MUS 268 - History of Electronic Music

3 Credit(s)

A survey of electronic music history: the origin of electronic music, early musical instruments, tape music, musique concrete, computer music, digital synthesis, birth of MIDI, sampling, synth pop, disco, sound art, the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) era, and live electronics. We will identify and analyze electronic music works by major composers, groups, and bands. We will explore fundamental ideas and practices applied throughout the history of electronic music, such as tape music editing, synthesis techniques, sampling techniques and the development of the DAW system. We will also explore how electronic music is placed in other media, such as: video games, film scoring, television, theatrical productions, orchestral scores, multi-media performances, and live performance. We will also discuss the impact of electronic music in the United States and in other countries globally.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate ability to identify major composers, compositions, and styles in the field of electronic music (CLO 1.1, 1.2, 1.6)

2. Demonstrate knowledge of major events related to the history of electronic music as well as key aspects of various cultures and societies as they relate to this history (CLO 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 4.6)

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the role electronic music plays in other media (CLO 1.3, 1.6, 2.4, 3.1, 4.6)