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Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study 2010/2011
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Arts, Culture and Environment : Music

Undergraduate Course: Real-time Computer Systems for Music (MUSI10063)

Course Outline
School School of Arts, Culture and Environment College College of Humanities and Social Science
Course type Standard Availability Not available to visiting students
Credit level (Normal year taken) SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) Credits 20
Home subject area Music Other subject area None
Course website http://www.michael-edwards.org/class
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 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.
Entry Requirements
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Listening and Musicianship 2 (MUSI08052) AND Music 2D: Theory and Practice of Music Technology (MUSI08053)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs A good quality pair of headphones would be advantageous.
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Not available to visiting students (SS1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
CentralLecture1-11 14:00 - 15:50
First Class First class information not currently available
Additional information 2 hour(s) per week for 5 week(s). 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.
Special Arrangements
Not entered
Contacts
Course organiser Dr Michael Edwards
Tel: (0131 6)50 2431
Email: Michael.Edwards@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary Miss Lindsay Hunter
Tel: (0131 6)50 2422
Email: Lindsay.Hunter@ed.ac.uk
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copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh - 1 September 2010 6:22 am