Live Sound - Fall 2021 - CRN 33929

Course Information

Location and hours: This course is fully online, and most learning will take place in Canvas and other platforms that are flexible based on the student schedule. 

Course description: Introduction to live sound systems and aspects of reinforcement and acoustical design. Emphasis on components and function of live sound systems including microphones, mixers, effects, power amplifiers, and speaker systems. Focus on setup, operation, maintenance, safety, health, and other workplace issues. Student will gain hands-on experience at local venues and/or events with opportunities to troubleshoot, sound check, and mix in live sound situations.* 

*The online section of this course does not include participation in live, in-person, events. 

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Operate and describe function of live sound systems including system signal flow and design, microphones, signal processing, and monitoring. 
2. Diagnose and troubleshoot common problems encountered in a live sound reinforcement environment. 
3. Understand the principles of room acoustics and how sound interacts with various room environments. 
4. Mix live performances in a variety of genres. 
5. Demonstrate understanding of career opportunities within larger fields of live sound and event production. 

These outcomes will be assessed through portfolio assignments, quizzes, and participation.

Contact Information

Instructor

Name: Tim Heasley 

Office location: ConferZoom 

Office hours: By appointment 

You can reach me at 661-395-4083 or at theasley@bakersfieldcollege.edu  

I will respond to your questions and discussion board posts within 24 hrs. 

Canvas/Internet Access

We will be using Canvas for the entirety of the course. Anything outside of Canvas will have a direct link, and some resources may require you to sign up for a free account. Constant, reliable Internet and access to a computer is essential to this course, as all assignments must be typed. I do not accept paper or handwritten submissions. All work will need to be submitted on Canvas. It is also your responsibility to set your Canvas Notifications in a way that alert you to important course information.

Textbook & Reading Materials

The following textbook is recommended: 

Paul White, Basic Live Sound, 3rd edition. Hal Leonard. ISBN 9781860742712 

Grading

Grades are based on a 100-point scale, laid out as follows: 

• Grading Categories 

• • Assignments: 40% 
  • Quizzes: 60%
  • Extra Credit: 5% 

• Grading Scale 

• • A = 100% - 90% 
  • B = < 90% - 80% 
  • C = < 80% - 70%
  • D = < 70% - 60%
  • F = < 60% 

*Please speak to instructor directly to find out current grade. Totals on Canvas are NOT always accurate. 

Assignments/Quizzes

Assignments 

The core of this course is to understand and learn to operate live sound systems. Assignments will be focused on theory, planning, simulation, and practice. Students will publish their work on their website to build a robust online portfolio. 

Quizzes 

These quizzes include responses to questions regarding online reading, listening, and lecture material. Actively engaging in outside readings, in-class lectures and discussions is the only way to ensure success. 

Extra Credit Song Analysis 

Write a detailed analysis of harmony, form, rhythm, and any other notable compositional aspect of a song of your choice. Use in-depth description and refer to content covered in class. The report must be 5-paragraphs, double-spaced, 12-point font. Show your report online on the final day of class. 

Attendance Policy

As per district policy, students will be dropped if they miss class in the first week. Just logging in does not count as attendance. You must submit assignments on time. Please be aware that missing a total of two weeks of class throughout the semester without notifying me in writing (email)* may result in you being dropped from the course. Therefore, if you stop submitting assignments and do not log in for two weeks, I will count that as lack of attendance for two weeks. 

See BC's Attendance Policy here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/admissions/policies

*Here is a template for email communication (with all of your professors). Sometimes your questions or concerns will be longer or shorter but either way this provides a guide to communication in the professional world. 

Dear [1] Professor [2] Last-Name [3], 

This is a line that recognizes our common humanity [4]. 

I’m in your Class Name, Section Number that meets on This Day [5]. This is the question I have or the help I need [6]. I’ve looked in the syllabus and at my notes from class and online and I asked someone else from the class [7], and I think This Is The Answer [8], but I’m still not sure. This is the action I would like you to take [9]. 

Signing off with a Thank You is always a good idea [10], 

Favorite Student 

Online Participation

Everyone has something to contribute to our class and there is always an opportunity to learn from one another. To do well in this class, you need to… 

• complete all reading and writing assignments on time; 
• participate in discussions, activities, and assignments; 
• apply what you learn in class to your own writing; 
• follow guidelines and advice for completing assignments; 
• revise your work thoroughly, and 
• check your e-mail and Canvas regularly. 

Sometimes problems arise that could affect your performance in this class.  Please contact me promptly if… 

• you are confused about the requirements of an assignment; 
• you have writer’s block or are not sure how to complete an assignment or edit/revise your work, or 
• you cannot complete an assignment on time because of an unexpected event or problem. 

More than anyone else, I can help you succeed in this class. When problems arise, please let me know what’s going on. I am happy to help you! 

Technical Problems

While these do occur either at home or from a non-campus connection, they are usually not valid reasons for failing to fulfill the requirements for that day/week. Students  are responsible for allocating enough time to complete online assignments, and they should include the possibility of technical "glitches." Thus, students need to allow enough time to try again later or to travel to a campus computer lab or alternative location to complete the assignment and therefore avoid a missed deadline. Exceptions may be made by the professor in the event of widespread computer viruses or some other large-scale event affecting the Bakersfield College computer network, but exceptions will not be made for personal, routine computer problems. Do not wait until the last minute to submit assignments in order to mitigate these issues.

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism Policy

Discussing your assignments and essays with your classmates and sharing drafts is encouraged because it is important for your development as writers. However, any writing that you turn in must be your own. Ideas taken from another source must be cited.  Knowingly or accidentally turning in another’s work as your own is considered plagiarism. You will also lose Participation points if you have plagiarized. In this course, you will learn how to give proper credit to sources used. Plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty may result in failure of the course. Please review the College’s policy on Academic Integrity here:  https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/studentconduct/ai

Students with Disabilities

Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) has transitioned to an online environment; this means that their staff members are available to assist you virtually or by phone. DSPS is here to provide accommodations to students with diagnosed learning, mental, physical, and/or health related disabilities. Students with disabilities needing accommodations, including those who had an IEP or 504 Plan in high school, should make requests to the DSPS office via phone, email, or by visiting their Virtual Lobby. All requests for accommodations require appropriate advance notice to avoid a delay in services. After completing the intake process with DSPS, please provide your professors with a copy of your DSPS approved accommodation checklist so that you can work together to ensure your access and success at BC. 

DSPS methods of contact: 

• Phone: Main Campus: (661-395-4334) Delano: (661-720- 2000) 
• Email: dspsdesk@bakersfieldcollege.edu 
• Virtual Lobby: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/5023985567 

Habits of Mind

How will you succeed at BC this semester? What determines success is not circumstance, but habit. Habits of Mind, It’s POSSIBLE at BC has many free tools intended to help you accomplish your goals in school. Only you can overcome the challenges you face this semester and in life.  Start out successfully with these steps: 

• Visit the Habits of Mind website:  www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/habits-of-mind
• Download the app for Habits of Mind at Bakersfield College for power in your palm. 
• Ask for help, do the work, and refuse to quit. 

Success takes energy, planning, and strategies for both the expected challenges in school as well as the unexpected twists life can take. Ask your professor for more information. Now is the time to develop new habits.  

BC Academic Support Services

If you would like extra help with this course, do not delay because BC has, not just one but, four ways that you can get the support you need to be successful in any class on campus: 

• The Writing Center (CSS-133) provides one-on-one assistance with a degreed professional so that you can improve your skills in reading and writing in all classes for all purposes. 
• The Math Hub (MS-113) offers drop-in, one-on-one tutoring with math consultants to help you crunch those numbers. 
• The Tutoring Center (CSS-203) trains students who have been successful in various subjects to be your tutor, sitting down with you one-on-one to encourage and guide you in a specific course. 
• SI (Supplemental Instruction) (CSS-193) represents small group learning in which you participate in weekly study groups for a certain course led by competent students (known as SI Leaders). 

Visit https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/student/academic-support for more info! 

Everything you need to know as we build A Better BC!

As Measure J construction moves forward, please refer to the “A Better BC” website https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/abetterbc for updated construction dates, projects, maps, and other pertinent information. Please remember to be safe and alert! Any questions related to Measure J can be directed to Tamara Baker, Program Manager Community Relations, (661) 395-4910, tamara.baker@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Student Agreement

Students who enroll in this class accept conditions of the class syllabus. Please consider dropping this course if the expectations of the course are not in keeping with your responsibility for them.

Syllabus Subject to Change

All material, assignments, and deadlines are subject to change, with prior notice. All changes will be clearly announced. However, it is your responsibility to review the syllabus regularly, check email for changes, or communicate with the instructor, as needed, to adjust if assignments or due dates change.