hands-on skills in audio/visual technology, community building, and interdisciplinary practice. Learn to articulate artistic desires and concepts and translate them into actualized projects. Work towards a high level of self-motivation and self-imposed standards. Engage in the cross-pollination of ideas and views in a diverse community. Explore notions of cultural/context when discussing artwork.
Department Academic Progress
A student who earns a no credit in a major requirement or two no credits in major electives over two semesters is placed on probation. A student on probation who earns a no credit in a major requirement is subject to dismissal from the department.
Attendance
During the first week of classes, faculty state clearly their expectations for performance and attendance, their method of recording attendance, and their expectations for makeup work and examinations. All students must attend the first day of classes for which they are registered to reserve a place in the course. If a student cannot attend because of illness or other emergency, he or she must email faculty before the first class meeting to inform the faculty member of their absence. A student who misses the first meeting of a class without notice may be dropped from the roster by the instructor. Students are expected to attend all classes. Faculty have the right to assign an "F" or "NC" grade to a student who attends less than 80 percent of the meetings of any course. There are no formally excused absences for any reason, including illness. However, a student who will miss one or two classes may be able to make up missed work, at the discretion of each instructor. If a student will miss one or two classes due to illness, he or she should notify all current faculty members by e-mail. For absences of two or more class meetings due to illness, the student may contact the director of counseling to request a leave of absence.
Grading System
Two grading systems are used at the college: Letter grades (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, Incomplete, W) are given in the following courses: Liberal Arts, Art Education, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Animation, Illustration, and Architectural Design, and History of Art Pass/ No Credit / Incomplete/ W grades are given in the following courses: First year studio courses (Studio Foundation - SFDN), Film/Video, Photography, Studio for Interrelated Media, Fine Arts 2D - Painting, Printmaking, Fine Arts 3D - Ceramics, Fibers, Glass, Jewelry/Metalsmithing, Sculpture.
Grade Definitions
A = Exceptional work in all respects
B = Above average work, distinguished in certain but not all respects
C= Average
D= Lowest passing grade; individual departments may set standards for the application of "D" grades toward progress in the major
F = Failing work. No credit is given
Pass = Work meeting all expectations for successful completion of the course
NC = No Credit. Work that does not meet the expectations of the course
Inc = Incomplete. A temporary designation indicating that at least 80% of the course requirements have been met and that the remaining course requirements are expected to be completed, and a permanent designation issued by the subsequent mid-semester. The student is responsible for having an Individual Grade Sheet completed by the appropriate faculty member and filed with the registrar. If the student does not complete the course work, a non-passing grade will be issued after the midpoint of the following semester
W= Withdrawn from the course. No credit earned. W grades do not appear on the student's transcript
If a failing grade is received in a required course, students must take the course again and pass it. This rule does not apply to a student who changed majors and who did not pass requirements for a previous concentration.
Plagiarism
In creative work, plagiarism is the inappropriate and unethical representation of another's work as one's own. In those instances where a significant portion of a creative work is intentionally "appropriated," plagiarism is the failure to note, orally or in writing, the source of the appropriation. In expository or academic writing, whenever your work incorporates someone else's research, images, words, or ideas, you must properly identify the source unless you can reasonably expect knowledgeable people to recognize it. Proper citation gives credit where it is due and enables your readers to locate sources and pursue lines of inquiry raised by your paper. Students who do not comply may be penalized.
Students with Disabilities Statement
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is committed to fostering the academic, personal, and professional growth of all our students with a variety of resources for their success. We are committed to ensuring that students with documented disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), are provided equal access to all campus resources and opportunities.
If you believe you have a disability that may warrant accommodations, I urge you to contact the Academic Resource Center (ARC) Tower 8th floor, at 617-879-7280 or by email at arc@massart.edu. The Academic Resource Center provides support to all students as well as access to a disability coordinator, academic coaches and writing specialists.
Please check with the Bookstore about the availability of digital-audio versions of the assigned texts or readings in this course. If they are not available, or if you need additional materials in the digital-audio format, please contact the Academic Resource Center to assist you. It can take three (3) to four (4) weeks to secure digital-audio materials that are not available through our library network.