2023-07-12 Week 2 - Wonderful Wednesday

From MusicTechWiki

Wonderful Wednesday - 7/12/23

During Summer times when I was growing up, one of our family traditions was to have potlucks and social gatherings with friends and families every Wed night. My mom called these "Wonderful Wednesdays."

Isn't that wonderful? ;)

Teacher - Student Support

I've been collaborating, supporting, and working with many of you over the phone and Zoom. (AWESOME success here!) I still don't have all of you programmed in my iPhone, Apple iCloud Contacts. So, it's a good idea to TEXT me first. (and tell me your full name). Then, you can spontaneously call me ANYTIME!

One thing is 100% certain. It's WAY more efficient to help troubleshoot technical problems (and creative questions) over the phone and Zoom compared to asynchronous, back and forth, emails and text chatting! So, don't be shy. Do yourself a favor and CALL me...

As the saying goes, "It's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know!"

Here is a diagram of how I'm working on syncing student contacts from the Foothill College "My Portal" contact info into my iPhone. Miro Board - Tambling Contacts. Isn't that wonderful?

General observations

Computer Literacy

  • A lot of the problems students have are frequently related to computer literacy. In other words, really KNOWING your OS (Computer Operating System)
  • For Apple Macs, this starts with getting a handle on the "System Settings" (previously called "System Preferences" on older Mac OS versions)
  • So many students these days have come up just using their phones and tablets. But, for now, in 2023, we need to use a full-on computer
  • And 100% yes, I agree, sometime "soon" we WILL be able to do EVERYTHING on our phones!
  • But for now? We have to get our computer chops going on and become Computer NINJA Geeks
    • And...this is a GOOD thing because computers are NOT "going away" anytime soon
    • So, bone up, hunker down, and really LEARN how to use your computer!

File Management

  • Another frequent issue is file management
    • This is even a very common issue with full-time professional producers, audio engineers, and content creators
  • Bottom line? You have to know where your stuff (your files) are
    • How to FIND them quickly
    • And move around, copy, and rename files and folders
      • Quickly and effortlessly
    • This is a strong argument for having a dedicated SSD (Solid State Drive) to manage your precious files
  • You can find more information about file management here:
  • And remember: IF you purchase a new SSD? Always reformat it immediately. (BEFORE using it for anything)
  • At the very least?
    • You need to create a Folder on your computer's Internal Boot Drive to put (organize) your media files (and general Music Technology Studies files)

Additional Hardware

iLok

  • iLok
  •  If you are using Pro Tools? It is HIGHLY recommended you purchase an iLok USB dongle to store ALL of your licenses
    • Including your Pro Tools Software license
      • And all the cool free plugin licenses you might want to install
    • How to use an iLok
  • Your iLok is like a "cold storage" BitCoin hardware wallet for your valuable software licenses and digital assets

External SSD

  • We already talked about this in "Student Resources"
  • Not urgent or "required"
  • Just "Best Practice"

Audio Interface

  • If you are just using the built-in audio card of your computer?
    • It will be a QUANTUM LEAP improvement on many levels if you get a legit "Audio Interface"
  • Focusrite audio interfaces are a slam dunk, cost-effective contender
  • But ANY audio interface should work
    • You might have to do some research regarding the capabilities and version compatibilities
      • Your Audio Interface vs. Your Computer vs. Your Software versions

MIDI controller

  • If you don't have a very simple MIDI keyboard?
    • You are TOTALLY missing the boat!
    • Must have one!
  • Just a simple, small, cheap 1-octave MIDI keyboard will get you in the game
  • And your MIDI keyboard should always be plugged in
    • Fully functional
    • READY to USE

Setup Your Rig!

  • Get all of your equipment (computers, hardware, software, etc.) set up and READY to use 24/7
  • Get things feeling good ergonomically
    • To support your workflows
  • Remove the friction
    • Don't keep your Audio Interface in a cardboard box, in your closet, for "when" you "might" need/want to use it
  • The time is NOW
  • We always want to be ready to capture creative ideas
    • Or do our Canvas Assignments ;)

Assignments

Creative Iterations and Explorations

  • I try and keep the actual "required assignments" workload to a minimum
    • So that students have time to tinker around
  • It's important to explore CREATING stuff
    • Actually DO, and apply(!), what you are studying and learning
  • Remember to MAKE STUFF!!
    • Record
    • Program MIDI sequences with virtual instruments
    • Edit
    • Mix
    • Share with the World!
      • Or at least with your dog, houseplants, or close friend(s)...
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