MUS 121 - Introduction to Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and Hip-Hop Production

3 CR

MUS 121 offers students a chance to explore electronic dance music, and hip-hop production from the ground up. The course will be divided into three parts. The first, historical context, will chart the rise of Detroit Techno and Chicago House out of Disco, the addition of the Roland TR-909, and survey the progression of tools and techniques through the 80s, 90s, and 00’s ending with modern-day pop and rap. The second portion will be devoted to developing a basic understanding of Ableton Live currently the most popular software sequencer used in production. The study of Ableton Live will be comprehensive enough that, upon completion, the student will have the knowledge to complete basic products from start to finish. The third, a survey of common rhythms and harmonies, will be accomplished through listening and analysis of works. The study of Ableton and the survey of common rhythms and harmonies will be solidified through explorations and projects.