Music at Hamilton

Electronic Music Studio

There is an enormous amount of equipment in the studio, mainly because while the school must constantly purchase new equipment to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology of electronic music, we never really throw anything out. Though it cannot be seen clearly in the photo, there are literally piles of old equipment all around the room, as well as the neat cabinets of more modern (and more frequently used) equipment.

The list which follows is organized, within each general category,
in order from most up to date to least.

Synthesizers/Samplers

MIDI Controllers

Mixers/Recorders

Effects/Processors

Computer Stuff

Software:

How to Get Into the Studio

It is unfortunate, but most Hamilton students probably don't even know that we have a complete electronic music and recording studio right here on campus. Part of the reason for this ignorance, I think, is the fact that the only students aware of the studio are either enrolled in, or have taken one of these four classes, taught by Professor Pellman:

266-267 Musical Composition. Contemporary compositional techniques, including notational procedures and score preparation. Emphasis on developing the ability to structure musical ideas in several short pieces and one extended work. May be started in either the fall or spring semester. One-quarter course credit each semester. Prerequisite, (157), 277 or 209, and consent of the instructor. S. Pellman.

277F Music for Contemporary Media. Experience with the aesthetics and techniques of the modern recording studio, including the uses of sound synthesizers, digital samplers, and MIDI. Creative projects using these techniques. Three hours of class and three hours of studio. Not open to seniors. Not open to students who have taken 157. Prerequisite, 109, 121, or 131. Maximum enrollment, 14. S. Pellman.

366-367 Advanced Musical Composition. Contemporary compositional techniques, including notational procedures and score preparation. Emphasis on developing the ability to structure musical ideas in several short pieces and one extended work. May be started in either the fall or spring semester. One-quarter course credit each semester. Prerequisite, 267. S. Pellman. [377] Electronic Arts Workshop. Emphasis on collaborative work among computer musicians, digital photographers, and videographers in the creation of electronic 'zines on CD-ROM and the web. Other projects will include multi-media installations or performance art pieces. Prerequisite, Art 302 with consent of instructor, Art 313, or Music (157) with consent of instructor or (257) or 277. (Same as Art 377.) (Offered in alternate years; next offered 2000-2001) Maximum enrollment, 12. Gant and S. Pellman.

What You Can Do in the Studio

The Electronic Music Studio Archives - Listen to projects done by students! Music from Space - Prof. Pellman's Website!

Learn About Electronic Music on the Net

Not surprisingly, there is a wealth of information about MIDI music to be found on the Net. Here are a few links to some sites and starting points:

Keyboard Central

MIDI Farm
Netscape's MIDI Home Page

Searching for sites under the keyword "MIDI" is very effective. Going through Yahoo, Infoseek, Galaxy or Lycos can be even more helpful than a simple search if you are just browsing, though it is trickier to find specific information on MIDI music, for example, through this method (these engines also offer menus of popular sites in categories, including music).