An Introduction to Music Technology provides a clear and concise overview of the essential elements of music technology for today’s musician. It is designed to provide music students with the background necessary to apply technology in their creating, teaching, and performing.
This book focuses on five topics that underlie the hardware and software in use today: Sound, Audio, MIDI, Synthesis and Sampling, and Computer Notation and Computer-Assisted Instruction. In addition, there is an appendix that covers necessary computer hardware and software concepts.
Features:
Thorough explanations of key topics in music technology
Content applicable to all software and hardware, not linked to just one piece of software or gear
In-depth discussion of digital audio topics, such as sampling rates, resolutions, and file formats
Explanations of standard audio plug-ins including dynamics processors, EQs, and delay-based effects
Coverage of synthesis and sampling in software instruments
Pedagogical features, including:
Further Reading sections that allow the student to delve deeper into topics of interest
– Suggested Activities that can be carried out with a variety of different programs
– Key Terms at the end of each chapter
– What do I need? chapters covering the types of hardware and software needed in order to put together Audio and MIDI systems
– The companion website contains links to audio examples that demonstrate various concepts, step-by-step tutorials, relevant hardware, software, and additional audio and video resources.
Contents
Preface Introduction Section 1: Overview 1. What is Sound? 2. Waveform View 3. Spectrum View Further Reading Suggested activities Section 2: Overview 4. Audio Hardware 5. Audio Data 6. Audio Software 7. Audio -- What do I need? Further Reading Suggested Activities Section 3: Overview 8. MIDI Hardware 9. MIDI Messages 10. MIDI Sequencing 11. MIDI -- What do I Need? Furting Suggested Activities Section 4: Overview 12. E-Sound Production 13. Synthesis 14. Sampling Further Reading Suggested Activities Section 5: Overview 15. Notation 16. Computer-Assisted Instruction Appendix Overview Appendix Part 1. Computer Hardware Appendix Part 2. Computer Software Further Reading Suggested Activities Bibliography
Author Bio
Dan Hosken is a Professor of Music at California State University, Northridge,where he teaches courses in music technology, electronic music, composition, and theory. As a composer, he specializes in interactive electronic music involving dancers and musicians using live motion sensing and audio processing.
