Digital Music Production

This class explores music theory, composition, recording, and songwriting through the lens of computer music and MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) technology. The class will incorporate the Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) Ableton Live, as well as Garageband, Bandlab, Audacity, and SoundHack.

Students in this class will learn how music is created and edited in the DAW, but also gain an understanding of basic music theory and songwriting practice. Additionally, students will learn some of the physical properties of acoustics, equalization (EQ), and harmonics from both the scientific and artistic perspectives.

Some possible plans for face-to-face meetings include hosting guest speakers/lecturers from recording studios or local music producers (e.g. N8Beats or The Bay Area Music Collective). In addition, students may attend a concert of avant-garde pieces at the Center for New Music.

About the Instructor

Nora Free – The Athenian School
Nora is a saxophonist and composer from Queens, New York. She has written for, and performed with artists like David Murray, Butch Morris, Geri Allen, Mathew Tembo, and Macy Gray. She completed a PhD in jazz composition at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. After relocating to Oakland in 2016, she has worked at SFUHS and the Athenian School, where she directs student ensembles and teaches classes in music history, composition, and electroacoustic music production. She maintains an active presence in the local music scene and performs throughout the US and Canada.