THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2013/2014 -
- ARCHIVE as at 1 September 2013 for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : Edinburgh College of Art : Music

Postgraduate Course: Non Real-Time Systems (MUSI11019)

Course Outline
SchoolEdinburgh College of Art CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaMusic Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionFlexibility 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 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 will 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 Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Blank CDs, tapes as required
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2013/14 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1) Learn enabled:  No Quota:  None
Web Timetable Web Timetable
Class Delivery Information Tutorials are normally held in even semester weeks day and time to be arranged in first lecture
Course Start Date 13/01/2014
Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 22, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 164 )
Additional Notes
Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
No Exam Information
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, worth 35% and 50% respectively. Collaboration is not permitted on either project. 15% is allotted to attendance and participation in seminars.

Project 1 (35%): 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 (50%): A short algorithmic composition project of the student's own choosing should be realised using the computer music system presented. The project should be distinct from and clearly more ambitious and substantial than Project 1. The result may be an installation, score, sound file, CD, or interactive computer environment. 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. The report should be written in formal academic language, using clearly defined sections; it should correctly reference articles and musical works 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 the student's proficiency, as displayed in their submissions, in what is assumed will be various new working environments. The ability to quickly assimilate new and challenging techniques may not result in comprehensive new works at this stage but nevertheless substantial competence and a grasp of the potential of these techniques is expected to be displayed. The musical success of the projects, as well as the degree of individual progress made, will be taken into consideration for assessment.
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
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Michael Edwards
Tel: (0131 6)50 2431
Email: Michael.Edwards@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Lyndsay Hopes
Tel: (0131 6)51 5735
Email: Lyndsay.Hopes@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2013 The University of Edinburgh - 10 October 2013 4:57 am