GENERAL POLICIES
attendance, grading, equipment

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Attendance
I will keep track of attendance. Most class sessions will involve some hands-on training and interaction, which is essential for the development of your skills. Missing these sessions will make it very difficult for you to complete your projects successfully within our timeline. Due to the intensively collaborative nature of the class, falling behind can seriously hinder other students. Failure to have work ready by its due date or an audition session may result in failure of the project. I also expect you to be ready and willing to discuss reading material and content presented in class.

Because I will be traveling from downtown Denver during rush-hour traffic, there may potentially be an occasion when class starts 10-15 late. I will request a student to be point-person for cell phone contact in the event that this happens. I may be reached by mobile phone any day by calling 303-909-4830.

Grading
I will grade and comment on your work twice during the quarter. My comments will address production as well as aesthetic and theoretical aspects of your work in digital audio. I will give more weight to your final portfolio than to work done earlier in the quarter. Finally, I will keep track of your contributions to the collaborative projects and discussions.

A = generally, this grade is reserved for those works that surpass expectations. The grade recognizes:
> sophisticated production skills
> a strong desire to experiment with different techniques with excellent results
> outstanding use of source materials and synthesis of own content
> written work contributes considerably to understanding and listening to your audio works
> significant and substantial contributions to class projects, discussions, and networked assignments

B = meets and in some areas exceeds expectations and criteria. The grade recognizes:
> very solid production skills
> a willingness to experiment with different techniques, usually with very good outcomes
> original use of source materials and synthesis of own content
> written work contributes to understanding and listening to your audio works
> substantial contributions to class projects, discussions, and networked assignments

C = fulfills all requirements. The grade recognizes:
> satisfactory production skills
> a tendency to stick to familiar techniques
> a reliance on untreated source materials; little synthesis of own content
> written work states the obvious, and while it clarifies the production process, it neglects theoretical issues
> rushed and unpolished contributions to class collaborations and discussions, but keeps up with the schedule

D = fails to fulfill some requirements. The grade recognizes:
> less than satisfactory production skills
> sticks to familiar techniques
> a reliance on untreated source materials: no synthesis of own content
> written work is insubstantial and fails to clarify the production process and never addresses theoretical issues
> rushed and unpolished contributions to assignments, collaborations and discussions, and some inability to keep up with the schedule

F = fails all requirements. The grade recognizes:
> an inability to master anything more than basic production skills
> an unwillingness to experiment with new strategies
> an over reliance on source materials
> little or no written work is completed
> unfinished contributions to class projects and discussions, and failure to keep up with schedule

TECHNOLOGY

Software
Sony/Sonic Foundry
> SoundForge 8.0
> Acid Pro 5.0
> Batch Converter 5.0

Native Instruments
> SoundForum Synth
> Absynth3

miscellaneous
> Reason 3.5
> Additive Synth 1.0 (VSTi)

All of the computers in Sturm Hall 434 and 211 have SoundForge, SoundForum Synth, AbSynth and Acid. 211-B (MIDI Lab) includes a MIDI keyboard, two computers (with some additional software), and a multi-channel mixing deck. I'll provide a tutorial on the mixing board and additional software. Please schedule ahead time for this space; there is a sign-up sheet on the door.

While you are not required to purchase the software that we are using, not having the software is no excuse for failing to complete your projects. It is your responsibility to work out times when you can use the DMS labs, which have all the software you need, or to make other arrangements for doing your work. Please do not download and/or install trial versions of this software or any other software onto campus computers.

Lab Rules
It is your responsibility to adhere to all rules regarding the use of the DMS labs and equipment.

Back up your work
Given the RAM-intensive nature of digital audio editing and production, working from the hard drive is essential. When working in the labs, you should always work from your own folder within the general Student Work Folder accessed from the desktop. If any of your work is lost or damaged and you do not have a backup copy, you will be held responsible.

Always use CAUTION when using headphones
Given that much of the work that you do will be during the use of headphones for audio monitoring, it is essential for your own protection that you carefully observe volume levels whenever wearing headphones. In particular, be aware of your volume levels when applying effects to audio clips and previewing in the headphones.