Music Technology
Green Oasis Music Technology
2010
The music department at Green Oasis is very well equipped to give a musical education that is relevant to the 21st century. In our rapidly changing world technology is becoming more and more important and in the last few years music technology is no exception. The majority of music that you hear in movies, TV commercials, jingles and in many different music genres is produced on computers using loops, samples, MIDI, and various techniques – it is a skill that is different from playing a musical instrument, but the creative process can be just as rewarding.
There are two main areas of music technology at Green Oasis:
The Recording Studio
The recording studio is equipped with professional recording software and hardware capable of multi-track recording unlimited tracks and simultaneously up to 8 tracks at 32 bit resolution. There is an excellent selection of dynamic and condenser microphones with different polar patterns, a Direct Box, and pop screens. There are four acoustically treated rooms with glass windows in each: the control room holds the computer with two large screen monitors and speakers – the other three rooms are the performing studios equipped with drum kits, a good selection of acoustic guitars, electric guitars and basses, Yamaha midi keyboards and a Yamaha upright piano.
Students have the opportunity to learn the basics of audio engineering including microphone choice and technique, computer recording software, mixing and mastering techniques, use of plug-ins including compressors, EQ, reverb, and special effects, and use of MIDI and software instruments in a recording studio.
The recording studio is used to capture the creativeness of students’ class compositions and performances, student performances for the IGCSE music program, and performances and rehearsals of the many extracurricular music groups at the school including the guitar groups, rock bands, string ensembles, and individuals taking instrumental instruction through the Green Oasis Academy. Recording and listening to one’s own performance is one of the best methods for effective and invaluable self-assessment.
The Music Computer Lab
The music computer lab is equipped with 30 computers. Each computer has installed music software for recording midi and audio, sequencing and use of loops, writing music notation, composing, and ear training.
Students are taught basic music concepts using MIDI, digital audio and multi-media applications. Specifics include using music notation software to compose music, ear training software to improve their recognition of intervals and chords, sequencing software to learn MIDI and loop based composition, and recording software to learn the basics of editing and mixing audio recording.
Student projects include creating their own songs, editing audio files, podcasting, soundscapes and remixing. Advanced projects include radio commercials, website application of music, and film scoring.