Prerequisites

A basic understanding of music and music theory is required, including intervals, chords, major and minor scales, and key signatures. You also must be able to read both treble and bass clef notation.

In addition, you must also be able to notate music and create MIDI or audio files. Assignments in this course require you to submit music notation (handwritten or computer generated) and accompanying audio files.

Requirements for Assignments: Scores

Scores can be produced through one of the following means:

• You can produce scores in Finale (full version, 2009 or higher) or Sibelius (full version, 4 or higher) and submit them as PDF, JPG, GIF, or pasted into DOC files. Note that Finale Notepad, PrintMusic, and Finale Guitar are not sufficient for use in the course.
• You can handwrite scores, scan them, and submit them as PDF, JPG, GIF, or DOC files.

Do you have the prerequisite knowledge needed to use the notation software Finale or Sibelius in the course?

Scores should conform to the file formats listed above to ensure that you can share your work with your instructor and fellow students.

Requirements for Assignments: Audio

Audio versions of the scores should be produced through one of the following means:

• If using the notation programs Finale or Sibelius to create your scores, you can save and submit them as MIDI files.
• You can record live musicians playing your scores and submit them as MP3 files, using audio recording software such as Audacity
• You can sequence your scores in a program like Reason, SONAR, Digital Performer, etc., and submit them as MIDI or MP3 files.

Do you have the prerequisite knowledge needed to use audio production software such as Reason, GarageBand, SONAR, or Digital Performer in the course?

Audio should conform to the file formats listed above to ensure that you can share your work with your instructor and fellow students.

Software Requirements

• You must be able to submit scores--either hand-written or created using the notation software Finale (full version, 2009 or higher) or Sibelius (full version, 4 or higher)--in one of the following formats:
  • .PDF (Adobe Acrobat file)
  • .JPG (graphics file)
  • .GIF (graphics file)
  • .DOC (Word document, with score pasted in)
• If you are not using notation software, you will need audio recording or MIDI sequencing software that will save or export your work as MIDI or MP3 files.
• PC Web browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 7 or higher
• Macintosh Web browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Safari 3.0 or higher
• Flash Player: current version
• QuickTime Player: current version
• Acrobat Reader: current version

Hardware Requirements: PC Users

• Computer requirements are dependent on any notation or audio production software you are using. Refer to the software vendor's Web sites for their minimum requirements. Accessing the course content online requires at least the following:
• Windows XP, Vista or 7
• Intel Pentium 4 or higher
• 1 GB RAM
• 500 MB hard drive space recommended
• Sound card
• A scanner is required for those creating scores by hand (see Software Requirements above for acceptable formats) and strongly recommended for those using a notation program, so that you can handwrite portions of your scores, such as drum notation, if need be.
• A printer is recommended, so that you can print out scores used in the course.
• Speakers or headphones for your computer

Hardware Requirements: Mac Users

• Computer requirements are dependent on the notation or audio production software you are using. Refer to the software vendor's Web sites for their minimum requirements. Accessing the course content online requires at least the following:
• OS X 10.5 or higher
• Intel Mac
• 1 GB RAM
• 500 MB hard drive space recommended
• A scanner is required for those creating scores by hand (see Software Requirements above for acceptable formats) and strongly recommended for those using a notation program, so that you can handwrite portions of your scores, such as drum notation, if need be.
• A printer is recommended, so that you can print out scores used in the course.
• Speakers or headphones for your computer

• Yes, I'm ready to enroll
• I'm interested and have a few questions