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In this issue:
New Technology Books |
Sony Media Range |
Linking Voice & Technology |
Free Product Seminar |
February Technology Tour |
Cool Notebook Accessories |
Loop 2 the Max Competition |
PD Training Courses
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Welcome to the March edition of the Binary
Interface newsletter, providing news and updates on what's new in our
corner of the world of music technology. We always welcome any
comments,
suggestions or contributions. In this issue we look at some of the
new release books about music technology, take a look at the Sony
range of media products, check out some notebook accessories, highlight
an exciting new competition, and tell you about our upcoming voice workshop
and other training courses.
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New Technology Books & Guides
The Guide to MIDI Orchestration
Composer Paul Gilreath's 3rd edition of The Guide to MIDI Orchestration
contains more than 700 pages of instruction for all sequencer users.
After a brief introduction to the traditional orchestra and numerous composers,
the first few chapters focus on the various orchestral instrument families, with
illustrations of instruments, transcriptions of their ranges, and details of their
idiosyncratic playing techniques. From there, the author gives a 30-page lesson in basic
orchestration, followed by suggestions on how to apply those techniques to computer-based
arranging and composition. Hardbound and with full colour illustrations throughout,
this book is a must for every school and university music library, and is an essential
resource for film, television and game composers, as well as students and anyone
using Finale or Sibelius who would like to be able to translate their scores
with better realism.
RRP $139 inc GST
eMedia Rock Guitar Method
From the makers of the best-selling Guitar Method tutorial software.
The eMedia Rock Guitar Method CD-ROM makes learning quick and easy
with over 100 audio and video-enhanced guitar lessons.
Instructor Charles McCrone, a graduate of the cutting-edge Guitar Institute of
Technology, with over 25 years of playing and teaching experience, takes you
through all of the techniques needed to play rock, punk and metal. These include
movable power chords, barre chords, effects pedals, yanks, hammer-ons, pull-offs,
palm muting, distorted riffs, the blues scale, using feedback, the whammy bar and more.
It features many hit songs including: “Paranoid” - Black Sabbath
“Tired of Waiting for You” - made famous by Green Day “Lake of Fire”
- made famous by Nirvana “You Really Got Me” - made famous by Van Halen.
Learn to play Rock Guitar in the style of AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine,
Led Zeppelin, Hoobastank, Blink 182 and many more!"
Charles McCrone claims his revolutionary teaching style will have
you playing songs, chords and riffs within minutes.
RRP $69 inc GST
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Sony Media Range
Sony have announced a new education software bundle and new lower pricing
structures for their entire range of media products, giving educators more options when deciding on
what software to use in Music and Media Lab situations.
Audio & Video Essentials is a new software suite combining Acid ® Music Studio™, Sound Forge® Audio
Studio™ and Vegas ® Movie Studio™. Normally over $300, this bundle sells for only $199. (education only)
The minimum number of licences required to obtain multiuser pricing on individual Sony products is now only 5 users, making it easier
for teachers to implement new technology on a budget.
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Linking Voice and Technology
Everyone is welcome to join us at the MTAQ studios for a workshop where we will be
showing vocalists how they can use some of the latest software and hardware
to help them enhance both their vocal practice sessions and performances.
Among others, we'll be showing 'My Voice', a software program which allows you to record from a
microphone directly into your computer, as well as create backing tracks by ripping
songs from a CD then using 'voice reduction' to make a rehearsal track. The Superscope PSD300
is a great hardware-based portable CD burner which also includes this feature, and lets you
record yourself direct-to-CD mixed with the original backing. Also on the programme
will be 'SmartMusic Studio' (the complete practice system), and 'Singing Coach', a new
software title designed to enthuse up-and-coming divas.
When: Sunday 13th March 2005 2:00-4:00
Where: MTAQ Performance room, level 1, 26/200 Moggill Rd Taringa
Cost: $20 (std) $15 (MTAQ members) $10 (students) Includes afternoon tea
- Registration essential
RSVP: Judy Neal Ph: 07 3892 2698 or
email:nealsing@iprimus.com.au
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Free Product Seminar
Join us for a free product demonstration of the Finale® family of notation software for
creating professional scores and worksheets, accompaniments and
interactive exercises. Learn how the new Finale Performance Assessment™ is helping students
rapidly improve their playing through its instant on-screen feedback system, evaluating
pitch and rhythmic accuracy. See why SmartMusic Studio is the ideal practice
system for the modern musician, with its huge repertoire and Intelligent
Accompaniment ability, and why James Galway calls it 'the greatest musical
invention since the electric guitar'
When: Monday 14th March 2005 4:30-6:00pm
Where: 4MBS Classic FM Studios, 384 Old Cleveland Rd Coorparoo
Cost: Free! Includes afternoon tea - Registration essential
RSVP: Ph 07 3822 4884 or email:
sales@binarydesigns.com.au
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February Technology Tour
Our two-day technology tour on 23rd and 24th February was a great success for all involved.
Sydney composer and techno-wiz James Humberstone presented a series of workshops
and seminars entitled 'Digital Musician', 'Digital Classroom', and 'Digital Roadmap'. In these
he utilised different forms of music technology such as notation software (Sibelius)
digital recording (Superscope) and digital sheet music (Music Pad) for use in the
classroom and in music production environments.
Venues visited in the two days included Loreto College, Villanova College, Somerville House,
Griffith Uni, QUT and 4MBS studios.
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James Humberstone & Linda Penman at Somerville Music Lab
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Cool Notebook Accessories
If you're looking for ways to make your mobile computing more complete, here
are some of our favourite accessories to help you make the most of your portable
computing experience:
- Travelsound Speakers - these little marvels feature 2 titanium speakers in a
foldable enclosure. Battery powered, they give a big power boost and noticeable improvement
in audio fidelity for your laptop music. Rated at 2 watts RMS, they come with a handy soft
carry case and audio cable. price: $125
- Audigy 2 ZS PC card - slip this card into your PC slot and you'll be amazed at the
increased audio quality you'll get from your notebook. The card features full 24-bit/96kHz
recording and playback as well as optical digital audio in and out. price: $329
- USB numeric keypad - Add this USB keypad to your notebook and you can fly through
notation entry with your Sibelius or Finale application.
With true plug-and-play, it's active as soon as you plug it in to a spare USB port,
no driver installation required price: $59
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Loop 2 the Max Competition
If you're into loop-based composing, then this competition is for you!
We're looking for the best song created using Sony's Super Duper Music Looper ® (SDML)
or Acid ® software.
The competition has 2 sections:
- for 13 years and under (as at 1st Jan 2005, using SDML)
- for 14-18 years (as at 1st Jan 2005, using Acid Pro or Acid Music Studio)
There will also be a prize for the school or institution who submit the most entries.
Entries are to be submitted as a music track on a standard audio CD and judging
will be by an independent expert adjudicator.
Look for more details and our official entry form soon to be posted on our website
(www.binarydesigns.com.au/l2m/loop2max.html).
Fabulous prizes on offer include software and gift packs from Sony.
Entries must be submitted by 17th June 2005, so start composing right away.
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Professional Development Courses
Upcoming courses for April and May 2005:
| Date |
Course |
Comment/Cost |
Time |
| Sat 2nd April |
Finale level 1 |
Intro to Notation Hands-on $75 |
10:00am-1:00pm |
| Sat 2nd April |
Sibelius Level 1 |
Intro to Notation Hands-on $75 |
2:00pm-5:00pm |
| Mon 4th April |
Integrating Music and Media |
Introductory Seminar $25 |
10:00am-12:30pm |
| Tues 19th April |
Sony Vegas Movie Studio |
Workshop Hands-on $35 |
4:00pm-5:30pm |
| Sat 7th May |
Introduction to MIDI Sequencing |
Introductory Seminar $20 |
11:00am-1:00pm |
| Sat 21st May |
Introduction to Audio Recording |
Introductory Seminar $20 |
11:00am-1:00pm |
| Sat 28th May |
Sibelius Level 2 |
Advanced Notation Hands-on $75 |
1:00pm-4:00pm |
Limited numbers
Phone (07) 3822 4884 or email midi@binarydesigns.com.au to reserve your place
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For enquiries or comments about any articles in this newsletter, please contact us via email: midi@binarydesigns.com.au
or Ph: 07 3822 4884
Fax: 07 3822 4636
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Binary Designs
Linking Music & Technology |
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