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Samplers

"A sampler is an electronic musical instrument similar in some respects to a synthesizer but, instead of generating sounds, it uses recordings (or "samples") of sounds that are loaded or recorded into it by the user and then played back by means of the sampler program itself, a keyboard, sequencer or other triggering device to perform or compose music. Because these samples are now usually stored in digital memory the information can be quickly accessed. A single sample may often be pitch-shifted to produce musical scales and chords" (Wikipedia, 2014). Many apps include powerful samplers. Some samplers allow for only playback or sounds while others allow for manipulation of the sounds. Click on the links below to explore:

 

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Example Creations:

"August 2010" from One Pig By Matthew Herbert

Student Composition "DgClNm"

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Example Experience

Sampling Up a Form
 

Guiding Questions:  

  • How can we identify and classify sounds that we find?

  • What ways can we change different dimensions (pitch, duration, timbre) of a sound using technology?

  • What ways can we organize sounds vertically (texture) and horizontally (form)?
     

Potential Process:

  1. Students will listen to and discuss music with non-traditional sound sources (STOMP, "Techno Jeep" by Jullian Smith, "The Typerwriter" by L. Anderson, "Sonata V" by John Cage, "One Pig" by Matthew Herbert, etc.).
     

  2. Students in groups of 3-5 will go on a "sound hunt" to discover the sound that the room affords. The teacher will help draw students' attentions to non-tradtional uses of instruments or found sounds. Students can document their sounds by writing down the name of the sound source and a description/drawing of the sound using a "Found Sound Log." 
     

  3. As a class, students can share and compare their sounds. They can create a class master list of sounds and categorize the sounds into timbre families (scratchy, thick, thin, etc.).
     

  4. Students will go back and record their favorite 10 sounds using a sampling application. Teacher will encourage students to explore the different ways they can change their sounds using the options of the app (if applicable). If necessary, the teacher will demonstrate how some of the app options work. 
     

  5. Students will share with the class some of the changes they have made to their sounds, explaining how they used the app. 
     

  6. The teacher will share a model example of a sample-based composition in ABA form. The teacher will facilitate a discussion with the students regarding the way that the sounds are arranged vertically (texture) and horizontally (form). 
     

  7. Students will work in their groups to craft a new work using their sounds. They will play with texture and form (needing to have at least two different sections, with one section returning at some point). 
     

  8. Students will share their work in class and export their piece for public sharing and/or preservation for their portfolio. 

 

 

 

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Suggested Apps:

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