Non Real-Time Systems (P01183)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : ACE-P-NRTS

Flexibility and the ability to combine various approaches, integrating the
results of one system into another environment is the key to creative and
constantly developing work in this field. Experience in real-time audio
programming in Max/MSP is thus compared and contrasted here with non-real time
systems, in particular concentrating on the benefits of such and where and when
to apply these non real-time techniques.

As well as gaining experience programming in these environments (which may
include all or some of Common Lisp Music, Common Music, Common Music Notation,
Supercollider, CMusic, CSound, CMix etc.) students will be exposed to
general-purpose, text-based programming paradigms and their use in generating
compositional structure. This experience of algorithmic composition may then
be combined with synthesis/signal processing or in the generation of musical
scores. The whole is aimed at enriching the composer's compositional palette,
enabling them to assess different approaches and thus choose appropriate tools
for future projects.

Seminars develop the contextual and aesthetic background to computer music and take the form of discussion of set reading and listening.

Entry Requirements

? Costs : Blank CDs, tapes as required

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Music, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 8 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	11:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Weeks 2,4,6,8,10 only

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

* An understanding and appreciation of the advantages of non real-time
systems and when to use them instead of real-time environments
* An ability to contrast and compare computer music-making environments
* A practical understanding of computer programming paradigms and their
relation to and potential generation of compositional structure
* An enriched compositional palette
* Insight into the history, theory, repertoire, and aesthetics of computer music.

Assessment Information

Two projects will be submitted, each worth 45%. Collaboration is not permitted on either project. 10% is allotted to attendance and participation in classes.

Project 1: A synthesis and/or signal processing assignment will be
completed in a non-real time music programming environment. The
result will be the generation of a short piece of music in the form of a sound file.

Project 2: A short algorithmic composition project of the student's own choosing should be realised using the computer music system presented. The project must be agreed in advance with the course organiser.
Both projects should be accompanied by a short (c. 1000 word) report detailing the project goals; the methods used to realise these goals; any problems or interesting points encountered along the way (with their solutions/incorporation); an appraisal/critique of the project; and suggestions as to how, with hindsight, the project may be been improved and how it could be developed in the future.