Music Technology @ UD Music Camp

University of Delaware Middle School Band Camp

Technology Clinic – July 18, 2017
By Robert W. Wilson

Opening Questions:

What instruments do you play?
How many of you know how to use a recording program (DAW) like GarageBand, Logic, Audacity or Protools?
How many of you have actually recorded yourself playing music?
How many of you have written music on a computer?
What other technology devices have you used for your music?

Objective of today’s technology clinic:

To open your eyes to new ways to incorporate technology in your music creation or home practice routine.
Introduce you to a few programs that you can use at home.
Show you some hardware/components you can purchase for higher quality recording.
You will not leave here knowing how to get started with these programs. We don’t have enough time, and the computers we have here don’t have any programs on them. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, Google is awesome!

What we will be talking about today:

Music Notation
Tools needed to get started in music notation:

Computer
Music notation software
- For purchase
  - The two most popular are Finale and Sibelius.
  - Must be paid for and need to be installed on your computer.
  - These are the “Real Deal”, able to do many types of scores. Many things a beginner will never use.
  - Creates the most professional looking scores.
  - Higher cost for these, but Finale has a lower level edition called Print Music.
- Online
  - Most popular are Noteflight, MuseScore, Finale Notepad
  - Many of these are free, or need an online subscription.
  - Some of these programs only allow you to save files online.
  - Very simple, cannot go too far out of normal situations. Can be limiting to what you want to do.
Keyboard synthesizer, or keyboard controller. A synth has sounds built into it, a controller does not.

Recording Music
Tools needed to get started in recording:

Computer
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
- Most popular are GarageBand, Logic, and Protools, Ableton Live. Audacity is free
Interface
- The interface changes your signal from analogue to digital (electrical current to 0’s and 1’s).
- Required if you want to use a higher quality microphone.
- Enables you to plug in other devices to your computer such as an electric keyboard, electric guitar, or a wind synth.
- Designed to accept XLR (microphone cable) or TSR/TS (patch cable)
- Most include at least 1 or 2 inputs. More expensive units go up to 4 and 8 inputs. Some interfaces will include jacks for MIDI instruments.
Microphone
- Built-In Microphones. Most computers come with a microphone built into it. This works fine, but is very limited in range and quality. Cannot reposition it, and cannot change it for different applications. Obviously, no extra cost.
- USB microphone. Usually better quality mics, which captures better recordings. Some clip onto the laptop screen, or can use a mic stand. Economical cost, from $30-$100.
- XLR microphone (X = Neutral, L = Left, R = Right) Sky is the limit as far as what microphones you can use. Can also use a mixer to use several microphones all at once.
- Of course, you will also need an XLR microphone cable.

Other useful online music sites

Lots of music technology sites out there for music theory, note names, music definitions, music games.
The incredible slower downer

Other Music Technology

iPhone, iPad
Metronome/Tuner
- Physical metronomes/tuners: Dr. Beat, Korg Tuner, strobe tuner.
- Virtual metronomes/tuners: Apps for your phone or computer.
Novation
Drum machine
Keyboard synthesizer
YouTube

Mr. Wilson’s Favorite Stuff! All the Coolest Toys!
Interface

Microphone

Accessories

ProCo Microphone Cable https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XLR10
Switchcraft SC600 Dual Adapter Box https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SC600

Music Technology Performances
Angela Sheik
Elise Trouw - YouTube
Incredibox
Looperverse
Looperverse App
Super-Looper
Patatap