Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

MIDI Orchestration (Online)

MUSC 6603-A70

Course: MUSC 6603-A70
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: MUSC
CRN: 32761

Course Description

This course focuses on the creation of realistic, electronically produced mockups of orchestral compositions. Students will make an in-depth study of sample-based virtual instruments and their manipulations through Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Emphasis will be placed on achieving realism by controlling various MIDI parameters. This course is an elective in the Master of Music in Music Technology degree program. 

This course is taught online and asynchronously, meaning that there no regularly scheduled class "meetings." This allows you to complete each weekly module according to your own schedule - so long as the work is completed by the due date. You may also work ahead of (but not behind) the course schedule.

Required Texts

Access to broadband Internet connection

Access to a computer running Windows 7 or above (PC) or OS 10.7 or above (Mac)

Access to AVID Pro Tools or another digital audio sequencing application. Academic versions are available.

Access to software sampler and orchestral sample library such as East West's Hollywood Orchestra or another of similar or greater quality.

Access to audio interface (USB, Firewire or Thunderbolt) and microphone (dynamic or condenser)

Access to a MIDI keyboard with computer connections (USB preferred, Firewire, and MIDI connections acceptable)

Access to Google Drive for file sharing either through a personal Gmail account or your SUU email account

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Understand the processes involved in orchestral sampling (SUU ELO - Intellectual and Practical Skills - Information Literacy) covered in Lesson 1.1, Assignments 3.1, 4.1, Week 3 Quiz, and Week 3 Discussion;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of various computer components and their role in sample-based music production. (SUU ELO - Intellectual and Practical Skills - Digital Literacy) covered in Week 3 Quiz, Week 7 Quiz, and Assignment 6.1;
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of different methods of controlling musical parameters using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). (SUU ELO - Intellectual and Practical Skills - Digital Literacy) covered in Week 3. Quiz, Week 5 Quiz, and Assignments 3.1, 4.1;
  4. Create realistic musical performances using MIDI and orchestral sample libraries. (SUU ELO - Intellectual and Practical Skills - Information Literacy; SUU ELO - Integrated Learning) covered in Discussions 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and Assignments 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 6.1;
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of MIDI programming and the use of MIDI controllers (SUU ELO - Intellectual and Practical Skills - Digital Literacy; SUU ELO - Integrated Learning) covered in Discussion 3.1, Week 3 Quiz, Week 5 Quiz, and Assignments 3.1, 4.1;
  6. Use MIDI as a production and pre-production tool (SUU ELO - Intellectual and Practical Skills - Digital Literacy; SUU ELO - Integrated Learning) covered in Assignments 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 6.1;

Course Requirements

Course Assessment Table

Course AssessmentsCourse Outcomes
Assignment 1.1 - Installing Your Sample LibrariesCourse Outcome 1
Assignment 2.1 - Make SomethingCourse Outcomes 3 and 5
Assignment 3.1 - ArticulationsCourse Outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 6
Assignment 4.1 - DynamicsCourse Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Assignment 6.1 - Create a TemplateCourse Outcome 6
Introduction Discussion
Week 2 Discussion - Know Your ToolsCourse Outcomes 1, 2, 3
Week 3 Discussion - Sharing 1Course Outcomes 4 and 6
Week 4 Discussion - Key Switch vs. VelocityCourse Outcome 3
Week 7 Discussion - Sharing 2Course Outcomes 4 and 6
Week 3 Quiz Course Outcomes 1 and 2
Week 7 QuizCourse Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5
Final ProjectCourse Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Grade Scheme

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

GradeRange
A100 % to 94.0%
A-< 94.0 % to 90.0%
B+< 90.0 % to 87.0%
B< 87.0 % to 84.0%
B-< 84.0 % to 80.0%
C+< 80.0 % to 77.0%
C< 77.0 % to 74.0%
C-< 74.0 % to 70.0%
D+< 70.0 % to 67.0%
D< 67.0 % to 64.0%
D-< 64.0 % to 61.0%
F< 61.0 % to 0.0%

Course Outline

TBD

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Students will complete all assignments by the specified due date.  Points will be removed for any late assignments.

Attendance Policy

Online - Asynchronous

Additional Course Information and Resources

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

Online classes provide unique challenges for interaction. For messages sent to me, I will respond in the specified amount of time. Feedback is an important part of learning please look for feedback on your assignments that I provided in the specified amount of time, to find feedback look at this tutorial How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor.

It is my goal to:

  • Respond to student messages within 2 business days
  • Provide grades and feedback within 7 days from the due date

SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here at SUU, please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and the Student Handbook (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.page.

Canvas Information

Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.