100% in course assessment comprising:

Synthesis and Sampling (50%) Create a portfolio of original synth patches and record and compile a basic multisample patch to fulfill a brief provided by the lecturer. (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)

Max for Live tools (50%) – Adapt pre-existing patches and create original patches to form a portfolio of Max for Live patches to fulfill a specific brief to be agreed in advance with the lecturer. The tools will be presented to the lecturer in a 1-2-1 interview in which you should demonstrate the tools, and evaluate how effectively they fulfill the pre-determined brief. (Learning Outcomes 3,4 & 5)

An introduction to basic synthesis techniques using a variety of hardware and software tools.
Exposure to a variety of hardware and software synthesis tools including analogue modular synths.
An introduction to basic multi sample creation utilising DAW based software tools.
Adaptation of pre-existing creative software tools such as Max for Live patches.
Introduction to development of custom creative software tools in environments such as Max for Live.

3-hour lecture / laboratory / tutorial / seminar sessions per week

Media stores / resource centre
Music laboratories

Reaktor
Ableton Live and Max for Live
Doepfer Modular synth

Books, eBooks and audio recordings via the Library
Lynda.com Training library

Online hosting (e.g. Soundcloud) and transfer (e.g. Dropbox) services

Bayle, J. (2013) Max for Live Ultimate Zen Guide.
Collins, Nicolas. (2009) Handmade Electronic Music: The Art of Hardware Hacking. 2 edition. New York: Routledge.
Manzo, V. J., and Will Kuhn. (2015) Interactive Composition: Strategies Using Ableton Live and Max for Live. New York, NY: OUP USA.
Miranda, Eduardo. (2002) Computer Sound Design: Synthesis Techniques and Programming. 2nd ed. Focal Press.
Russ, Martin. (2008) Sound Synthesis and Sampling. 3rd ed. Focal Press.
Shepard, Brian K. (2013) Refining Sound: A Practical Guide to Synthesis and Synthesizers. New York: OUP USA.
Vail, Mark. (2014) The Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording the Ultimate Electronic Music Instrument. New York City: OUP USA.

1. DEMONSTRATE BASIC SYNTHESIS CONCEPTS THROUGH THE CREATION OF SYNTHESISER PATCHES USING A VARIETY OF SYNTHESIS TOOLS
[Knowledge and Understanding; Application]

2. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF SAMPLING PRINCIPLES THROUGH THE CREATION OF A BASIC MULTISAMPLE PATCH IN A SOFTWARE SAMPLER
[Knowledge and Understanding; Application]

3. UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTIONING OF VISUAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS FOR AUDIO
[Knowledge and Understanding]

4. RESEARCH AND ADAPT PRE-EXISTING CREATIVE SOFTWARE TOOLS TO FULFILL A SPECIFIC TASK. [Enquiry; Problem Solving; Application]

5. EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CREATIVE SOFTWARE TOOLS
[Reflection]

Creating interesting and engaging sounds is a big part of modern composing, sound design and production. This module will give you the tools you need to shape amazing sounds and the tools that create them. Your work in this module will focus on the practical skills you need in both synth programming and an introduction to building your own music software tools.