Technology
Music Technology in the Core Theory Sequence
All students enrolled in the core theory sequence (MUS 111, 112, 211, 212) will complete a series of exercises designed to provide a working knowledge of MIDI sequencing, audio recording, working with loops, computer-based music notation, exporting content in mp3 and pdf file formats, burning audio and data CD's, and maintaining backups of data. LEARN MORE about music technology in the core theory sequence.
Additional Music Technology Study Opportunities
MUS-314 Projects in Music Technology. Generally offered in Spring Semester, this is an advanced course whose topic changes each year. After a few introductory assignments, students complete an extended creative project utilizing resources available in the department's Multimedia Seminar Room. Previous topics have included: DVD Authoring and 5.1 Surround Sound, Live Sampling, Software Synthesis, Programming with Max/MSP, and Live Performance with Technology. Prerequisites are completion of core theory sequence or by permission of instructor. Students may repeat this course for credit, enabling them to become familiar with a wide range of applications.
Independent Study Projects.
For students studying Music Theory or Composition, creative and/or analytical independent study projects involving technology are encouraged.
Please contact Dr. Daniel Koppelman regarding study opportunities in music technology.
Student Recording Engineers
A number of students are employed each year as recording engineers for music department events. For further information, please contact Michael Vick <michael.vick@furman.edu>.
Technology-Rich Facilities
Herring Music Pavilion is the heart of technological activity in the Music Department.
The Becky Tapp Daniels Classroom is a 21-station computer lab, each station complete with Korg X5 keyboard, iMac computer with dual-layer DVD burner, and software such as Finale, GarageBand, and Practica Musica. The teacher's station (also available for use after hours by advanced students) has a Korg SGPro keyboard, Mackie 1202 mixer, MOTU 828 FireWire digital audio interface, and additional software including Reason, Live, Logic, and Jam. A complete presentation system (including a ceiling-mounted projector; VHS, CD, and cassette decks; wall-mounted EAW speakers; and remote control panel) completes the classroom.
The Edna Hartness Multimedia Seminar Room is home to a full-featured workstation consisting of computer (currently a dual processor Macintosh G5 with MOTU 828 audio interface), Kurzweil electronic piano, X5DR tone module, Mackie 2404 console, miscellaneous control surfaces and effects devices, CD/DVD burners, VHS, CD, and DVD decks, Tannoy speakers, and AKG and Shure microphones. Software includes Digital Performer, Peak, Max/MSP, Pluggo, Finale, LiSa, and Reason. The Seminar room also functions as the control booth for recordings made in Elizabeth Stone Harper Hall, with complete audio and video monitoring capabilities. A 5.1 Surround-Sound system was recently added to this room.
Harper Hall, the home of the Furman Singers and Chorales, also contains a presentation system similar in design to the one in the Daniels Classroom, but with the addition of a programmable lighting system.
The Robert J. Maxwell Music Library contains eight carrels for listening and study of CD, cassette, and DAT recordings, as well as VHS and DVD decks with color monitors at two of the carrels. A suite of five computers for individual research rounds out the technology facilities in the library.
Faculty studios in Daniel Music Building are equipped with Tascam combination CD/cassette decks, Mackie 1202 mixers, Event speakers, and Shure microphones.