Overview
I am a high school electronic music teacher. I teach at an alternative high school located in Chicago, IL. I have been at this particular school for four (4) years. I have been teaching music for ten (10) years. My students are working towards completing their high school diploma. The students I encounter have different musical backgrounds and over education experience. I currently use FL Studio 20 music software. I teach the students general music, music composition, and music engineer techniques.
This learning module applies to the ideas and principles of sound design in FL Studio 12 Sytrus. I am implementing technology, online updates, and online assessments. The course technically is not online. My students do not have access to the internet, so I am improvising with PowerPoint to create an online experience. This learning module is not a stand alone course. This module will be taught in class, while I am there to assist the students, provide additional material, etc.
Before COVID-19, there were a total of three (3) students that are completing the online Sound Design Course. The students have completed two (2) ten (10) weeks cycles with me utilizing FL Studio 12. They are familiar with the software, software vocabulary, and music vocabulary. The students would complete their assignments and I would be working with other students on different projects. I am required to utilize our school-wide common classroom structure and the gradual release of responsibility (GRR) teaching strategy. This will be reflected in the modules.
It will take the students 1-2 weeks to complete this particular learning module.
The GRR model is:
Common Classroom Structure:
During the next completed assessment, save your work on the computer. Once again, ta ten (10) weeks students are going to learn about FL Studio 12 Sytrus, sound design, frequency modulation, and basic music engineering.
This music course is different from the last two (2) cycles. You will have to be more independent in developing your FL Studio 12 skills, completing webinars, watching videos, and submitting your work. You have 40 minutes to complete the survey/assessment. When you hear the timer alarm, please stop working. The purpose of the survey/assessment is to ensure you retained the information from the last cycle. Take your time, and do not ask your peers for assistance. Once you take your time!
Academic Standards (NAfME):
Music National Standards:
Illinois Arts Learning Standards Creating:
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. Enduring Understanding: Musicians’ creative choices are influenced by their expertise, context, and expressive intent. Essential Questions: How do musicians make creative decisions?
Music Technology State Standard:
Common Core State Standard:
Students will be able to do the following:
Prerequisites:(Connection of prior knowledge to present and future learning):
Domain Specific Vocabulary (Key ideas and terms that should be deeply understood within the context of their use):
Tier 1: Terms that students should or may already be familiar with: Music staff, treble clef, bass clef, whole note, piano keyboard, instrument families (brass, percussion, string, and woodwind), melody, rhythm, genre, pitch,
Tier 2: Terms that deepen students’ understanding of content under study. Dynamics, articulation, musical form, measure, bar lines, time signature, instrument identification, channel rack, playlist, mixer, GMS, music filters, quantize, synthesizer
Tier 3: Terms that are specific to the domain. Contour, aural dictation, quantize, equalize, DAW, MIDI, Plug-ins, Frequency, Hertz, Envelope, Filter, reverb, decay
WELCOME BACK!!!!
I am so excited to have you back in class!
During the next ten (10) weeks students are going to learn about FL Studio 12 Sytrus, sound design, frequency modulation, and basic music engineering. This music course is different from the last two (2) cycles. You will have to be more independent in developing your FL Studio 12 skills, completing webinars, watching videos, and submitting your work.
Please take the time to watch the welcome video!
You have 40 minutes to complete the survey/assessment. When you hear the timer alarm, please stop working. The purpose of the survey/assessment is to ensure you retained the information from the last cycle. Take your time, and do not ask your peers, for assistance. Once you are completed with the assessment, save your work on the computer. Once again, take your time!
Once you have a completed your assessment, take the time to read the Sytrus worksheet and watch the two (2) videos below. These videos covers basic vocabulary and software functions.
Sonic Academy. (2015, December). How to use FL Studio: Sytrus. [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Q2j_Cb4oM
Justin Brown. FL Studio- FM Synthesis (Sytrus) Explained Visually [YouTube]. Retrieved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4OWsez10Zg
There are three (3) students that are going to take the online sound design course. My school has an open enrollment policy. There are students in my class that have not had my course and some students that have. There are three (3) students that are going to take the sound design learning module course. The students will complete their assignments, and I will be working with other students on different projects.
I am required to utilize our school-wide common classroom structure and the gradual release of responsibility (GRR) teaching strategy.
The GRR model is:
Common Classroom Structure Time (75 minute period):
Students are required to watch the welcome video, complete entry assessment, and what is sytrus article and videos. Below is all of the material.
After the students complete the assessment they are going to read a worksheet and watch two (2) videos on Styrus. These are fundamental videos that cover basic vocabulary and functions. I project that the assessment will take the students the remainder of the class period after following the class structure. The worksheet and videos are in place for "just in case".
Sonci Academy. (2015, December). How to use FL Studio: Sytrus. [YouTube]. Retrieved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Q2j_Cb4oM
Justin Brown. FL Studio- FM Synthesis (Sytrus) Explained Visually [YouTube]. Retrieved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4OWsez10Zg
In this lesson are we going to learn a lot of vocabulary! Please be patient and open-minded. It is imperative that I lay down the foundation, before we get deep into it! You will hear different sounds and music differently after this course.
We are going to start with the ADSR article. In this article you are going to learn about Attack, Delay, Sustain, and Release. Take notes while reading the article.
Please take the time to watch the "What is Sytrus?" webinar. In this webinar you will have two (2) videos to watch. The videos goes into depth regarding the function of ADSR and more! Please take your time.
Assignment #1 is inside of the webinar. You have to complete the following:
Update #1:
Now that we have some foundation regarding vocabulary words, sound design, and Sytrus interface, how do you feel? In 5-7 sentences explain your initial emotional reaction to this online learning module. Are you still feeling overwhelmed? Excited? Do you hear sounds differently?
COMMENT:
Upload your project to Insight. Listen to one (1) of your peers' chord progression and ADSR manipulation. Give your peers some feedback on their drum groove. Was the rhythm locked in? Did the rhythm feel good? Can you hear the direction of the music
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utilized for your grade.
The students are going to learn more vocabulary in this segment. They are also going to create a four (4) part chord progression and play around with designing sounds in Sytrus. The majority of the instruction will be taught via a webinar and video that is attached below. I created this webinar to reflect a flip classroom.
I am going to follow the GRR model and the Classroom Structure below:
The GRR model is:
Common Classroom Structure:
The remainder of the class structure will be taught via webinar. During this time, I am working with other students hands on the three (3) students are independent. They can access for assistance if needed.
Below is a rubric for assignment #1.
Update #1:
Now that we have some foundation regarding vocabulary words, sound design, and Sytrus interface, how do you feel? In 5-7 sentences explain your initial emotional reaction to this online learning module. Are you still feeling overwhelmed? Excited? Do you hear sounds differently?
COMMENT:
Upload your project to Insight. Listen to one (1) of your peers' chord progression and ADSR manipulation. Give your peers some feedback on their drum groove. Was the rhythm locked in? Did the rhythm feel good? Can you hear the direction of the music.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utiized:
Welcome to Module #2!
We are really getting into the depth of sound design with the vocabulary, modulation, low pass filters, etc. Every module, we will go a little deeper into sound design. In this module we are going to focus on the Main Module of Sytrus. You are going to learn how to navigate and utilize the main module.
Watch the video below that focuses on everyday sounds!
Chaereen Pak. (2017, February). Everyday Sounds. [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRViYyOiUg
Main/Universal- Means the entire project. If you make any changes in the main module, you will effect the entire project.
Read the article below about Sound Design. Only read pages 1-5. Take notes on "ahh moments", write your ideas down, or something that caught your attention.
Watch the webinar below about Sytrus Main Module. Assignment #2 is inside of the webinar.
Assignment #2:
Robyn Sutton. (2020, May) Sytrus Main Operator Webinar. [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/JXbj6eE2qpQ
Update #2:
Your ears are developing! You hear music and sound with more knowledge and understanding. Reflect on how much concentration it requires you to utilize to analyze different sounds? Do you have to clear your thoughts? If so, explain how? Explain the "locked-in" mode? Reflect on your creative process. When you are creating your sound design, what are your thoughts and emotions.
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utiized for your grade.
In module 2, students are going to learn how to navigate and operate the main module in Sytrus. They going to learn how to create their first sound using the main function. Students are going to read an article about sound design and creativity. This article not only only focuses on music sounds, but all of the sound effects around us. My intentions is to guide and train their ears to the sounds we ignore everyday.
Below is a video that focuses on everyday sounds. Students will just watch the video. There is not an assignment.
Chaereen Pak. (2017, February). Everyday Sounds. [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRViYyOiUg
After watching the video, students will read pages 1-5 of an article on sound design and creativity. Students will take notes on "ahh moments", write your ideas down, or something that caught your attention.
Students will watch the Main Module Webinar. Within the webinar, I provided an explanation of Styrus Main Module. I go over vocabulary and how to operate the main module. The students have additional instructional videos that are embedded in the webinar.
Students Update:
Update #2:
Your ears are developing! You hear music and sound with more knowledge and understanding. Reflect on how much concentration it requires you to utilize to analyze different sounds? Do you have to clear your thoughts? If so, explain how? Explain the "locked-in" mode? Reflect on your creative process. When you are creating your sound design, what are your thoughts and emotions.
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utilized for your grade.
In this lesson are we going to learn more vocabulary! Please be patient and open-minded. It is imperative that I lay down the foundation, before we get deep into it! You will hear different sounds and music differently after this course.
We are going to start with the Oscillator article. In this article you are going to learn about different sound shapes, what is an oscillator, and how to use this feature in your projects.Take notes while reading the article.
Please take the time to watch the "What are Oscillators?" webinar. In this webinar you will have four (4) videos to watch. Please take your time.
Assignment #3:
Option A:
Option B:
Update #3:
You have taken the time to learn a new skill set. It can be a little frustrating and annoying. In 5-7 sentences, how can you take the same soft skills you are developing and apply those skills to other classes and life? Explain how you have worked through your frustration and worked with your peers to complete these assignments.
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utiized for your grade.
The students are going to learn more vocabulary in this segment. They are also going to create a four (4) part chord progression, create hi hat rolls, baseline, create kick/snare groove, and play around with designing sounds in Sytrus Oscillators. The majority of the instruction will be taught via a webinar that is attached below. The webinar includes instruction from me working in the software and instructional videos from YouTube.
I am going to follow the GRR model and the Classroom Structure below:
The GRR model is:
Common Classroom Structure:
Below is the webinar that the students will have to work on. If students need to complete previous assignments, they will have the time to do so.
Students Update:
Update #3:
You have taken the time to learn a new skill set. It can be a little frustrating and annoying. In 5-7 sentences, how can you take the same soft skills you are developing and apply those skills to other classes and life? Explain how you have worked through your frustration and worked with your peers to complete these assignments.
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utilized for your grade.
We have been learning a lot! Now, we are going to learn about Frequency Modulation (FM). We have gained some information about FM through the previous videos.
We are going to start with the Frequency Modulation (FM) article. In this article you are going to learn about what is FM, how is was discovered, and developed. Take notes while reading the article.
Please take the time to watch the "What are Oscillators?" webinar. In this webinar you will have two (2) videos to watch. Please take your time.
Assignment #4
Update #4:
Let's reflect on staying positive throughout our creative process or any process in life. We need to stay positive and motivated to complete a project, task, class, goals, etc. We have to stay self-motivated and reflective. In 7-10 sentences, use this time to reflect on how you have been positive during this learning module and a difficult time in life. What did you learn about yourself? What motivated you to keep going?
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utiized for your grade.
The students are going to learn about frequency modulation (FM). They are also going to create a four (4) part chord progression, create hi hat rolls, baseline, create kick/snare groove, and play around with designing sounds using FM. The majority of the instruction will be taught via a webinar that is attached below. The webinar includes instruction from me working in the software and instructional videos from YouTube.
I am going to follow the GRR model and the Classroom Structure below:
The GRR model is:
Common Classroom Structure:
Below is the webinar that the students will have to work on. If students need to complete previous assignments, they will have the time to do so. Below is the webinar that the students need to complete.
Below is the frequency Modulation (FM) article and note taking worksheet.
Below is assignment #4. I go in to details about the assignment in the webinar.
Assignment #4
Update #4:
Let's reflect on staying positive throughout our creative process or any process in life. We need to stay positive and motivated to complete a project, task, class, goals, etc. We have to stay self-motivated and reflective. In 7-10 sentences, use this time to reflect on how you have been positive during this learning module and a difficult time in life. What did you learn about yourself? What motivated you to keep going?
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utilized for your grade.
During this module, you are going to learn how to select a sound from Syrus. These are pre-made and you can also manipulate these sounds. There is not an article, but I want you to reflect about your creative process. I talked about this in the webinar. You are going to complete the webinar and videos included in the webinar. If you have missed any assignments, please use this time to complete any missing assignments or projects.
I wanted to provide you with some creative inspiration from other artists and their creative process.
Power 106 Los Angeles. (2013, August). Big Sean Speaks on His Process of Making Music. [YouTube]. Retreived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOuIFLis60Q
Curtiss King TV. (2018, July). 12 Things That Kills Your Creativity When Making Music. [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58czIvXqtKE
Watch the the "Styrus Sound Selection" below. Your assignment is located inside of the webinar.
Assignment:
Update #5:
Let's reflect, in 10-15 sentences what did you lean from the three (3) YouTube videos regarding creativity. How can you apply these concepts to your creative process? Can these concepts be applied to life? If so, why or why not?
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utiized for your grade.
The students are going to learn how to select sounds from Syrus. These are sounds are already manipulated. They can change these sound using the knowledge and skillset from the previous modules. The webinar include instruction from me working in the software and instructional videos from YouTube.
I am going to folow the GRR model and the Classroom Structure below:
The GRR model is:
Common Classroom Structure:
Below is the webinar that the students will have to work on. If students need to complete previous assignments, they will have the time to do so. Below is the webinar and videos that the students need to complete. These belows are to provide students with information regarding producers creative process.
Power 106 Los Angeles. (2013, August). Big Sean Speaks on His Process of Making Music. [YouTube]. Retreived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOuIFLis60Q
Curtiss King TV. (2018, July). 12 Things That Kills Your Creativity When Making Music. [YouTube]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58czIvXqtKE
Below is the Sytrus Sound Selection webinar the students need to complete. In this webinar they learn how to select preset sounds, manipulate the preset sounds and other skills.
Student Assignment:
Update #5:
Let's reflect, in 10-15 sentences what did you lean from the three (3) YouTube videos regarding creativity. How can you apply these concepts to your creative process? Can these concepts be applied to life? If so, why or why not?
COMMENT: Upload your response and comment one one (1) of your peers updates.
Below is the discussion rubric that will be utiized for your grade.
CONGRATS!!
You have made it through the entire learning module and we are on the final project. We are going to use the entire class period ot produce your final project. If you need yo complete any previous assignments use this time to do.
Below is a webinar that goes into details and expectations about the project.
Below is the final project rubric. This is how yo are going to be graded. You will grade yourself at the end of your presentation as well.
Students are going to use the entire class period (75 minutes) to complete their final project. If students need more time that is fine. I will allow them to have more time to complete the project.
The webinar below provides the students with the details that I need to complete the final project.
Below is the final project rubric. The students will have an opporunity to grade themselves on the final project.
Sonic Academy. (2015, December 23) How to Use FL Studio Sytrus- What is FM/ Styrus?. [Video] Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Q2j_Cb4oM
Justin Brown. FL Studio- FM Synthesis (Sytrus) Explained Visually. [Video] Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4OWsez10Zg
Chaereen Pak. (2017, February 22). Everyday Sounds. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRViYyOiUg
Power 106 Los Angeles. (2013, August 15). Big Sean Speaks on His Process of Making Music. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOuIFLis60Q
Curtiss King TV. (2018, July 23). 12 Things That Kill Your Creativity When Making Music. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58czIvXqtKE
Busy Work Beats. (2018, June 14). FL Studio Sytrus Trap Tutorial. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iebAw4bhaYE
Busy Work Beats. (2019, July 6). FL Studio 20| How to Make Plugins Sound WAY Better. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqzBTfhMqgg&t=1s
Composing Gloves. (2016, June 9). Sytrus From The Ground Up 1- What is Sytrus? [Video] Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3V0ihN4h2A
Composing Gloves. (2016, June 9). Sytrus From The Ground Up 3- Waveform Morphing and Operators. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfmr2h7o_os
WickieMedia. (2013, March 26). What is the envelope of Sound? (ADSR Explained). [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ot9AaJx-Y&t=17s
FL STUDIO by Image-Line Software. (2016, March 10). SEAMLESSR| Sytrus FM Synthesis | FL Studio x Dancefair. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glvRz-ASpRs&t=1220s
FL STUDIO by Image-Line Software. (2010, May 31). Sytrus Introduction. [Video]. Retrieved. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsejO21K5W8&t=26s
Seydel, R. (2019, November 20). ADSR Envelopes: How to Build The Perfect Sound [Infographic]. Retrieved from https://blog.landr.com/adsr-envelopes-infographic/
Reid, G. (2004, July 1). Retrieved from https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/introduction-frequency-modulation
Quick Guide To Oscillators. (2020, March 29). Retrieved from https://making-music.com/quick-guides/oscillators/
MusicTech.net, & MusicTech.net. (2019, January 10). The Creative Guide to Sound Design. Retrieved from https://www.musictech.net/guides/essential-guide/the-creative-guide-to-sound-design/