Algorithmic Composition and Signal Processing (U04153)

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

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 the field of Music Technology. Experience in real-time audio programming from previous courses is thus compared and contrasted 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 will then
be combined with synthesis/signal processing and/or in the generation of musical scores.

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

? Keywords : Algorithmic Composition; Digital Signal Processing; Computer Music

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

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

? Costs : Pair of good quality 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 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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/01/2009	11:10	13:00			Sound Lab, Graduate School, Alison House

All of the following classes

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

? Additional Class Information : Weekly lectures and tutorials.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

* An understanding and appreciation of the advantages of non real-time computer music 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
* 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.