Free Printable Worksheets for learning Electronic Music at the College level

Here's some sample Electronic Music info sheets Sign in to generate your own info sheet worksheet.

Electronic Music

Electronic music is a genre that uses electronic musical instruments, digital and analog signal processing, and computers to produce and manipulate sound.

History

Electronic music started to develop in the early 20th century with the invention of electronic instruments like the Theremin.
In the 1950s, researchers and composers like Pierre Schaeffer and Karlheinz Stockhausen started experimenting with tape recorders and sine wave generators to create new sounds.
In the 1960s, the first electronic music studios were established, and electronic music started to gain mainstream popularity.
The 1980s saw the rise of electronic dance music (EDM) and the widespread use of synthesizers.
Today, electronic music continues to be popular and has diversified into multiple sub-genres, such as techno, house, dubstep, and more.

Key Instruments and Equipment

Synthesizers: electronic instruments that generate and manipulate sound.
Drum machines: electronic instruments that generate and program drum sounds.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): software used to record, edit, and arrange electronic music.
MIDI controllers: devices used to control DAWs and other electronic instruments.
DJ equipment: turntables, mixers, and controllers used to DJ and mix electronic music.

Techniques

Sampling: taking a small part of a sound recording and using it to make a new composition.
Sequencing: programming music by arranging musical patterns or notes in a certain order.
Sound design: creating new sounds using synthesis, effects, and processing.
Mixing and mastering: the process of balancing levels, EQ, and effects to make a final recording sound polished and professional.

Styles and Sub-genres

Techno: characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, synthesized melodies, and futuristic sounds.
House: originated in Chicago and has a similar 4/4 beat to techno but with a more soulful and jazzy feel.
Dubstep: characterized by heavy basslines, chopped-up vocals, and syncopated rhythms.
Downtempo: slower, more relaxed electronic music with a focus on melody and atmosphere.
EDM: an umbrella term for various genres of electronic dance music that are meant to be played in clubs and at festivals.

Takeaways

Electronic music is a genre that uses electronic instruments, digital and analog signal processing, and computers to produce and manipulate sound.
Key instruments and equipment used include synthesizers, drum machines, DAWs, MIDI controllers, and DJ equipment.
Techniques used include sampling, sequencing, sound design, and mixing and mastering.
Popular sub-genres include techno, house, dubstep, and EDM.

Here's some sample Electronic Music vocabulary lists Sign in to generate your own vocabulary list worksheet.

Word	Definition
Synthesizer	A keyboard instrument that generates sound by creating waveforms and shaping them with filters and envelopes.
Beat	A unit of rhythm, often the underlying pulse that drives a song or track.
Loop	A repeating section of a song or track that is used as the foundation for the composition.
Sampler	An electronic instrument that records and plays back audio samples.
Sequencer	A device or software used for recording, editing, and playing back musical sequences.
Remix	A new version of a song or track created by altering the original recording or adding new elements.
Drop	The moment in a song or track where the energy and intensity increase dramatically.
Arpeggio	A type of broken chord where the notes are played in rapid succession, often with a repeating pattern.
Synthwave	A subgenre of electronic music that emulates the sound of 1980s film scores and video game music.
EDM	An acronym for Electronic Dance Music, a genre of electronic music that is primarily designed for dancefloors and raves.
Ambient	A genre of electronic music characterized by atmospheric soundscapes and textures.
Trance	A genre of electronic dance music characterized by hypnotic beats and melodic, uplifting synths.
House	A genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the 1980s characterized by a four-on-the-floor beat and soulful vocals.
Dubstep	A genre of electronic dance music characterized by heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and dramatic drops.
Drum machine	An electronic instrument designed for the repetitive production of drum rhythms and patterns.
Frequency	The rate at which a sound wave oscillates, measured in hertz (Hz).
Mono	Short for monophonic, meaning that a sound source produces only one output signal.
Stereo	Referring to a sound source that produces two separate output signals, often used to create a sense of space and depth.
Modulation	The process of varying a synthesizer's parameters over time to create dynamic and evolving sounds.
Oscillator	A component of a synthesizer that generates an electrical signal with a specific waveform.
Drop	The moment in a song or track where the energy and intensity increase dramatically.

Here's some sample Electronic Music study guides Sign in to generate your own study guide worksheet.

Study Guide: Electronic Music

Introduction

Electronic Music is a genre of music that primarily uses electronic instruments, digital technology, and computer software to produce sound. In this study guide, we will explore the history of electronic music, different sub-genres, and the various techniques and tools used to create electronic music.

Brief history of Electronic Music

The earliest form of electronic music can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s with the invention of the tape recorder and the first electronic instrument called the Theremin.
In the 1960s, the first commercial synthesizer was created by Robert Moog, which allowed musicians to create new sounds and textures using electronic instruments.
In the 1970s and 1980s, electronic music became a popular genre with the emergence of disco, funk, and synthesizer-based pop music.
In the 1990s, electronic music exploded in popularity with the emergence of techno, house, and trance music.
Today, electronic music continues to evolve with new sub-genres such as dubstep, trap, and future bass.

Sub-genres of Electronic Music

Techno
House
Trance
Dubstep
Drum and Bass
Ambient
IDM or Intelligent Dance Music
Synthwave
Industrial

Tools and techniques used in Electronic Music

Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro X
Synthesizers
Samplers
Drum Machines
MIDI controllers and keyboards
Effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion
Audio programming languages such as Pure Data or Max/MSP

Elements of Electronic Music

Beats and rhythms
Melodies and harmonies
Sound textures and effects
Sampling and manipulating audio
Arrangement and composition
Live performance and DJing

Conclusion

Electronic Music has had a significant impact on music over the last few decades and continues to evolve with new technology and artistic innovation. By understanding the history, sub-genres, tools, techniques, and elements of electronic music, you can gain a deeper appreciation for this genre and develop your skills as an electronic musician.

Here's some sample Electronic Music practice sheets Sign in to generate your own practice sheet worksheet.

Practice Sheet: Electronic Music

Instructions: Answer the following questions as accurately as possible. Avoid guessing.

What is the difference between analog and digital synthesizers?
What are some popular software synthesizers that you can use to make electronic music?
Describe how you would create a basic drum pattern using a drum machine or software.
What is a filter in an electronic music context?
What is a MIDI controller? Give three examples of MIDI controllers.
What does ADSR stand for in terms of sound synthesis?
Which genre of electronic music would you associate with the Roland TB-303?
Name two types of modulation commonly used in electronic music.
What is a DAW, and which DAWs are commonly used in electronic music production?
Explain the difference between a knob and a fader on a mixing console.
What is the role of the mixer in electronic music production?
What are some techniques that can be used to add depth and dimension to a mix?
How does sidechain compression work, and what is it commonly used for in electronic music production?
Give an example of a common effect used in electronic music, and briefly explain how it works.
Which electronic music artist is known for pioneering the use of sampling in their music?
What is the difference between a synthesizer and a sampler?
Describe how you would create a synth pad sound.
What is quantization in an electronic music context?
What is a VST plugin, and how is it used in electronic music production?
What is a send/return effect in electronic music production?

Practice Sheet for Electronic Music

Sample Problem

What is the difference between an analog synthesizer and a digital synthesizer?

Step 1: Understand what an analog synthesizer is.

An analog synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses analog circuitry to generate sound. It uses voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers to create sounds.

Step 2: Understand what a digital synthesizer is.

A digital synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that uses digital circuitry to generate sound. It uses digital oscillators, filters, and amplifiers to create sounds.

Step 3: Compare the two types of synthesizers.

Analog synthesizers use analog circuitry to generate sound, while digital synthesizers use digital circuitry to generate sound. Analog synthesizers produce a warmer, more organic sound, while digital synthesizers produce a more precise, artificial sound.

Electronic Music Practice Sheet

Basics

What are the main components of a synthesizer?
What are the two main types of synthesis?
What is the difference between additive and subtractive synthesis?
What is the purpose of an oscillator in electronic music production?
What is an LFO used for?
What is the difference between a sequencer and an arpeggiator?
What is the purpose of a filter in electronic music production?

MIDI

What is MIDI?
What are the three main types of MIDI messages?
What is a MIDI controller used for?
What is the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a MIDI controller?
How can you use MIDI to control external devices?
What is the purpose of a MIDI interface?
What is the difference between a MIDI track and an audio track?

Audio Processing

What is equalization?
What is compression?
What is reverb?
What is the difference between a compressor and a limiter?
What is the purpose of an effects processor?
What is the difference between an analog and a digital signal?
What is the purpose of a sidechain compressor?

Here's some sample Electronic Music quizzes Sign in to generate your own quiz worksheet.

Problem	Answer
What is a synthesizer?	An electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals.
What is an oscillator in electronic music?	An electronic circuit that generates a continuous and repeating waveform.
What is the difference between analog and digital synthesizers?	Analog synthesizers use continuous electrical signals while digital synthesizers use discrete numerical values for generating sounds.
What does MIDI stand for?	Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
What is MIDI used for in electronic music?	Transmitting data between musical instruments and computers for recording and playback purposes.
What is a DAW in electronic music?	Digital Audio Workstation, which is software for recording and producing audio files.
What is a sampler in electronic music?	A device that records and plays back audio samples.
What is a filter in electronic music?	An audio effect that adjusts the frequency content of a sound.
What is the difference between a compressor and a limiter?	A compressor reduces the dynamic range of audio signals while a limiter sets an upper limit for the volume level.
What is a sequencer in electronic music?	A device or software used to sequence and arrange musical patterns and sequences.
What is a VST in electronic music?	Virtual Studio Technology, which is software used for creating and processing audio signals.
What is a sound module in electronic music?	A device that generates audio signals and can be connected to a MIDI controller for playing sounds.
What is a vocoder in electronic music?	An audio effect that synthesizes the human voice by analyzing and processing its sound characteristics.
What is a wavetable synthesizer in electronic music?	A type of digital synthesizer that uses pre-recorded waveforms or wavetables to generate sounds.
What is a frequency response in electronic music?	The range of frequencies that a device or system can accurately reproduce or process.
What is sidechaining in electronic music?	A technique in which the level of one audio signal is used to control or modulate another audio signal.
What is a sine wave in electronic music?	A waveform that represents a pure tone with only one frequency and no harmonics.
What is a sawtooth wave in electronic music?	A waveform that represents a tone with a rich harmonic content that resembles the shape of a saw blade.
What is FM synthesis in electronic music?	Frequency Modulation synthesis, which is a method of sound synthesis that involves modulating the frequency of a carrier wave with a modulator wave to create complex sounds.
What is additive synthesis in electronic music?	A method of sound synthesis that involves creating complex sounds by adding together multiple simple waveforms.
What is subtractive synthesis in electronic music?	A method of sound synthesis that involves filtering and shaping harmonically rich waveforms to create new sounds.
What is a resonator in electronic music?	An electronic circuit or device that amplifies or emphasizes specific frequencies in an audio signal.
What is a bitcrusher in electronic music?	An audio effect that reduces the resolution or sampling rate of digital audio signals to create a distorted or lo-fi sound.
What is a delay in electronic music?	An audio effect that produces a repeating echo of a sound.
What is a reverb in electronic music?	An audio effect that simulates the natural ambience of a physical space or environment.
What is a harmony in electronic music?	Two or more notes played simultaneously to create a pleasing or interesting sound.
What is a melody in electronic music?	A sequence of notes played in a particular rhythm to create a musical phrase or motif.
What is a rhythm in electronic music?	A sequence of beats or sounds arranged in a specific pattern or tempo.

Problem	Answer
What is the difference between digital and analog music?	Digital music is created and manipulated using digital signals, while analog music is created and manipulated using analog signals.
What is the difference between a synthesizer and a sampler?	A synthesizer creates sound from scratch using oscillators, filters, and other sound-generating components, while a sampler records and plays back sound from an external source.
What are the main components of a digital audio workstation (DAW)?	The main components of a digital audio workstation are a computer, soundcard, and software.
What is MIDI?	MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol for communication between electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices.
What is the difference between a sequencer and a mixer?	A sequencer is used to arrange and edit musical sequences, while a mixer is used to adjust the levels of multiple audio signals.
What is the difference between a drum machine and a synthesizer?	A drum machine is used to create percussion sounds, while a synthesizer is used to create a wide range of sounds.
What is the difference between a synthesizer and an effects processor?	A synthesizer is used to create and manipulate sound, while an effects processor is used to modify existing sounds.
What is the difference between an audio signal and a MIDI signal?	An audio signal is a continuous waveform that carries sound, while a MIDI signal is a series of instructions that control sound.
What is the difference between a digital audio workstation and a sequencer?	A digital audio workstation is a software program used to record, edit, and mix audio, while a sequencer is used to arrange and edit musical sequences.
What are the main components of a synthesizer?	The main components of a synthesizer are oscillators, filters, envelopes, and modulation sources.

Questions	Answers
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that has a built-in sequencer and can be used to create complex patterns?	Drum Machine
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of oscillators to create a wide range of sounds?	Polyphonic Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a single oscillator to create a range of sounds?	Monophonic Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of filters to create a wide range of sounds?	Filter Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of filters and oscillators to create a wide range of sounds?	Modular Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of samples and synthesized sounds to create a wide range of sounds?	Sampler
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of physical modeling and synthesis to create a wide range of sounds?	Physical Modeling Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of analog and digital components to create a wide range of sounds?	Hybrid Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of digital signal processing and synthesis to create a wide range of sounds?	Digital Signal Processing Synthesizer
What is the name of the type of synthesizer that uses a combination of physical modeling, sampling, and synthesis to create a wide range of sounds?	Virtual Analog Synthesizer