Real-time Computer Systems for Music (U04154)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-R-TCompSy

Functioning as the students' main introduction to the Max/MSP real-time computer music environment, this course will provide a detailed overview of the capabilities and potential of this system as well as insights into effective real-time music programming in general. Apart from learning the skills and gaining the basic knowledge necessary to work effectively with Max/MSP, the students will be encouraged to think creatively and solve the problems inherent in realising a musical project from the very inkling of an idea right through to its implementation and performance. In particular, an approach of problem analysis, division into modules, and eventual solution will be encouraged that results in good programming practice.

In addition, classic and current synthesis and signal processing algorithms will be introduced along with methods to implement and combine them. Always taking a practical approach, the aims of the course will lead to the students' harnessing of the various technologies in a well planned, coordinated, and executed performance environment.

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

? Keywords : Computer Music; Real-Time; Max/MSP; Interactive Music

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Music 2D or Aural Skills 2

? Costs : A good quality pair of headphones would be advantageous.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

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

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
26/09/2008	14:00	15:50			Sound Lab, Graduate School, Alison House

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	14:00	15:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : Weekly lectures and tutorials.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

* Proficiency in programming within the Max/MSP environment

* An overview of some of the synthesis and signal processing procedures that may be applied in real time

* An ability to turn performance goals into well-structured, functioning performance programmes

* A practical insight into interface design and how best to efficiently interact with the computer during performance

* An awareness of the way in which computer music technology works at a basic level and how best to work with it

* 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 fairly specific Max/MSP programming brief determined by the course organiser and involving real-time synthesis and/or signal programming.

Project 2: a project determined by the student's own interests but
relating to the subject matter of the course and agreed with the
course organiser in advance. The project should result in a short
performance using a Max/MSP programme of the student's own design.
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.