Goal

• Convey knowledge of audio mixing and song composition terms in a media production.

Terms

• Volume Fader
• Pan (Stereo Image)
• Clipping
• Equalizer (EQ)
• Bus Track
• Automation
• Audio Compression
• Bass
• Treble
• Reverb

Product

• Create a blog post with embedded media from YouTube, SoundCloud, and/or Flickr off your mastered composition.

Examples

• Maddy’s post (Has script) – complete blog post
• Mikayla’s post (Has script) – complete blog post
• Spencer’s post (Has script)
• Chris’ post (Has script)
• Riley’s post
• Tyler’s post
• Mayah’s post
• Aaron’s post
• Joseph’s post
• Shawnee’s post
• Ciara’s post
• Carson’s post
• Emily’s post
• Brisa’s post
• Blake’s post
• Tory’s post
• Sam’s post
• Mack’s post
• Ashlee’s post
• Ella’s post

Steps

• Day 1 – Create Blog Post, Add Section Headings, Learn Terms and Concepts
  • Watch Pink Floyd – The Story of “Wish You Were Here” Documentary (48:00 – 56:00)
  • Listen to U2 Cedarwood Road creation story at songexploder.net
  • Explore U2’s One at HookTheory.com/TheoryLab
  • Explore some of your favorite song structures hooktheory.com/theorytab
  • Fill in the Song Info Google Form with info about the song you want to feature
  • Create blog post titled, Podcast Recording Project – My Favorite Song
  • Create the Summary heading
  • Create the Terms heading
    • Copy and paste all the terms
    • Explore Quizlet – Audio Mixing Terminology
    • Write the definitions in your own words
• Day 2 and 5 – Learn about composition elements, copyright, the Creative Commons, write and record the script
  • Watch this brilliant example of song arranging from the movie Begin Again original (1:00) performance imagined arrangement (17:40) and roof top performance
  • Create a heading titled My Script
  • Create an account at story.adobe.com
  • Share Two Column Template in Google Docs or use Adobe Story
  • Share Article on Two-Column, Split-Page Script Format
  • Use Adobe Story to format and write the script
    • Learn how to use Adobe Story
      • Reminder: use AV format
      • The Adobe Story Help Page
      • More Detailed Overview of Adobe Story – Writing a Simple Script – Free Version
      • Getting Started with Adobe Story Part 1 – Creating a Script – Free Version
      • Getting Started with Adobe Story Part 2 – Format a Script – Free Version
    • Include the following in the script:
      • Start with a description including the fact that you are creating a Creative Commons educational project and copyrights remain with all copyright holders
      • Comment on the COMPOSITION of the song
        • Identify the KEY
        • Describe the SONG STRUCTURE
          • Read more about song structure
          • Is it an AB or ABC pattern?
        • Identify the TEMPO
        • Describe what you like about the RHYTHM
        • Describe the instrument’s TIMBRE
        • Describe the instrument’s PITCH
        • Describe the song’s ARRANGEMENT
          • Read more about Song Arrangement
          • Identify the main TRACKS that are part of the arrangement
          • What do you like about the tracks arrangement?
        • Describe the MIX
          • How do the instruments sound together?
        • Cut away to parts of the song in between your narration
        • Place these cut aways notes in the left column of the AV formatted script
        • Compose your narration text in the right column, the stuff you will say
        • Export as a PDF file
    • Print a copy and rehearse with it for the recording studio
  • Share requirements for Fair Use of copyrighted material from commonsensemedia.org and Soundcloud copyright information
    1. Only use a small amount of the work
       • Less than 30 seconds of the song, total with each clip being only 5 to 15 sections
    2. Add new meaning to the work to make it original
       • Be analytical
         • Describe the ‘what’ of the song element
           • What are we listening to?
             • Describe it as if the person reading your script cannot hear the sound clip
         • The ‘why’ the segment is compelling/effective for making you feel something?
         • ‘How’ does this segment work with the rest of the song?
         • ‘How’ does a it further the songs message/ feeling?
    3. Rework it and use it in a totally different way
       • This is done by mixing your commentary and opinion
    4. Use it for nonprofit purposes
       • This is done by using it for education and setting your SoundCloud settings to Creative Commons
• Day 6 – Edit the song clip
  • Mix the narration and song clips together tastefully to tell a good audio story
• Day 7 through second to last day of project, Mix and Edit All the Audio
  • Mix the sound clips and audio levels
    • Be sure to have the clips blend together nicely
  • Upload your podcast mp3 to Soundcloud
    • Be sure to add copyright information about the song and describe that you were creating this podcast as part of a school project in the Soundcloud description
    • Make sure your file is in the Creative Commons at Soundcloud
      • 
  • Create Audio Mixed Podcast heading
    • Embed your Soundcloud file
    • Embed a screenshot of the tracks with the volume automation curves visible
      • Be sure to adjust the horizontal zoom slider so that all regions are visible
  • Create What I Learned heading
    • Explain what you learned and at least one problem you overcame
• Last Day
  • Present your podcast

Tools

• GarageBand
• Audacity
• iTunes
• SoundCloud
• Flickr

Resources

• Quizlet
  • Play with the terms Audio Mixing Terminology
• Fair Use of copyrighted material
  • commonsensemedia.org
  • Soundcloud copyright information
  • What is Fair Use – YouTube
• Song Exploder
  • Check out episodes for sound quality and audio clip structure
  • U2 – Cedarwood Road example
• Adobe Story
  • Adobe Story video tutorial
• GarageBand
  • Editing Track Volume in GarageBand 10
• Audacity
  • Podcast with Audacity – watch me build an episode from start to finish
• Adding ID3 tag information and art in iTunes
  • How To Change Artist Name, Genre and Other Song Info in iTunes

Feedback Form

• Podcast Recording Project Feedback Form (PDF)