Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title MUSC 1601: Electronic Music Composition-l

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 5 (1 lecture, 4 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature and Philosophy

Course Description

This course provides a hands-on introduction to creating original music using modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) and related tools. Students will explore MIDI concepts, audio recording basics, and music production applications while learning how to plan and produce original compositions. Instruction includes basic music theory and its application to contemporary songwriting and arrangement techniques. All musical genres and styles are welcome; students may create in any style while gaining experience with industry-standard software and hardware in the electronic music lab and studios.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Overview of elements of music incorporated into music composition.
  2. Overview of contemporary tools for music composition.
  3. Planning and creating original music creations.
  4. Critical analysis and terminology for music composition.

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify primary composition elements of any music composition.
  2. Create short original music composition using primary music elements.
  3. Demonstrate working terminology to express their aesthetic response to music.
  4. Critique the effectiveness and aesthetic merit of created music.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature and Philosophy

The student will be able to:

  1. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  2. Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  3. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None