Postgraduate Course: Real-Time Performance Strategies and Design (MUSI11018)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Music |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | 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 successfully 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 integrated solution will be encouraged that results in good programming practice. In addition, some 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. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | Blank CDs, tapes as required |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Delivery period: 2012/13 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
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WebCT enabled: No |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | | | 14:00 - 15:50 |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| Additional information |
2 hour(s) per week for 5 week(s). Weeks 1,3,4,5,6,7, 8 and 9 only |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
* An ability to turn performance goals into well-structured, functioning performance programmes
* A good 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
* A feel for 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, worth 30% and 50% respectively. Collaboration is not permitted on either project. 15% is allotted to attendance and participation in seminars.
Project 1 (30%): a fairly specific Max/MSP programming brief determined by the course organiser and involving real-time synthesis and/or signal programming.
Project 2 (50%): 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 be distinct from and clearly more ambitious and substantial than Project 1: it 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. The report should be written in formal academic language, using clearly defined sections; it should correctly reference articles and musical works relevant to the subject matter and include a full bibliography. A CDROM containing the patches/programmes/sounds used, as well as a recording of the project, should also be submitted in both cases.
Assessment will be based on demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the subject matter presented in the course as evidenced by the fluency and efficiency of Max/MSP programming. The student's ability to solve problems and implement their musical goals in well-functioning software is key to success in this course. In addition, creativity and success in both the musical and technological domain, as well as the degree of progress made, will significantly affect the outcome of assessment.
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Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Michael Edwards
Tel: (0131 6)50 2431
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Karen Bradley
Tel: 0131 221 6085
Email: |
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