Music Production Technology and Innovation Seminar: Past

This course provides a forum for the exploration of innovation and the integration of technology in modern music production. Students learn a thematic and practical exploration of research and innovation in music, arts, and technology. Students develop artistic and technical communication skills and practice collaboration. Students explore relevant brain science and effective approaches to exploration, idea generation, evaluation, and implementation, with an eye towards adapting the most applicable practices to their field of specialization. Common characteristics and practices of trailblazing individuals will be considered, and students will prepare media-rich presentations about their favorites. The role of the music producer and the practice of artistic exploration is discussed. This course focuses its attention on the impact of technology of the development of contemporary music production. The overview includes the historical, social and cultural forces that have shaped some of the inequities in the field of music production, and how we can learn from these to create new creative economies for music producers, artists and technologists that are more equitable, inclusive and sustainable. Following a historical review of music production and musical styles the students review the contribution of the African diaspora to the musical styles that have emerged in the United States, and that have come to dominate contemporary music. The history of music in the United States presents multiple examples of appropriation of the musical and artistic elements of black culture, setting the stage for a discussion on appreciation vs appropriation. Students also learn about and experience the challenges faced by innovators when they work with cultural elements that belong to a cultural heritage other than their own. Finally students continue the exploration of their musical background and develop the tools to leverage this background by creating musical maps that help them better understand the musical styles that shape the area of the musical landscape they chose to work in. This course will also function as a forum to integrate the skills and techniques students are learning in their other courses.