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Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: MUSC-1331 (Section: 1, CRN: 10222) MIDI |
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| Instructor Information | |||||||||
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| Instructor | Emmanuel Saldana | ||||||||
| saldanaej@lamarpa.edu | |||||||||
| Phone | (409) 984-6520 | ||||||||
| Office | Sam and Linda Monroe Performing Arts Center - Room: 144 | ||||||||
| Office Hours | Location: 135 Office hours: Tuesday 10am-2pm Friday 12:30pm-2:30pm |
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| Additional Contact Information | Phone # (409) 300-7630 | ||||||||
| Course Information | |||||||||
| Description | Exploration of the history and evolution of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) systems and applications. Includes the MIDI language and applications in the studio environment using software-based sequencing programs. | ||||||||
| Required Textbooks |
Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.
Huber, David Miles. The MIDI Manual: A Practical Guide to MIDI in the Modern Studio. Routledge/Focal Press. ISBN-13: 978-0367549985. |
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| Additional Materials/Resources | None. | ||||||||
| Corequisites/Prerequisites |
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| Learning Outcomes |
Distinguish MIDI data from audio and explain MIDI’s role in a modern workflow (controllers, instruments, DAWs, hardware, routing concepts) Create and edit MIDI performances in a DAW (record, quantize on/off, duplicate, edit note length, velocity, groove and instrumentation) Demonstrate control of core MIDI message types in practical use (Note On/Off, Velocity, CC, Program Change, Pitch Bend) and apply them musically Configure MIDI routing and synchronization between devices (track inputs/outputs, channels, device addressing, MIDI clock basics, external gear integration) Troubleshoot common MIDI problems using a systematic signal-flow approach (no input, wrong device, wrong channel, stuck notes, latency, clock drift, mapping conflicts) |
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| Program Student Learning Outcomes |
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| Lecture Topics Outline | Students will complete a series of hands-on MIDI assignments designed to demonstrate practical understanding of MIDI concepts and workflows. Major assessments include MIDI performance and editing exercises, MIDI message control assignments, routing and synchronization configurations, and troubleshooting demonstrations. A comprehensive final project will require students to design, document, and execute a complete MIDI-based system or session that integrates controllers, software instruments, and/or external MIDI devices. All assignments emphasize correct signal flow, technical accuracy, and professional documentation practices. | ||||||||
| Major Assignments Schedule |
Week 1 – MIDI as a Compositional Tool
Week 2 – MIDI Performance Techniques
Week 3 – MIDI Editing and Musical Feel
Week 4 – Velocity, Expression, and Articulation Control
Week 5 – MIDI Control Change (CC) Programming
Week 6 – Program Change and Patch Management
Week 7 – MIDI for Sound Design
Week 8 – Multi-Instrument and Layered MIDI Arrangements
Week 9 – MIDI and Rhythm Programming
Week 10 – MIDI for Harmonic and Melodic Development
Week 11 – Hybrid MIDI Workflows
Week 12 – Creative MIDI Techniques
Week 13 – Professional MIDI Production Workflow
Week 14 – Advanced MIDI Troubleshooting in Production
Week 15 – Final Project Development and Review |
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| Final Exam Date | December 10, 2026 - 1:00 PM | ||||||||
| Grading Scale | 90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B 70 - 79=C 60 - 69=D Below 59 = F | ||||||||
| Determination of Final Grade |
Tests - 60%, Quizzes - 15%, Projects - 10%, Final Exam - 15% | ||||||||
| Course Policies | |||||||||
| Instructor Policies |
I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by email. If you want to discuss your grades, you must come to my office, in person. |
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| Attendance Policy |
Students with more than three absences from the course will receive an academic penalty |
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| Additional Information | |||||||||
| Institutional Policies | |||||||||
| MyLSCPA | Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA. | ||||||||
| Academic Honesty | Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty. | ||||||||
| ADA Considerations | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241. | ||||||||
| COVID 19 Information | The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website. | ||||||||
| Facility Policies | No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited. | ||||||||
| HB 2504 | This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504. | ||||||||
| Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect | As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual. | ||||||||
| Title IX and Sexual Misconduct | LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website. | ||||||||
| Clery Act Crime Reporting |
For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website. |
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| Grievance / Complaint / Concern | If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair. | ||||||||
| Department Information |
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