Synthesis and Sampling (5 cr)

Objective

The student understands the fundamentals of sound synthesis and is able to describe the functionality of synthesizers. The student is able to design and produce specific sounds and effects in a digital audio workstation environment. The student is able to describe the fundamentals of sound sampling, is able to use different samplers and is able to build their own sampling instruments. The student is able to complete assignments according to schedule. The student is able to use sound synthesis and sampling creatively in their own music.

Content

The fundamentals of sound synthesis. Synthesizers and their operating principles. Fundamentals of sound sampling. The use and programming of digital audio workstations, virtual instruments, sound samplers, plug-ins, and controllers in creative music making.

Location and time

Synthesis and sampling on Wednesdays between 9.00-12.15 classroom AS223 and according schedule classroom AS523. Starting 17.1.

Materials

Shepard, B.K. 2013. Refining Sound. A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers. New York: Oxford University Press.
Aikin, J.2004. Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming. Hal Leonard.

Teaching methods

Small group tutorial
Interactive lecture
Assignments
Contact teaching

Student workload

Synthesis and sampling on Wednesdays at 9.00-12.15 classroom As223 or AS523 ( according schedule).

Synthesis part, teacher Ari Pekka Korhonen:

17.1. AS 223, Synthesizer, paets and function, analog synthesis
24.1. AS 223, Different sounds (bass, pad, lead, efect)
31.1.. AS 223, Fm-synthesis ( in Logic), modeling synthesis (Sculpture)
7.2. AS 523, Group1, 10.45-12.15 Group 2 Fm 8
14.2 AS 223, Layers, Track stack mixed, layered arpeggios, modeling synthesis (sculpture)
21.2. Teacher´s winter vacation
28.2. AS 223, Wavetable ja granular synthesis,
6.3. AS 523 Komplete kontrol, sample libraries
13.3. Project week, no lecture
20.3. AS 523, Reaktor, presentation of final assignments, reflection and feedback


Sampling, teacher Ville Riippa:
27.3. AS 223 9.00-12.15 Sampling in general
3.4. AS 223 9.00-12.15 Instrument from saple
10.4. AS 223 9.00-12.15 Sample looping
17.4. AS 523 9.00-10.30 R1, 10.45-12.15 R2 Audio manipulation with sampler
24.4. AS 523 9.00-10.30 R1, 10.45-12.15 R2 Kontakt, presentation of final assignments, reflektion and feedback

Content scheduling

Synthesis and sampling on Wednesdays at 9.00-12.15 classroom As223 or AS523 ( according schedule).

Synthesis part, teacher Ari Pekka Korhonen:

17.1. AS 223, Synthesizer, paets and function, analog synthesis
24.1. AS 223, Different sounds (bass, pad, lead, efect)
31.1.. AS 223, Fm-synthesis ( in Logic), modeling synthesis (Sculpture)
7.2. AS 523, Group1, 10.45-12.15 Group 2 Fm 8
14.2 AS 223, Layers, Track stack mixed, layered arpeggios, modeling synthesis (sculpture)
21.2. Teacher´s winter vacation
28.2. AS 223, Wavetable ja granular synthesis,
6.3. AS 523 Komplete kontrol, sample libraries
13.3. Project week, no lecture
20.3. AS 523, Reaktor, presentation of final assignments, reflection and feedback


Sampling, teacher Ville Riippa:
27.3. AS 223 9.00-12.15 Sampling in general
3.4. AS 223 9.00-12.15 Instrument from saple
10.4. AS 223 9.00-12.15 Sample looping
17.4. AS 523 9.00-10.30 R1, 10.45-12.15 R2 Audio manipulation with sampler
24.4. AS 523 9.00-10.30 R1, 10.45-12.15 R2 Kontakt, presentation of final assignments, reflektion and feedback

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to describe the fundamentals of sound synthesis and the functionality of synthesizers. The student is able to design and produce specific sounds and effects in a digital audio workstation environment. The student is able to describe the fundamentals of sound sampling, is able to use different samplers and is able to build their own sampling instruments. The student is able to complete assignments according to schedule. The student is able to use sound synthesis and sampling creatively in their own music.

Assessment methods and criteria

Continuous assessment
Peer evaluation
Attendance
Learning assignments
(total 100%)

Qualifications

The student knows how to operate a digital audio workstation, and music production and studio equipment on an elementary level. The student understands and is able to research further the fundamentals and basic terminology of hearing, sound and acoustics, and the operating principles of electronic music devices. The student knows the basics of signal routing.